Dental crowns are a great way to improve the strength and appearance of your smile. But, when it comes time to schedule a dental crown appointment, you may find yourself torn between two options. Are traditional crowns the best choice for your smile, or are same-day crowns a better fit for your smile?
At Avenues Dentistry, our team understands how difficult it can be to choose between these two dental crown options. Without the proper education, you might not understand how each may benefit or harm your smile. If you are about to schedule a dental appointment and you want to learn more about the difference between traditional and same-day crowns, keep reading.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps used by dentists to restore teeth that have become weak, decayed, or broken. These caps fit snuggly over your tooth, and in some cases, a small amount of enamel is removed before bonding it into place. Dental crowns are made of a variety of materials, such as resin, metal, or porcelain. There are several reasons why your dentist may choose to use dental crowns to restore your smile, including:
- Strengthen a weakened tooth
- Support a cracked tooth
- Hold a bridge in place
- Cover stained teeth
- Cover root canal-treated teeth
When you schedule a dental crown appointment, your dentist may discuss traditional and same-day crowns. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential that you understand the difference between each before choosing one for your smile.
What are the Benefits of Traditional Crowns?
Durability
Traditional dental crowns, especially those made of materials like porcelain-fused-to-metal or gold, are highly durable and can last for many years with proper care.
Strength
They provide significant strength and support to a weakened or damaged tooth, restoring its functionality and preventing further damage.
Aesthetic Appeal
While not as aesthetically pleasing as newer materials like all-ceramic crowns, traditional crowns can still provide a natural appearance, especially when placed on back teeth.
Longevity
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, traditional crowns can last for many years, providing a reliable long-term solution.
What are the Drawbacks of Traditional Crowns?
Metal Substructure
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have a metal substructure, which can sometimes lead to a dark line at the gumline, especially if the gums recede over time, compromising the appearance of your smile.
Potential for Wear on Adjacent Teeth
In some cases, the materials used in traditional crowns, especially metal-based ones, may cause wear on the opposing teeth, especially if the crown’s fit is not optimal.
Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to certain metals used in traditional crowns, which can lead to potential complications or discomfort.
Preparation
Preparing a tooth for a traditional crown often requires more tooth structure removal than newer, more conservative options like porcelain or zirconia crowns. This can weaken the tooth and increase the risk of complications.
What are the Benefits of Same-Day Crowns?
Convenience
With same-day crowns, patients can avoid wearing temporary crowns while waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated in a dental laboratory. This reduces the risk of temporary crown dislodgement or discomfort.
Immediate Restoration
Same-day crowns provide immediate restoration of damaged or decayed teeth, allowing patients to regain functionality and aesthetics in a single visit.
Digital Precision
CAD or CAM technology allows for highly precise and customized crown fabrication, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal aesthetics. The digital design process also allows for adjustments to be made easily, if necessary, before the crown is milled.
Minimal Tooth Preparation
Same-day crowns often require far less tooth preparation than traditional crowns, preserving your natural tooth. This can result in a stronger, healthier tooth in the long term.
What are the Drawbacks of Same-Day Crowns?
Limited Material Options
Same-day crowns are typically made from materials like resin or ceramic blocks, which may not offer the same level of strength and durability as traditional crown materials like porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconia. This can impact the longevity of the restoration, especially for teeth subjected to heavy chewing forces.
Aesthetic Limitations
While same-day crowns can provide satisfactory aesthetics, the available materials may not offer the same level of translucency and natural appearance as traditional crown materials. This can be a consideration for front teeth or highly visible areas of the mouth.
Cost
Same-day crowns may be more expensive than traditional crowns due to the advanced technology and equipment required for in-office fabrication. However, this cost difference can vary depending on factors such as location and specific dental practice pricing.
Technical Limitations
While CAD/CAM technology has advanced significantly, there may still be limitations in terms of the complexity of cases that can be effectively treated with same-day crowns. In some instances, traditional laboratory-fabricated crowns may be recommended for optimal results.
Which is Best for Your Oral Health?
When choosing between traditional and same-day crowns, there are several things to consider. Traditional crowns are durable and versatile, providing long-term restoration. On the other hand, same-day crowns are a convenient and immediate restoration option, sparing you from several visits. Ultimately, if you are struggling to decide which is best for your oral health, it is in your best interest to reach out to a trusted dental professional. They will assess your current oral health condition and help you decide which is the best investment in the future of your oral health.
Dental Crowns for Every Patient
Whether same-day crowns or traditional crowns are more appealing to you, our team at Avenues Dentistry provides them all to meet our patient’s unique needs. For over a decade, our team of dedicated dentists and dental hygienists has provided the most reliable dental care to patients across the Salt Lake City area. From dental cleanings and exams to cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of your smile, we provide a variety of services to help you achieve your dental goals. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team to get dental crowns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.
