If you have tooth decay like nearly 90% of adults and need a dental crown, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to choose a same-day crown or a traditional one. The right choice depends on your schedule, budget, and dental needs. Same-day crowns offer convenience with a single appointment, while traditional crowns typically require two visits but may provide more options for complex cases.
At Smiles for Life Family Dentistry, we understand how important it is to restore your smile efficiently without compromising quality. Our experienced team offers both same-day and traditional crown options to accommodate your unique situation and preferences. We communicate with you from the beginning, so you can make the best decision for your smile.
Differences Between the Same-Day and Traditional Crown Processes
Restorative dentistry solutions, such as dental crowns, restore damaged teeth by covering them entirely, protecting the tooth structure underneath. Traditional crowns involve taking impressions during your first visit, then sending these molds to a dental lab where technicians craft your permanent crown. You’ll wear a temporary crown for about two weeks while waiting for the lab to complete your restoration. During a second appointment, we remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent one in place.
Same-day crowns eliminate the waiting period entirely. Using advanced digital technology, your dentist scans your tooth with a special camera, designs the crown on a computer, and mills it from a ceramic block right in the office. The entire process takes place in one visit, usually two to three hours from start to finish. This modern approach has transformed how many patients experience dental crown treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Same-Day Crowns?
The most obvious advantage of same-day crowns is time savings. You walk out with a permanent crown the same day, avoiding a second appointment and eliminating the need for a temporary crown. This convenience proves especially valuable for busy professionals or anyone who struggles to take time off work.
Same-day crowns also mean you won’t experience the discomfort some patients feel with temporary crowns, which can feel loose or cause sensitivity. Because the process completes in one visit, you only need one round of anesthesia rather than two separate numbing sessions. The precision of digital scans often results in better-fitting crowns compared to traditional impressions, which can be distorted if the material moves before setting.
When Traditional Crowns Make More Sense
Traditional crowns offer certain advantages in specific situations. Complex cases involving significant damage or unusual tooth positions may benefit from the skilled craftsmanship of a dental lab technician who can make fine adjustments by hand. Lab-made crowns also offer more material options, including gold or porcelain-fused-to-metal, which may be preferable for back teeth that require extra strength.
Some dental insurance plans cover traditional crowns more comprehensively than same-day options. The cost difference between the two types varies by practice and location, so we can check with your insurance provider to help you make an informed financial decision. Additionally, if you need multiple crowns or a combination of dental bridges and crowns, traditional methods may coordinate better for matching color and fit across multiple restorations.
Traditional crowns can also strengthen teeth with significant decay when insufficient healthy tooth structure remains to support a filling, and they serve multiple purposes, including attaching bridges or protecting weakened teeth.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Same-Day and Traditional Crowns
Every patient who needs a crown is different, so when choosing between same-day and traditional crowns, we help you consider the following factors to help you make the best choice for your lifestyle and oral health:
- Your schedule and time availability: Same-day crowns require one longer appointment, while traditional crowns need two shorter visits spaced weeks apart.
- The location of the damaged tooth: Front teeth prioritize aesthetics and may benefit from lab customization, while back teeth focus on durability and function.
- Your budget and insurance coverage: Traditional crowns may have different out-of-pocket costs, depending on your specific plan benefits.
- The extent of tooth damage: Severely damaged teeth might require more complex restoration work better suited to traditional methods.
- Your comfort with temporary crowns: If you’ve had negative experiences with temporary restorations in the past, same-day options eliminate this concern.
Each person’s situation differs, so what works perfectly for one patient may not be ideal for another. We can evaluate your specific tooth condition and discuss which approach offers the best long-term outcome.
Partner With Smiles for Life for Your Crown Treatment
Whether you need immediate restoration or prefer the traditional approach, our experienced team provides both options with the same high standard of care. We use state-of-the-art technology for same-day procedures and work with trusted dental labs for traditional crowns, ensuring excellent results regardless of your choice.
As a full-service dental practice in Las Vegas, we pride ourselves on our extraordinary level of care and consideration. We accept all PPO dental plans and file insurance claims on your behalf to maximize your benefits. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover which crown option best fits your needs.
