Beautiful Permanent Crowns Without the Wait

Dental crowns are a popular restorative treatment option for strengthening weakened, vulnerable teeth. They’re often placed after extensive decay removal or a root canal, but crowns can also be used for cosmetic dental care.

Traditionally, getting a dental crown took a few weeks because you’d need to wait for a dental lab to create your permanent crown. Today, dental offices like Tomasik Family Dental offer an alternative—same day crowns that are designed, milled, and placed in a single appointment.

What are same day dental crowns, and why do people need them?

The only difference between same day crowns and lab-created crowns is how they’re made. In terms of function and appearance, both options are very similar. While a lab-created crown requires a dental lab and artistic techs to design and mill it, a same day crown is made using CEREC technology.

CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic, a system that uses computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) to create crowns. CEREC dental crowns are made of a special ceramic material that’s very durable but also able to be easily colored and shaped to perfectly mimic a natural tooth.

CEREC systems are booming in popularity because they allow dentists to treat patients in a single visit rather than waiting weeks for a lab-created crown. From a dentist’s perspective, the option for a crown made the same day encourages patients to follow through with recommended care, and it entirely eliminates the disadvantages of temporary crowns.

From a patient’s perspective, being able to get a same day crown has wonderful benefits, which we’ll discuss now.

Why would I want a same day crown vs. a lab-created crown?

There are several reasons why patients and dentists love same day crowns, but they can be summed up into these 5 main advantages.

1. Your tooth’s function and beauty are restored immediately.

When you have a damaged, decayed tooth, all you want is for it to be restored back to health as soon as possible. With a same day crown, you’ll leave your appointment with a permanent crown that looks, feels, and functions like a healthy, natural tooth.

2. Uncomfortable temporary crowns become unnecessary.

Temporary crowns are worn while you wait for a lab-created crown. They can be uncomfortable to wear as they don’t have the stability or the perfect fit of a permanent crown. Worse yet, if your temporary crown comes loose or cracks, you’ll need to return to your dentist for another one. A same day crown eliminates all of these issues since you’ll never need a temporary one.

3. Fewer appointments means fewer scheduling hassles.

Finding time to book appointments isn’t always easy. If you have a packed schedule, getting a crown in the same day will be a relief since you’ll only need to come for one appointment and perhaps a follow-up later to ensure your crown fits perfectly.

4. Achieving a perfect, comfortable fit is easier.

Fitting a same day crown tends to be a little bit easier than a lab-created one. Since you’re right there in front of your dentist, they’ll be able to take digital impressions and mill a crown that requires minimal filing and polishing to fit your tooth. If your  crown feels uncomfortable after a few days, your dentist will be able to adjust the crown in-office rather than having to send it back to the lab.

5. Same day crowns balance affordability and durability.

A same day crown is often less expensive than lab-created crowns, and they’re slightly less durable than, say, porcelain or zirconia. This compromise, coupled with their other benefits, can make a same day crown a great choice for a wide range of people. A CEREC same day crown can last 10 to 15 years with proper care and sometimes even longer.

Why do dentists still offer lab-created crowns?

We primarily use CEREC same day crowns for our patients, but there’s always the option for traditional lab-created crowns. Lab-created crowns can be made of materials like porcelain, zirconia, and metal alloys, which can’t be milled in an office. There are also lab-created ceramic crowns similar to CEREC crowns, which dentists who don’t have CEREC technology in their practice use.

Zirconia and porcelain crowns are stronger than ceramic crowns. They’re often a bit more realistic in appearance too. For these reasons, a lab-created crown may be a better choice than a same day crown if you need a very strong restoration (i.e., if you have bruxism) or if the restoration covers a front tooth.

Your dentist will help you decide which type of dental crown is right for your smile.

Book your consultation at Tomasik Family Dental.

Tomasik Family Dental is your destination for same day crowns in Bee Cave, TX. Our team provides comprehensive dental care services, including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. We’re also a family-friendly practice, and welcome patients of all ages.

Schedule your appointment today by calling our office or requesting a visit online.