Same Day Crowns: Process, Pros & Cons and Comparison

Chipped, fractured, or decayed teeth can affect your smile and confidence, but it’s no longer a big deal, thanks to same-day crowns. Essentially, these porcelain crowns are identical to traditional crowns, except they can be designed and placed within just a few hours. In contrast, conventional porcelain crowns typically take about two weeks to be fabricated at a dental laboratory. Below are the guidelines from Platinum Dental Group to help you better understand this procedure.

What are same day crowns?

Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, use advanced CAD/CAM technology to repair and restore teeth in just one appointment. They look, feel and function just like traditional crowns, but the biggest difference is the time it takes.

With a traditional crown, your dentist has to send impressions to an outside dental lab, which usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. That also means you’ll need to come back for a second visit to have the permanent crown placed. With same-day crowns, everything is done right in the office within a few hours, so you can leave with your permanent restoration the very same day.

How the same-day crown procedure works

Same-day crowns are crafted with advanced CAD/CAM technology that allows your dentist to restore your tooth in just a single visit. Here’s how the process works:

Preparing the tooth

To begin, the dentist gently prepares your tooth so the crown will fit securely. Any decay or damaged areas are removed, and the tooth is shaped. Unlike traditional crowns, which often require a significant amount of natural tooth structure to be filed down, same-day crowns are more conservative, which preserve much more of your healthy tooth.

Digital impressions

Once the tooth is prepared, a digital impression is taken using a small intraoral camera. This advanced tool captures precise, three-dimensional images of your tooth quickly and comfortably, no messy impression materials required.

Designing and milling the crown

The digital images are then sent to the CEREC system, where your crown is carefully designed to match your bite and natural tooth color. The milling machine sculpts the crown from durable porcelain in about 15 minutes that produce a restoration that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth.

Adjustments and bonding

Your dentist will place the crown and make any fine adjustments needed for fit or shading. Once you’re happy with the look and feel, the crown is permanently bonded to your tooth. The result is a strong, natural-looking restoration, which is completed in just one visit.

At Platinum Dental Group, we take pride in combining advanced same-day crown technology with personalized care. Our skilled doctors ensure every crown is designed for long-lasting strength, comfort and a seamless smile. 

Pros & cons of same-day crowns

Same-day crowns are an exciting advancement in modern dentistry. But like any treatment, they’re not the perfect choice for every situation. Here’s the points on both sides that you should know.

Benefits of same-day crowns

Patients appreciate same-day crowns not only for their speed but also for the way they enhance comfort, preserve natural teeth, and simplify the overall experience. 

• A natural, lifelike look: Thanks to CAD/CAM digital imaging, every curve and detail of your tooth can be replicated with impressive accuracy. The porcelain material is carefully shaded to match surrounding teeth, thereby creating a crown that blends seamlessly with your smile and feels like it has always been there.
• Restored in just one visit: Instead of stretching treatment over multiple appointments, the entire process, from tooth preparation to crown placement, happens in just a few hours. Patients can leave with a permanent crown the very same day.
• Comfort and efficiency: Digital impressions replace old-fashioned molds so it makes the experience much more comfortable and accurate. Because the crown is created on-site, there is no need for temporary crowns, no waiting period and fewer adjustments later.
• Preservation of natural tooth structure: The technology allows the doctor to work conservatively and removes only what is necessary. This means more of the natural tooth can remain intact.
• Cost-effectiveness over time: Although the fee is similar to that of traditional crowns, same-day crowns often prove more economical in the long run. Patients avoid the added expense of temporary crowns and extra visits, while the precision fit supports durability and longevity.

Limitations of same-day crowns

While same-day crowns are fantastic, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

• Ceramic-only material: These crowns are crafted exclusively from high-quality ceramic, which provides excellent strength and esthetics. For certain cases that demand alternative materials, your dentist may suggest a different type of crown.
• Case-specific suitability: Not every dental situation is ideal for this technology. Conditions such as fractures that extend below the gum line or complex bite issues may require a different restorative approach. So, a thorough evaluation helps determine whether same-day crowns are the right solution for you.

Compare same day crowns vs traditional crowns

When your doctor recommends a crown, understanding how same-day and traditional crowns differ can help you feel confident in your decision. The main differences usually involve time, materials and the treatment process.

Timeframe of treatment

Traditional crowns typically require two separate appointments, spaced about two weeks apart. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared and a temporary crown is placed. Because temporary crowns are not permanent, they can sometimes loosen or fall off before the final crown is ready. With same-day technology, everything happens in a single appointment, usually within two hours, so you leave the office with your permanent crown already in place.

Materials and durability

Same-day crowns are milled from high-quality ceramic, which offers excellent esthetics and a natural appearance. Traditional crowns, on the other hand, can be fabricated from a wider range of materials, including porcelain fused to metal or full metal options, which may offer added durability for certain situations. For many patients, ceramic crowns are more than strong enough, but your dentist will recommend the material that best suits your bite and long-term needs.

Impressions and temporary Crowns

Traditional crowns require a physical impression, which can sometimes feel messy and uncomfortable. Patients also need to wear a temporary crown while waiting for the permanent one, and these temporary restorations are not as secure. Same-day crowns simplify the process  – digital impressions replace messy molds and because the permanent crown is made immediately, there’s no need for a temporary crown at all.

Which crown is right for you?

When it comes to restoring your teeth with crowns, both traditional and same-day options have important roles in modern dentistry. The right choice depends on factors such as your oral health, treatment goals and lifestyle.

Traditional crowns are often recommended when long-term durability is the highest priority. They can be fabricated from a variety of materials, including porcelain-fused-to-metal or full metal crowns, which may be more resistant to wear for certain bite conditions. However, the process usually involves multiple visits, physical impressions, and the use of temporary crowns while waiting for the permanent restoration.

Same-day crowns, on the other hand, are designed for patients who value speed, convenience, and comfort without compromising esthetics. Using advanced CAD/CAM technology, the permanent crown is designed, milled, and placed in just one visit, typically within a couple of hours. This makes them especially attractive to busy professionals, frequent travelers, or international patients who need reliable dental care within a limited timeframe.

When you select Platinum Dental Group for your dental care, you receive a world-class experience built on our core values:

• International standards: Our highly skilled doctors and cutting-edge technology meet global standards of quality and precision, delivering care that exceeds the expectations of both local and international patients.
• Personalized Experience: We believe every patient deserves comfort and attention to detail. From the moment you arrive, our team tailors every step of treatment to your unique needs.
• Compassion and Support: We take time to listen, understand and provide reassurance, so you will feel confident and cared for throughout your treatment.
• Safety and Cleanliness: Strict sterilization and hygiene protocols are followed at every stage, ensuring a safe and spotless treatment environment.

Our doctors each bring over 10 years of specialized experience in veneers, crown restorations, dental implants, bite reconstruction, … We will carefully evaluate your condition, discuss your preferences, and guide you toward the crown that best meets your long-term oral health goals.

Contact Platinum Dental Group today for a free consultation to find the crown option that’s right for you and book your appointment to restore a damaged tooth in just a couple of hours!
Platinum Dental Group

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