Need to get your damaged teeth repaired? Your dentist might recommend getting a dental crown! These prosthetic caps are the best way to restore your smile to its original (or even better) shine.
However, did you know that there are two different types of dental crowns? Dental clinics in Singapore, such as TLC Dental Clinic, may offer same-day dental crowns and/or traditional dental crowns, depending on your treatment needs or preferences. If provided with the option to choose between the two, it’s important to stay informed before making a decision.
Read on to learn more about the overall treatment, and find out whether same-day or traditional dental crowns are best for you!
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are prosthetic caps placed over a damaged tooth. They restore your tooth’s shape, size, and strength while also offering protection from further damage.
The treatment may be recommended in the following scenarios:
- To protect a weak tooth from breaking (eg. decay)
- To hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- To restore an already broken tooth
- To restore tooth that has been severely worn down
- To hold a dental bridge in place
- To cover misshapen or severely discoloured teeth
- To make a cosmetic modification
Same Day Dental Crowns vs Traditional Dental Crowns
Creation Process
Traditional Dental Crown
Traditional dental crowns are typically manufactured by taking an impression of your trimmed tooth and the surrounding teeth. This impression is then sent to a dental lab away from your dental clinic for a permanent dental crown to be made.
However, creating the dental crown outside of the clinic means that there will be a waiting period before you get fitted for your final crown. This waiting period can take up to several weeks, during which you will need to wear a temporary crown to protect the damaged tooth.
Once the dental crown is manufactured, at least one more appointment is then required to have a permanent dental crown placed.
Same Day Dental Crown
Same-day dental crowns, on the other hand, are made using the Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic, or CEREC. The latest advancement in dental technology, the CEREC has revolutionised the process of designing, producing and fitting ceramic crowns.
The machine first scans your teeth and uses the images scanned to design your new ceramic crown. The crown is then precision crafted using the dental clinic’s milling machine.
The best part is the entire process is done in the dental clinic itself, so you don’t have to come back for another appointment to get your new, permanent dental crown.
Materials Used
The type of dental crown you’ll need depends largely on which tooth needs replacing. Damaged teeth at the back of your mouth often need to be made of a stronger material, while it’s more important that teeth that have been damaged at the front should match the colour and texture of your natural teeth. However, the material required also changes the method your dentist uses to create your dental crown.
Traditional Dental Crown
With traditional dental crowns, there are a range of materials for you and/or your dentist to choose from. Traditional dental crowns can be made of various materials including metal alloy (gold/silver), porcelain, and ceramic.
Same Day Dental Crown
Same day dental crowns however, primarily use ceramic / zirconia for its construction. That’s because they’re easily customised to look just as natural as your natural teeth! Not to mention, they’re just as robust and durable as other materials.
Dental Crown Costs
Just like most dental treatments, the cost of getting a dental crown largely depends on the type and extent of treatment your teeth need. However, for a rough gauge, visit TLC Dental Clinic’s pricing guide for more details.
Pros & Cons
| Same-Day Dental Crowns | Traditional Dental Crowns | |
| Aesthetics | Using primarily ceramic or zirconia means having a tooth that matches the rest of your teeth naturally. | More materials available mean more options to choose from. |
| Accuracy | Same-day dental crowns are created using digital scanning and milling technology, which can produce highly accurate and precise restorations that fit perfectly over the damaged tooth. | Traditional crowns are made by using a mould – several appointments may be required to ensure that the final dental crown fits perfectly over the tooth. |
| Post-Procedure Care | Same day crowns only require care for the next 24 hours after fitting, such as avoiding consumption of hard or sticky foods. | Temporary crowns may require care before permanent crown placement, such as brushing and flossing gently, or avoiding consumption of hard or sticky foods until the final crown is fitted. |
| Number of Visits | Will be completed on the same day. | Multiple appointments may be required to ensure the final dental crown fits well. |
| Types of Cases | Suitable for most dental cases, except those that require complex or extensive work. | Suitable for a wide range of issues. |
Commonly Asked Questions
1. How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns typically last about 10 years, depending on the material used. For same-day dental crowns that use zirconia or ceramic materials, the crown is created to be as durable and similar to your enamel in strength and hardness. This means that you can expect your crown to last for a long time.
2. Does Getting A Dental Crown Hurt?
Good news! Getting a dental crown doesn’t hurt. Your dentist will numb your mouth prior to treatment, so no discomfort will be felt throughout.
3. How Long Does Dental Crown Recovery Take?
Only a few days! The first thing you might feel is the numbing effect wearing off after a few hours. However, the most you should experience after this is some minor discomfort and sensitivity. This usually subsides within a few days to a week after getting your final dental crown fitted.
Once your mouth becomes accustomed to the new dental crown though, most patients stop noticing its existence altogether! It’ll feel just like it’s always been there.
4. Do Dental Crowns Require Special Care?
If you’re getting a traditional dental crown, you may have to avoid hard or sticky food until you get your permanent crown fitted. For same day dental crowns, this rule only applies for the next 24 hours after you get your dental crown!
In the long run, dental crowns can be cared for the same way you do your regular teeth – by brushing, flossing, and making regular visits to your dentist to make sure your teeth are healthy.
The Main Takeaway
In short, the type of dental crown you’ll need depends on the extent of treatment required. Same day dental crowns are convenient and precise, while traditional dental crowns can help more complicated dental needs. If you’re in need of a dental crown, it’s best to speak to your dentist for more advice and information!