Same Day Tooth Crown vs Traditional Crowns: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been advised that you need a crown for your tooth, you may be surprised to learn there’s more than one option available. Thanks to advances in dental technology, patients now have the option of choosing same-day crowns as well as more traditional, lab-made crowns.

Understanding the differences between these options is important when it comes to deciding which route to go down. In this blog, we will explore how same-day (CEREC) crowns compare to traditional crowns, and answer some of the most common questions patients ask when considering treatment.

What are crowns for your tooth?

A crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged, decayed or weakened tooth. Its purpose is to restore the tooth’s strength, function and appearance, while protecting it from further damage.

Crowns are commonly used after root canal treatment to repair cracked or worn teeth, or to improve the look of discoloured or misshapen teeth. Often, they’re needed when a filling is no longer strong enough to protect the tooth from functional demands.

While the result is the same, the process of creating and fitting the crown can differ significantly depending on whether you choose a same-day or traditional option.

What are same-day (CEREC) crowns?

Same-day crowns, often referred to as CERECcrowns, use advanced digital technology to design, create and fit your crown in a single appointment.

Instead of taking traditional moulds, your dentist uses a digital scanner to create a 3D image of your tooth. This is used to design your crown on-screen, before it is precisely milled from a block of ceramic in the practice. The crown is then fitted on the same day.

What are the benefits of same-day crowns?

One of the biggest advantages of same-day crowns is convenience. Treatment can be completed in just one visit, removing the need for multiple appointments or temporary crowns.

The digital process allows for a highly precise fit, while the ceramic material used provides a natural, tooth-coloured finish.

For busy patients or those keen to minimise time in the dental chair, this streamlined approach can be particularly appealing.

What are the limitations of same-day crowns?

While highly effective in many cases, CEREC crowns may not be suitable for every situation. They are typically made from ceramic, which may not always be the best option for teeth under significant pressure, such as molars, in patients who grind their teeth.

In more complex cases, where additional strength or material choice is needed or highly aesthetic crowns are required, a traditional crown may be recommended instead.

What are traditional tooth crowns?

Traditional crowns are created over two or more appointments and involve a dental laboratory.

During your first visit, the tooth is prepared, and an impression, or scan is taken. This is sent to a lab where skilled technicians create a custom crown. A temporary crown is put in place in the meantime, and once the final crown is ready, you return to have it fitted.

What are the benefits of traditional crowns?

Traditional crowns offer greater flexibility in terms of materials. Options can include porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal, allowing dentists to select the most appropriate solution for strength and longevity.

They are often the preferred choice for more complex restorations, highly aesthetic situations or for back teeth that experience higher biting forces.

What are the limitations of traditional crowns?

The main drawback of opting for a traditional crown is time. Treatment requires multiple appointments, and patients must wear a temporary crown between visits. For some, this can be less convenient compared to the one-visit solution offered by same-day crowns.

CEREC crowns vs traditional crowns – which are better?

Rather than one being “better” than the other, both have their strengths and their weaknesses.

CEREC crowns excel in speed, efficiency and patient convenience. They are ideal for those who want a quick, high-quality solution without multiple visits to the dentist.

Traditional crowns, on the other hand, offer versatility and can be tailored using a wider range of materials, making them better suited to certain clinical situations.

The right choice depends on factors such as the position of the tooth, the extent of the damage and personal preferences. Your dentist will advise you as to which is the most effective solution for your individual circumstances.

Comparing convenience, durability & cost

When weighing up same-day crowns vs traditional crowns, most patients consider three key factors.

In terms of convenience, same-day crowns are hard to beat. Being able to complete treatment in a single visit is a major advantage, particularly for those with busy schedules.

Durability is more nuanced. Both options are long-lasting, but traditional crowns may offer additional strength in certain cases due to the wider range of materials they are made from.

Cost can vary depending on the treatment required and whether it is provided privately or through the NHS. While same-day crowns may sometimes involve a higher upfront cost in private dentistry, they can reduce the need for multiple visits.

Which option is right for you?

Choosing between same-day crowns and traditional crowns ultimately comes down to your individual dental needs and with discussion with your dentist. Both options provide effective, long-lasting solutions designed to restore your tooth and protect your oral health.

At Clyde Munro, your dentist will assess your specific situation and guide you towards the most suitable treatment, ensuring the best possible outcome for both function and appearance.

Conclusion

We hope this blog has helped to de-mystify questions around same-day crowns vs traditional crowns, providing you with plenty of information and insight.

If you’d like to speak to us about which type of crown would be best for you, our dentists would be delighted to carry out a face-to-face consultation. You can find your local Clyde Munro practice on our website, where you can book a consultation