If you’ve chipped your tooth or noticed any other damage, one option to consider is dental crowns. Same-day crowns have become immensely popular in recent years, offering the same great results as traditional crowns but much more swiftly.
Have you considered same-day dental crowns but are unsure whether they’re the right option? If so, getting the answers to pressing questions is crucial so you know what to expect. Learn more about same-day crowns in this informative article.
1. What are same-day crowns?
Same-day dental crowns, also called CEREC crowns, are crowns that we prepare and install all in one visit. With CAD/CAM technology, we custom-make a crown in minutes. We do this by taking digital images of the tooth and transferring them to a computer, which creates the model. With same-day crowns, you don’t have to get temporary crowns first or return for a second appointment.
2. How does the same-day crown process work?
To begin the process, we prepare the tooth by removing damaged parts and then shaping it to accommodate the crown. With same-day crowns, we don’t have to remove nearly as much of your tooth enamel as we would for a traditional crown.
Instead of using putty to make an impression on your tooth, we use a digital camera to take 3D pictures. We transfer these to the computer equipped with CAD/CAM technology and use them to create the model of your crown. The next step is choosing the exact shade so the crown matches your teeth.
Our office has a milling machine that allows us to create CEREC crowns on-site. Milling machines use ceramic blocks to make the crowns, which usually takes about 15 minutes. Once the machine finishes, we polish the crown and check the fit. If everything looks good, we cement it into place.
3. Are same-day crowns as durable as traditional crowns?
Although traditional crowns are made from porcelain fused with metal, same-day crowns offer comparable durability. Same-day crowns last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, though they may last even longer with the proper care. Traditional dental crowns vary widely in their longevity, with some options lasting only five years.
The strength and longevity of same-day crowns come down to the advancements in technology that make them possible in the first place. CEREC crowns fit your tooth precisely. This means the crown will not risk dislodging or cracking because it doesn’t fit correctly. The materials used are durable, contributing to how long the crowns last.
4. What are the benefits of choosing same-day crowns?
Same-day crowns are convenient. With this technology, you don’t have to worry about getting a temporary crown and then having to return to the dentist’s office for the permanent crown. Instead, CEREC crowns allow you to leave the appointment with a perfected smile.
These crowns also reduce the amount of enamel that we have to remove. With traditional crowns, removing the necessary enamel takes time and makes some patients nervous. That is not an issue with same-day crowns.
Thanks to our CAD/CAM technology that creates a 3D impression of your mouth, you also don't have to deal with dental putty. Some people dislike the taste and the feel of the putty, so choosing an option that allows you to avoid it is a good idea.
The digital scanning and milling create a crown that fits your tooth perfectly. You’ll get a much better fit with them.
5. How do I care for a same-day crown?
Think of your same-day crown like a natural tooth. Everything that might harm your natural teeth will also put your same-day crown at risk.
Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss once a day. You can do this even around the same day crown, but be gentle. Opt for a toothbrush with soft bristles. You also want to avoid chewing on hard foods like candy or ice. If you have a habit of chewing on pen caps or your fingernails, try to stop because putting that kind of pressure on the crown can break it, just like it can your natural teeth.
Choose convenience with same-day crowns.
Same-day crowns allow you to protect a damaged tooth quickly and with little hassle. By relying on the latest technological advances, these crowns provide an even better fit than traditional crowns and are highly durable. Caring for them is as easy as caring for your natural teeth, so you don’t have to stress about complex oral hygiene routines.
At Dental Care Associates of Buffalo, we offer same-day crowns. You can leave our office with a protected tooth and a great crown. Contact us today to make an appointment.