Are Same-Day Crowns Right for You? Pros, Cons & Cost

Key Takeaways

• Same-day crowns are custom-made and placed in a single visit using CEREC technology, eliminating the need for temporary crowns.
• Treatment is faster than traditional crowns, with similar durability (10–15 years) and excellent aesthetics.
• Digital scans and milling offer high precision and comfort — no messy impressions or lab delays.
• Ideal candidates have healthy gums and simple restorations; more complex cases may still require traditional crowns.
• Costs range from $1,000 to $1,500 per crown in Canada, with some variation based on material and insurance coverage.
• Maintenance is key — good oral hygiene and regular checkups help extend crown life.
• Not suitable for all patients with multiple restorations, bite issues, or significant decay, lab-fabricated crowns may be necessary.

What are same-day crowns, and how do they work?

Imagine walking into your dentist’s office with a damaged tooth and walking out the same day with a custom-made crown, perfectly fitted and matched to your natural teeth. That’s precisely what same-day crowns offer — a modern solution to traditional dental restorations.

Defining Same-Day Crowns

Same-day crowns are dental caps created, designed, and placed in a single dental appointment. They restore a damaged, broken, or decayed tooth by covering it entirely, mimicking the appearance and function of a natural tooth. The magic behind these quick turnarounds? A cutting-edge system known as CEREC.

What is CEREC Technology?

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It’s a digital system that integrates:

• Intraoral scanning (no messy impressions)
• 3D design software for digital modelling
• Milling machine to fabricate the crown onsite

The entire process is managed within the dental office, removing the need for external labs.

"CEREC has revolutionized how we restore teeth. Patients appreciate the convenience, and we ensure precision with every step," says Dr. James C.H. Ko DDS

The Scanning and Design Process

Once the dentist determines a crown is needed, the procedure begins with digital scanning of the affected tooth. This scan captures a detailed 3D image, eliminating the need for uncomfortable moulds. Using the CEREC software, the dentist designs the crown right then and there.

This design considers:

• Bite alignment
• Tooth shape and colour
• Neighbouring tooth anatomy

Step-by-Step Procedure Timeline

1. Examination and preparation: The damaged tooth is shaped and prepared.
2. Digital scan: A high-resolution scan is taken using an intraoral camera.
3. Crown design: The digital model is adjusted for optimal fit.
4. Milling: The crown is milled from a ceramic block on-site.
5. Placement: The dentist fits, polishes, and bonds the crown to your tooth, all within a few hours.

"We often see patients surprised at how seamless the process is. There’s no waiting period, and everything happens under one roof," says Dr. Amir Guorgui BSC, DMD, MACSD

How do same-day crowns compare to traditional crowns?

When weighing your options for dental restoration, you might ask: how do same-day crowns stack up against traditional crowns?

Let’s break it down across the key categories.

Time & Convenience

Same-day crowns dramatically reduce the need for multiple appointments. That alone can be a game-changer for patients balancing work, school, or family obligations.

Materials & Durability

Both types of crowns are durable. Traditional crowns offer material variety — like metal or porcelain-metal combos — but modern CEREC ceramics are robust and wear-resistant.

Aesthetic Outcomes

Digital imaging allows for a natural colour match and accurate anatomy. While lab-created crowns also aim for perfection, the real-time customization of same-day crowns gives them an edge in some cases.

What are the main benefits of getting a same-day crown?

The appeal of same-day crowns lies not just in speed, but in how they transform the entire treatment experience.

Time-Saving Advantage

The most obvious benefit is the single-visit convenience. Traditional crowns require at least two visits spaced over several days or weeks. With same-day crowns, patients save:

• Travel time
• Work/school hours
• Waiting for lab turnarounds

No Temporary Crowns Needed

Temporary crowns can be uncomfortable, less secure, and aesthetically lacking. They may fall out or irritate the gums. Same-day crowns eliminate this step, reducing discomfort and inconvenience.

