Traditional Crown Versus Same Day Crown

Traditional Crown Versus Same Day Crown

If you require a crown, you can choose between a traditional porcelain restoration and a same day crown. Each has its own share of advantages, which are important to consider before making a decision.

Traditional Porcelain Crowns

Traditional porcelain crowns require two appointments to fit. At your first visit, your dentist will take an impression of your tooth using a putty material. The dentist will send the impression to a dental lab, where your crown will be created in the right shape and size. Your dentist will also specify the shade of porcelain to match your tooth. You will also receive a temporary restoration at this appointment. Two or three weeks later, you will return for your permanent crown.

The main advantage of traditional crowns is that your dentist has more control over the design. If you are concerned about aesthetics, such as if the crown is for a tooth near the front of your mouth, you may prefer this option.

Same Day Crowns

As the name implies, these dental crowns are fitted in one day. Your dentist will take a picture of your teeth using a 3D camera, uploading the image to a CEREC machine in the clinic. The machine will make a crown from porcelain in the same colour as your teeth, ready for immediate fitting.

This option is better if you want to receive a permanent crown sooner. Although you receive a temporary restoration with a traditional porcelain crown, you do need to take extra care. These temporary crowns lack the strength of permanent ones, meaning you will need to stick to a diet of soft foods for a couple weeks.

If you are unsure as to what would be better for you, discuss the options with your dentist.