Choosing between same-day crowns and traditional crowns feels like deciding between convenience and caution, but the reality involves more factors than just how quickly you can walk out with a restored tooth. Both options deliver durable, functional results that protect damaged teeth and restore your smile, yet the path to getting there differs in ways that may matter more or less depending on your schedule, budget, and specific dental needs.
At Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center, Dr. Naylor provides both same-day and traditional dental crowns to patients throughout the Las Vegas area. Understanding the differences between these approaches helps you make an informed choice about which crown type best suits your situation, whether you need immediate restoration or prefer the precision of laboratory-crafted work.
How Same-Day Crowns Work
Same-day crowns use digital scanning and in-office milling technology to create your crown during a single appointment. Your dentist takes digital impressions of your tooth, designs the crown on a computer, and mills it from a ceramic block while you wait. The entire process takes about two to three hours from start to finish, and you leave with your permanent crown in place.
This approach eliminates the need for temporary crowns, which some patients find uncomfortable or inconvenient. You won’t worry about a temporary crown falling off while eating or needing to return for a second appointment to have your permanent crown placed. Digital impressions are also more comfortable than traditional putty molds, which some patients find gag-inducing.
However, same-day crowns work best for straightforward cases. Complex restorations, crowns on back molars that require precise bite adjustment, or situations where you need a crown material other than ceramic may benefit more from the traditional approach. The technology continues improving, but laboratory technicians still offer a level of customization that in-office milling cannot always match.
Understanding Traditional Crowns
Traditional crowns involve two appointments spaced about two weeks apart. During the first visit, your dentist prepares your tooth, takes impressions, places a temporary crown, and sends the impressions to a dental laboratory. Lab technicians craft your permanent crown from materials like porcelain fused to metal, gold, or high-quality ceramics, matching the exact specifications your dentist provided.
At your second appointment, the dentist removes the temporary crown, checks its fit and appearance, makes any necessary adjustments, and cements the permanent crown in place. This process allows for multiple quality checks and gives lab technicians time to create a crown with precise color matching and bite alignment. Traditional crowns offer several material choices:
- Porcelain fused to metal: Combines strength with natural appearance, though the metal base may show a dark line at the gum line over time.
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain: Provides the most natural color match and works well for front teeth, though slightly less durable than metal-based options.
- Gold alloys: Extremely durable and gentle on opposing teeth, ideal for back molars where appearance matters less than function.
- Zirconia: Offers exceptional strength with a natural appearance, making it suitable for both front and back teeth.
The waiting period between appointments does require patience, and temporary crowns need careful handling. You’ll avoid sticky or hard foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth when possible. Some patients experience sensitivity with temporary crowns, though this typically resolves once the permanent crown is placed.
Comparing Durability and Longevity
Both same-day and traditional crowns can strengthen teeth with large cavities when there isn’t enough healthy tooth to hold a filling. They can also attach dental bridges or protect weakened or broken teeth. The longevity of your crown depends more on the material used and how well you care for it than whether it was made in-office or at a laboratory.
Same-day ceramic crowns typically last 10 to 15 years with proper care, similar to traditional all-ceramic crowns. Traditional crowns made with porcelain fused to metal or gold may last 15 to 20 years or longer. Factors affecting crown lifespan include your oral hygiene habits, whether you grind your teeth, and the location of the crown in your mouth.
Cost Considerations
Same-day crowns and traditional crowns fall within similar price ranges, typically between $800 and $1,500 per tooth before insurance. Your dental insurance may cover a portion of either type, usually 50% after you meet your deductible. The total out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific insurance plan and the material used.
Some patients assume same-day crowns cost more due to the advanced technology involved, but many dental practices price them competitively with traditional crowns. The value proposition differs—same-day crowns save you time and eliminate the inconvenience of multiple appointments, while traditional crowns may offer more material options and customization for complex cases.
Making the Right Choice for Your Situation
Your lifestyle and dental needs should guide your decision. If you travel frequently for work, have difficulty arranging multiple dental appointments, or simply want your restoration completed quickly, same-day crowns provide an excellent solution. The immediate result means you can return to normal eating and speaking without the adjustment period that temporary crowns require.
Traditional crowns may serve you better if you need a crown on a molar with complex bite requirements, want the absolute best color match for a front tooth, or prefer materials like gold that offer maximum durability. The extra time allows for precise adjustments and gives you the opportunity to provide feedback on the crown’s appearance before final placement.
Neither option compromises quality. Both same-day and traditional crowns restore tooth function effectively and protect damaged teeth from further decay. The choice comes down to your priorities regarding time, convenience, and specific restoration needs.
Why Choose Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center
Dr. Naylor completed his dental education at Indiana University in 2017 and provides comprehensive restorative dentistry services to patients in the Las Vegas area. His experience with both same-day and traditional crown placement means you’ll receive honest guidance on which approach best suits your situation, without pressure to choose one over the other.
Our practice accepts Delta Dental PPO, Cigna Dental, Aetna Dental, Guardian, Always Care, UFCW, Unum, and MetLife insurance plans. We also work with patients who have out-of-network benefits through other PPO plans. Financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Proceed Finance helps make dental crowns accessible when you need them. If you’re considering a dental crown and want to discuss which type best suits your needs, contact our team to schedule a consultation.