Digital Precision

With CEREC technology, dentists achieve a highly accurate fit. This means:

• Better long-term comfort
• Improved bite alignment
• Reduced risk of needing adjustments

Enhanced Comfort and Experience

Digital scans are easier for patients than traditional impressions. The entire experience is more modern, less invasive, and stress-free.

For patients with busy schedules or dental anxiety, this can make all the difference.

Are there any drawbacks or limitations to same-day crowns?

While same-day crowns offer significant benefits, they’re not perfect for every patient or situation. It’s worth considering some of the limitations.

Cost Considerations

Same-day crowns may be more expensive than traditional crowns due to the in-office technology and equipment involved. Prices can vary by location and dentist, but in Canada, you can expect to pay $1,000 to $1,500 per crown on average.

Some insurance plans may not fully cover the cost, especially if they only reimburse for traditional lab-fabricated crowns. It’s essential to:

• Check with your insurance provider
• Ask your dentist for a pre-treatment estimate.

Not Suitable for Every Case

Same-day crowns work best for simpler restorations. In cases involving:

• Severe tooth decay
• Multiple teeth in need of crowns
• Complex bite issues
• Gum disease or insufficient tooth structure

A traditional crown may still be the better option. This is because lab technicians can sometimes offer greater customization in challenging cases.

What types of dental crowns are available, and how do their costs compare in Canada?

Dental crowns are not one-size-fits-all. Here’s a look at the most common crown types used in Canadian clinics and how they stack up.

How to Choose the Right Type

Factors influencing your choice:

• Tooth location (molars vs. front teeth)
• Bite force and grinding habits
• Cosmetic concerns
• Insurance coverage and budget

Same-day ceramic crowns offer the convenience of one-visit restorations, but zirconia or gold may be better in complex or high-pressure areas.

Who is a good candidate for same-day crowns?

Not everyone qualifies for the same-day crown placement. Several factors must align for the procedure to be effective and long-lasting.

Eligible Conditions

You may be a candidate if you have:

• A cracked or broken tooth that still has enough structure
• A large filling needing replacement
• A root canal-treated tooth needs protection.

Your dentist will first confirm that the tooth can support a crown without further lab work or surgeries.

Gum and Oral Health Requirements

Healthy gums are essential. Infected or receding gums can interfere with crown placement. Dentists at Barrie Smile Centre continually evaluate:

• Gum stability and inflammation
• Bone support
• Overall oral hygiene

Time Availability and Comfort Level

Same-day crowns may require 2–3 hours in the chair. That’s efficient compared to two visits over two weeks, but patients need to plan for a more extended single session.

Ideal candidates are:

• Comfortable with in-office procedures
• Seeking quick results
• Looking to avoid temporary restorations

How long do same-day crowns last compared to traditional ones?

On average, same-day ceramic crowns last between 10 and 15 years, provided they are appropriately maintained. This is very comparable to traditional crowns, which can last 10 to 20 years, depending on the material type.

Factors That Influence Longevity

• Oral hygiene habits
• Bite force and teeth grinding
• Crown placement technique
• Material used (e.g., ceramic vs. zirconia)

Maintenance Tips

• Brush and floss daily
• Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth
• Get regular dental checkups
• Avoid biting hard items like ice or pens

Common Failure Causes

• Poor oral hygiene
• Trauma or accidents
• Gum recession exposing the crown margin
• Decay at the crown’s edge due to food trap areas

Are same-day crowns right for you?

Choosing a dental crown solution depends on your priorities — time, cost, aesthetics, and dental health. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Sources

• https://www.barriesmilecentre.com
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5072112/ (Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry)
• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17088240 (Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry)
• https://www.opencare.com/dentists/barrie-on/
• https://www.ratemds.com
• Reddit thread: r/PersonalFinanceCanada

Same-day crowns may not be the answer for everyone, but for many patients, they represent the perfect blend of technology, comfort, and speed.