A faster, high-tech way to restore your smile — without multiple visits.
If you’ve ever had a traditional dental crown, you know the drill: multiple appointments, messy impressions, a temporary crown, and waiting weeks for the final result.
But what if you could skip all that?
Thanks to modern dental technology, same-day crowns make it possible to get a custom, permanent crown in just one visit — no temporary, no second appointment, no waiting.
Let’s explore how same-day crowns work, their benefits, and whether this option is right for you.
🧠 First, What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns are commonly used to:
- Restore teeth after large fillings or root canals
- Protect cracked, worn, or broken teeth
- Improve the shape, size, or appearance of a tooth
- Anchor a dental bridge or complete a dental implant
Crowns are typically made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or metal, and are custom-designed to match your natural smile.
🦷 What Are Same-Day Crowns?
Same-day crowns are made using CAD/CAM technology (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing). This allows your dentist to design, fabricate, and place your custom crown in a single appointment — often in under two hours.
One of the most well-known systems used is CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics), but other systems exist as well.
🛠️ How Does the Process Work?
Here’s what to expect during your same-day crown appointment:
- Digital Scanning: Instead of gooey impression trays, your dentist uses a digital scanner to create a precise 3D image of your tooth and surrounding area.
- Crown Design: Using specialized software, your dentist designs a crown that perfectly fits your tooth and bite.
- In-House Milling: The design is sent to a milling machine in the office, which carves your crown out of a block of ceramic or zirconia. This takes about 15–30 minutes.
- Finishing and Placement: Once milled, your crown is polished, adjusted if needed, and permanently bonded to your tooth — all in the same visit.
You’ll walk out with a fully restored, functional tooth — no temporary crown needed.
✅ Benefits of Same-Day Crowns
- One visit instead of two or more
- No temporary crown (which can come loose or break)
- No messy impressions — digital scans are quicker and more comfortable
- Durable, long-lasting materials
- Beautiful, natural-looking results that blend with your smile
- No waiting 1–2 weeks for a lab to fabricate your crown
⚠️ Are There Any Drawbacks?
While same-day crowns are excellent for many cases, they may not be right for everyone.
- Not ideal for teeth with complex fractures or deep below-gum issues
- May not offer as many material choices as lab-made crowns (e.g., gold or layered porcelain)
- Not every clinic offers this technology — it requires special equipment and training
Your dentist will let you know if your case is better suited for a lab-fabricated crown based on your oral health and goals.
🕒 How Long Do Same-Day Crowns Last?
With proper care, same-day crowns can last 10 to 15 years or more — similar to traditional crowns. Key to longevity is good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.
Final Thoughts
Same-day crowns offer a modern, convenient way to restore your smile without the wait. If you’re looking to save time without sacrificing quality, this technology can be a game-changer.
Interested in finding out if same-day crowns are right for you? Book a consultation with us today — we’ll assess your needs and help you explore all your crown options.