Same-Day Crowns vs Traditional Crowns: Which One is Right for You?

Dental hygienist performing professional teeth cleaning for oral health in Mesa, AZ

When you need a dental crown, the options may overwhelm you. But Restoration Dental can help if you’re in Mesa, Tempe, or Gilbert, AZ. Should you choose a same-day crown or stick with the traditional approach? Both types of dental crowns can restore your smile and protect your teeth. However, they work in different ways.

Understanding the differences between these dental crowns can help you make the best choice for your situation. Our dental experts offer both options to meet the needs of all our patients and can guide you through the decision-making process.

Let’s explore what makes each type of dental crown special and why one may be better suited for your lifestyle and dental health needs.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is like a protective cap for your tooth. It covers the entire visible part of your tooth above the gum line. Crowns can be made from different materials. Common options include porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination. We’ll help you choose the best material based on where we’ll place the crown in your mouth. You may need a dental crown if you have:

Understanding Traditional Crowns

Traditional crowns have been used for many years because they provide excellent durability and appearance. The traditional dental crown procedure usually requires two visits to complete.

During your first visit, your dentist will:

  • Numb the area around your tooth
  • Shape your tooth to make room for the crown
  • Take impressions of your teeth
  • Place a temporary crown to protect your tooth

We’ll send the impressions to a dental lab where skilled technicians create your custom crown. This process may take up to three weeks. When you return for a second visit, we’ll:

  • Remove the temporary crown
  • Check the fit and color of your new crown
  • Cement the permanent crown in place

We Specialize in Same-Day Crowns

Our same-day crowns use advanced computer technology called CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. We can complete your dental crown procedure in two to three hours with this system. Here’s how the same-day process works:

  • Your dentist prepares your tooth just like with traditional crowns
  • A special camera takes digital pictures of your tooth
  • Computer software designs your crown based on these images
  • An in-office milling machine creates your crown from a ceramic block
  • Your dentist places and adjusts the crown to fit perfectly
  • You walk out of our Mesa, AZ, clinic with a permanent, natural-looking smile

Key Differences Between Traditional and Same-Day Crowns

Understanding the key differences between traditional and same-day crowns will help you choose the right option. They include:

Time and Convenience

  • Traditional crowns require two visits over two to three weeks
  • Same-day crowns are completed in one visit
  • No temporary crown is needed with the same-day options
  • Same-day options require less time off from work or school

Materials

  • Traditional crowns offer more material choices
  • Same-day crowns are typically made from ceramic or porcelain

Cost

  • Same-day crowns may save you money based on fewer visits
  • Check with your insurance provider to learn how coverage differs for each type

Appearance

  • Traditional crowns offer slightly more customization
  • Same-day crowns provide excellent aesthetic results with consistency

Durability

  • Success depends more on oral hygiene than crown type
  • Regular dental checkups can extend crown life beyond the expected 10 to 15 years

Determining Which Type of Crown is Right for You

When helping you decide which type of crown is right for you, your dentist will highlight the pros and cons based on the location of your tooth, your bite and jaw alignment, and your overall oral health. However, general rules of thumb are:

Choose Same-Day Crowns If You:

  • Have a busy schedule and prefer fewer appointments
  • Want to avoid temporary crowns
  • Need a crown for a front tooth that’s highly visible
  • Prefer getting everything done at once.

Choose Traditional Crowns If You:

  • Want the widest range of material options
  • Need a crown for a back tooth that requires maximum strength
  • Have complex dental work that needs precise lab craftsmanship
  • Are not in a rush to complete treatment

Why You Should Choose Restoration Dental for Your Dental Crown Procedure

We specialize in both traditional and same-day dental crown procedures. Our team will explain your options and our approach to ensure you feel confident about your dental crown procedure choice. We deliver exceptional results through:

  • State-of-the-art CEREC technology for same-day crowns
  • Partnerships with top dental labs for traditional crowns
  • Personalized treatment plans based on your needs and desires
  • A comfortable, convenient clinic in Mesa, AZ
  • Flexible scheduling to fit your lifestyle

Contact Our Team in Mesa, AZ, Today

Both same-day and traditional crowns deliver excellent results when done properly. The right choice for you will simply depend on your needs and preferences. Let us help you decide. Restoration Dental is Arizona’s premier dental crown specialist, and we’re eager to share our expertise with you. Don’t let a damaged tooth affect your confidence or oral health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and work toward getting the beautiful, functional smile you deserve.