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If you need to repair a damaged tooth, then a dental crown might be exactly what you need. This restoration is like a cap that fixes the function and appearance, so you can feel confident about your bite once again. However, should you get a same-day or traditional, lab-made one? Here are four ways they are different to help you choose for your oral health.
Time Taken
A big difference between these two types of crowns is the time taken. As you may imagine, same-day ones are done on a single visit. Your dentist will take digital impressions and make a model of your restoration. It’s then sent to a milling machine and sculpted in-house. Traditional ones are completed via a dental lab, where a skilled artisan takes that information to make your perfect results.
Material Used
Same-day crowns can only be made from ceramic materials. They are durable and sturdy, so you can feel confident knowing your results can last for up to 15 years with proper care. If you want another material, like gold, zirconia, or EMAX, then you may want to go with the traditional route. Your final one will still be able to last for over a decade as long as you treat it right!
Appearance
Building off the point above, the ceramic used for same-day restorations is lifelike. They are color-matched to your smile and mimic the look of enamel, so they often blend in seamlessly as well. The appearance of traditional ones depends on the material you choose. Gold may look more obvious, but zirconia and EMAX can look natural, so you don’t have to worry about them being noticeable.
Cost
The cost between these two types of crowns can be relatively comparable as well. You may have to pay a slight premium for the advanced dental technology used in same-day versions, but you won’t have to have another visit or take additional time off work. With the traditional option, you may have added lab fees. That said, you may be able to use your dental insurance to reduce the final price tag on either.
By talking with your dentist, you can learn more about these treatments and find out which one would be right for you. Both have their own pros and cons, so they are here to help you weigh them and get you the restored bite you deserve.
About the Author
Dr. Win Bell earned his dental degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He has since taken advanced CEREC training, allowing him to offer same-day crowns to the Cary community. Dr. Bell is here to help you make a decision for your oral health you won’t regret. By understanding your concerns, he can explain both to you to let you come to a confident decision. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call his office at (919) 467-7360.