Same-Day vs Lab-Made Dental Crowns

Most of the time, dental cavities or minor chips can be fixed with a bit of filling or bonding. But, if your tooth has been severely affected by decay or damaged because of an injury, then you may need a dental crown to restore it. 

Not too long ago, you didn't have too many options when it came to dental crowns. At best, you were able to choose the material of the crown. Nowadays, however, you can opt between same-day and lab-made crowns. 

What's the difference between the two and which one should you choose? 

Let's find out! 

The Difference Between Same-Day and Lab-Made Crowns 

Whether we're talking about same-day or lab-made crowns, both types are caps designed to restore and protect a damaged tooth. 

The difference between the two has to do with how they are created and the amount of time this process takes. 

As the name suggests, lab-made crowns are manufactured in a dental lab by technicians who specialize in designing dental prostheses. Your South Los Angeles dentist will take impressions of your mouth and send them to a lab where a team of experienced technicians will manufacture the crown from a mixture of ceramic and metals. The crown is very durable, looks very natural, and blends perfectly with the rest of your teeth. 

In the case of same-day crowns (also known as CEREC crowns,) the crowns are created in the office, using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. The dentist will scan your mouth and create 3D images that they will then use to manufacture the crowns out of ceramic right there in the office. Since the impressions don't have to be sent to a lab, the process is much faster. It usually takes around two hours to get a CEREC crown. 

The Pros and Cons of Same-Day Crowns 

Here are some of the pros and cons of same-day crowns: 

The pros:

• Less time spent at the dentist 
• Fewer dental visits also make same-day crowns more cost-effective 
• Because the 3D imaging software scans every detail of your mouth, CEREC crowns fit better than traditional crowns. 
• Because they require less drilling, same-day crowns have a faster recovery time. 

The cons:

• They can only be made out of ceramic, which is less resistant than some metals. This can be a problem if you tend to grind your teeth or if you need crowns for the back teeth. 

• Not every dental office has the technology to offer same-day crowns, so they are not as common as lab-made ones. 

The Pros and Cons of Lab-Made Crowns 

It's important to consider the following pros and cons of lab-made crowns:

The pros: 

• Can be more durable than same-day crowns. 
• More versatile as they can be effectively used for most teeth 
• They are made by technicians with a lot of experience and will perfectly match your teeth. 

The cons:

• They require multiple appointments 
• You will have to wear a temporary crown until the real one is made
• The process of fitting the crown is more invasive and the recovery period is a bit longer than in the case of same-day crowns. 

Overhill Dental Can Help You Find the Best Option for You! 

Still not sure which option is right for you? Stop by Overhill Dental for a quick consultation and we can help you find the best treatment for your needs. 

You can contact us online to book your appointment.