5 Ways a Same-day Crown Is Different From a Lab-created Crown

If you have a broken, discolored, decayed, or weak tooth, your dentist may recommend getting a dental crown. Dental treatment can help restore your smile through the placement of a dental crown. Dental prosthetics have improved over time, and you can get crowns identical to the natural tooth. You can choose the restoration procedure that suits your needs. 

• Same-day Installation

The most significant difference between same-day crowns and lab-created crowns is the time. Same-day dental crowns are installed in one appointment. Designing, creating, and installing are completed in one day. 

Traditional crowns or lab-made dental restorations are installed in two appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist will prepare the crown. The second appointment is usually a few weeks later when the dentist installs the permanent crown.

• Improved Appearance 

Another difference between the crowns is the material. Same-day crowns are made from solid ceramic or porcelain, while most lab-created crowns comprise different metals. In some cases, traditional crowns can cause tooth discoloration and are unsuitable for patients with metal sensitivity or allergies. 

Same-day crowns are made from biocompatible materials that blend seamlessly with the tooth's surface. They match the tooth and result in a natural smile. 

• Accurate, Comfortable Fit

Same-day crowns are designed using advanced dental technology, ensuring accuracy and precision. Unlike lab-created crowns that involve impression paste and molds, same-day crowns use CAD/CAM technology. 

Recreating a 3D image of the teeth within minutes allows the dentist to create crowns that fit accurately. Digital designing helps avoid the risk of human error during creation, resulting in comfortable and precise restorations.

• Strength and Durability 

Same-day crowns are made from solid dental material that is strong and durable. With proper care, they can last decades. Wearing a night guard can help protect the restorations from grinding or clenching. 

Lab-created crowns made from metal alloys or gold are also durable, but they often have an unnatural appearance. Crowns made from porcelain-fused metal tend to chip or break, damaging the adjacent teeth. 

• Cost of the Restorations

The cost of same-day crowns and lab-created crowns is comparable; in many cases, getting same-day crowns can be cheaper. Same-day crowns are installed in one appointment, reducing the overall cost of treatment, and patients take less time off work. 

Lab-created crowns can sometimes fail to fit correctly, necessitating a repeat of the process. It means waiting several more weeks to get the crowns. It can be costly in terms of time and money. 

When you decide to get a crown, your dentist will talk to you about the options available. A custom-made same-day crown can help restore your smile and dental health. With the latest dental technology, you can get the treatment in one dental visit. You will not have to wear a temporary crown while waiting for the permanent one. 

For more on same-day crowns and lab-created crowns, visit The Center of Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at our Destin, Panama City Beach, or Navarre, Florida offices. Call 850-810-0300, 850-810-0600, or 850-409-6400 to schedule an appointment today.