Understanding How CEREC Same Day Crowns Compare

Nowadays, modern dental crowns can be made from a wide variety of materials. Being able to choose which type of material your crown will be made from gives you more control over your treatment, allowing you to receive a crown that meets both your treatment needs and goals. The metals used in traditional and gold crowns remain the “gold standard,” but most people value a natural, aesthetic look. As a result, porcelain and ceramic crowns are in high demand.

CEREC crowns meet this demand for natural-looking porcelain crowns, but they go a step further by also making the placement process faster, easier, and more comfortable. True to their name, CEREC same day crowns take only a single appointment at our dental office to design, mill, and place—as opposed to two appointments spread over several weeks for traditional lab-created crowns.

But as great as these benefits are, they might have you wondering, “What’s the catch? Since they’re made faster, do same day crowns hold up as well as traditional crowns?” Each type of crown has its strengths and weaknesses, so we’ve put together a guide to help you understand how the strength and longevity of same day crowns compare, and if they might be right for you.

What is each type of crown made from?

Today’s lab-created crowns are often made from porcelain or ceramic material fused to a metal core, but they can also be made from just ceramic material or gold. Same day crowns, such as porcelain or zirconia crowns, are called “all ceramic” or “monolithic” and are made without a metal core. They’re simply the same material all the way through.

How long do traditional crowns last?

The longevity of traditional crowns depends on what they’re crafted from, as different materials vary in strength and durability. The most common type of lab-created crown is porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, which generally last five to 15 years, potentially more with great care. All-ceramic crowns, like zirconia crowns, have a similar lifespan, lasting an average of 10 to 15 years or more. Although gold crowns stand out in your mouth rather than blending in like PFM or all-ceramic crowns, they’re incredibly durable. When they’re cared for well, they can last up to 20 years before they need to be replaced. No matter what type of crown you get, taking great care of it with a regular at-home oral hygiene routine, regular dental appointments every six months, and making efforts to curb habits like bruxism will help it last as long as possible.

How long do same day crowns last?

While CEREC same day crowns are milled and placed in a single day, they’re made from the same high-quality porcelain or ceramic materials as lab-created, all-ceramic crowns. As a result, they’re just as durable! With good care, a CEREC same day crown will generally last around 10 to 15 years before it needs to be replaced.

What are some benefits of CEREC same day crowns?

There are several major benefits to getting CEREC same day crowns. Since they’re designed, milled, and placed in just a single visit to our dental office, same day crowns are incredibly convenient, especially if you have a busy schedule. You only have to make time for a single dental appointment, which can be a game changer for some people!

Since they’re made from porcelain or ceramic materials, they’re easily matched to the shade and gloss of your natural teeth, allowing them to blend in perfectly with your smile. Factors such as digital impressions and only needing your mouth numbed for a single procedure also make the entire process—from design to placement—more comfortable and precise than ever before.

Additionally, when you’re getting a traditional crown, you need to wear a temporary crown between the appointment where Dr. Staley prepares your tooth and the one where he places your permanent crown. Unlike permanent crowns, temporary crowns are relatively fragile and aren’t meant to stay on long term, so you have to be very careful when you’re eating and talking with them.

Same day crowns allow you to completely skip the step of getting a temporary crown. Not only does this save you the time and worry associated with temporary crowns, but it saves you the cost, too!

What measures can you take to preserve your crown?

One of the biggest things you can do to help your crown last as long as possible is to commit to a great at-home oral hygiene routine. This routine includes brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using mouthwash daily. You should also take the same steps to protect your crown from damage that you’d take to protect your natural teeth. Whether there’s a crown on them or not, avoid using your teeth as tools to open packaging or nuts, take steps to curb habits like chewing on pencils, and make sure you wear a mouthguard during contact sports.

If you suffer from bruxism, you may also want to take steps to alleviate the symptoms, which could mean wearing a nightguard to sleep or learning how to manage your stress levels. Most of these steps are little, everyday things that you should do to care for your teeth and gums anyway, but sticking to them can keep you healthier and make a huge difference in how long your crown lasts.

How do you know which type of crown is best for you?

If you’re not sure which type of crown is best for you, the best thing you can do is talk to Dr. Staley about your needs and wants for your treatment. He can walk you through each type of crown and help you make an informed decision. If the tooth that needs crowning is a molar and you have bruxism, for example, Dr. Staley might recommend that you choose a metal crown rather than a same day crown. Dr. Staley wants you to be able to find the perfect crown for you, so he’s happy to take the time to explain your options and answer all your questions.

CEREC same day crowns use advanced technology and high-quality materials to provide you with a long-lasting permanent crown in just a single appointment. Their many benefits make them a great fit for most people, but like any treatment, they aren’t right for everyone. If you’d like to learn more about same day crowns in Boise, ID, and whether they’re the best option for you, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Staley at any time.