Lab-Crafted Dental Crowns Vs. Same-Day Crowns
Dental crowns are a great way to strengthen weak teeth, but they can also be used to correct many cosmetic concerns. While many crowns are still crafted in a laboratory, more and more dentists are offering same-day dental crowns. If you would like to know more, keep reading.
How Do Lab-Crafted Crowns and Same-Day Crowns Differ?
In the past, all crowns were crafted in a laboratory. The dentist sends your dental mold and any other relevant information to the lab. When the crown is finished, the dentist bonds the crown and ensures it fits and hits properly when you bite.
Labs can create multiple types of crowns, including:
- Metal
- Composite resin
- Porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal
Thanks to advancements in technology, some dentists can craft crowns in the office. While the process isn't immediate, it makes it possible for same-day crowns. As with lab-crafted crowns, the dentist takes a mold of your teeth, but this mold is sent to the CEREC system in the dentist's office, which prints a porcelain crown that can then be bonded and fitted.
What Are the Pros of Lab-created Crowns?
There are two main advantages to choosing lab-crafted crowns. First, they tend to be more affordable than CEREC same-day crowns. Plus, dental insurance carriers rarely cover porcelain dental crowns, so you'll likely pay for everything out of your own pocket.
Insurance, however, may cover other types of crowns if they are medically necessary. Some may partially cover metal crowns on molars and composite crowns on incisors. However, these can only be crafted in a lab. While the CEREC system can make multiple options besides crowns (veneers, inlays, onlays, etc.), the system is limited on the materials it can use.
What Are the Pros of Same-Day Crowns?
Getting crowns can improve the look of your smile, but when you choose a lab-crafted crown, you must rely on a temporary crown while the lab crafts your permanent one. These crowns are unattractive and much less durable than the permanent crown, making them prone to breaking if you eat hard candies, chew on ice, or grind your teeth.
With same-day crowns, there is no need for temporary crowns. This means you can immediately get your new smile without worrying about the complications of temporary crowns. Of course, same-day crowns also save you time because you only need one visit.
If you think you need a crown or want a full set of crowns to improve your smile, there are many options. Regardless of what you choose, however, dental crowns are resistant to decay and stains. If you would like to know more, contact a dental laboratory in your area today.