Same Day Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns: What are the Differences?

When you break a tooth or need to protect one that’s weak, a dental crown is often the best answer. But now, you have a choice: you can get a crown made the same day you walk into the office (CEREC), or you can go the old-fashioned route with a traditional crown. Knowing the difference between same day crowns vs. traditional crowns will save you time, money, and a lot of confusion.

Let’s talk it through, nice and easy, so you don’t have to spend your night Googling.

Difference between Same Day Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns

Both CEREC Phoenix and traditional ones fix and protect your teeth. But how they are made and how they feel can be pretty different. Here are the differences between same day crowns vs. traditional crowns:

Material Used

CEREC is usually made from a solid piece of ceramic, like a strong porcelain. It’s tough, but it’s also pretty. Traditional crowns give you more choices. You can get metal, porcelain fused to metal, all-resin, or all-ceramic. Metal crowns are really strong, but they don’t blend in with your natural teeth like ceramic does.

Technology

Same-day crowns use some serious tech, such as a 3D camera that scans your tooth, and special software designs the crown. Then a machine in the office carves it right there. But for traditional crowns, your dentist uses trays full of goopy material to make a mold of your teeth, and a separate dental lab does the rest.

Time Required

Time is the biggest difference between same day crowns vs. traditional crowns. If you’re busy, CEREC crowns are a dream. You walk in, get scanned, and leave with a new crown. It all happens in about two hours. Traditional crowns take longer. First visit: your dentist cleans and shapes your tooth, takes molds, and sticks on a temporary crown. Then, you wait about two to three weeks for the final crown to come from a lab. Second visit: you finally get the real thing.

Fit and Precision

Same-day crowns usually fit better because the digital scan is super detailed. Traditional crowns rely on the skills of the person making the mold and the lab technician who builds it. Most of the time they fit great too, but sometimes they need a little extra adjusting.

Durability

Same day crowns Ahwatukee are very strong, especially for front teeth. But if you grind your teeth like a stressed-out rhino, a metal-based traditional crown might be better. Metal can take a beating and still look fine (if you don’t mind the color).

Aesthetics

If you want your crown to disappear into your smile, both options can do that. CEREC is beautiful because the ceramic matches your other teeth really well. Traditional crowns can look just as good, especially the all-ceramic ones. Metal crowns, though, are easier to spot if they’re near the front.

Cost

Same-day crowns sometimes cost a little more because of all the equipment used to make them right in the office. Traditional crowns can be cheaper, especially if you go for a basic metal one. But keep in mind that if you have to take extra time off work for more appointments, that’s a cost, too.

Comfort

With same-day crowns, you get to skip wearing a temporary crown. That’s a huge difference between same day crowns vs. traditional crowns because temporaries can fall off at the worst times. Traditional crowns almost always need a temporary crown while you wait for the real one.

Strength for Back Teeth

If you ask the best dentists Ahwatukee, AZ, for a crown on a front tooth that looks perfect, they’ll say that either crown works. But if it’s a back tooth that chews through steaks and nuts, a traditional crown, especially a metal one, might last longer.

Same Day Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns: Pros and Cons

Same Day Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns: Which Option is Best?

Similarities Between Same-Day Crowns And Traditional Crowns

• Both protect and save your tooth.
• Both make your smile look good again.
• Both can last for many years.
• Both need you to brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly.
• Both can be matched to your natural tooth color (if you pick ceramic).

Best and Affordable Same Day (CEREC) Crowns in Phoenix, Arizona

If you want a quick, beautiful fix for your teeth, Atrium Dental’s team is ready to help you smile with confidence again. Dr. Foroughi (the best dentist Phoenix, AZ) uses the best technology, the finest materials, and the gentlest hands to offer dental services to our Phoenix community.

If you’re ready, give us a call or schedule your appointment online and get started.

The Bottom Line

Choosing between same day crowns vs. traditional crowns depends on what matters most to you. It could be speed, strength, look, or cost. Both kinds of crowns can help save your teeth and boost your smile. Ask your dentist to walk you through it all with zero pressure and help you pick the right one for your life.

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