Are Same Day Crowns As Good As Traditional Crowns? A Closer Look at Your Options

If you've ever cracked a tooth or needed a crown, then you know how inconvenient and time-consuming the traditional lab-based process can be. Multiple visits, temporary crowns that don’t quite fit, and time spent in the dental chair can add stress to an already uncomfortable situation. That’s why many patients are asking: are same day crowns as good as traditional crowns?

At McCarl Dental Group in Greenbelt, MD, we’ve cared for generations of families with a commitment to giving each patient an experience that’s not just professional but also personal. With advanced technology and a warm, home-like environment, we offer same day crowns as a solution that blends efficiency with lasting quality.

What Are Same Day Crowns?

Same day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics), are dental crowns created and placed in a single visit using computer-aided design and manufacturing technology. Rather than waiting weeks for an outside lab to fabricate your crown, the entire process, from digital impressions to final placement, is completed in just a few hours right in our office.

How Do Same Day Crowns Work?

The process is precise, efficient, and comfortable:

• Digital Impressions: No messy putty or trays, just a quick and accurate 3D scan of your tooth.
• On-Site Design: Using CAD/CAM technology, Dr. Clayton McCarl designs your crown to match the contours and bite of your natural tooth.
• In-House Milling: The custom crown is milled from a durable block of ceramic while you relax. Bird feeders outside our windows and a cozy environment help you feel right at home.
• Fitting and Bonding: Once ready, the crown is expertly bonded in place, and you leave with a fully restored, natural-looking tooth on that same day.

Comparing Same Day and Traditional Crowns

Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide which is right for you:

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Are Same Day Crowns as Good As Lab-Made Crowns?

Yes, in most cases, same day crowns are every bit as reliable, durable, and aesthetic as their traditional counterparts. Here are several reasons patients at McCarl Dental Group choose same day crowns with confidence:

• Time-Saving Convenience: No need for multiple appointments or temporary crowns that may fall off or feel uncomfortable.
• Precision Fit: Advanced 3D imaging ensures a crown that fits seamlessly and functions like your natural tooth.
• Natural Appearance: Crafted from high-quality ceramic, same day crowns blend beautifully with your smile.
• Comfortable Procedure: Digital scans are faster and more comfortable than traditional impressions.

That said, there are a few scenarios where traditional crowns may still be recommended, such as for patients needing a metal-based crown due to specific bite force concerns or grinding. But for the majority, especially those seeking quality results without the wait, same day crowns offer an ideal blend of strength, speed, and aesthetics.

Personalized Care Makes the Difference

Technology may power same day crowns, but it’s our people who make them exceptional. At McCarl Dental Group, our patients have told us again and again how much they value the personal attention they receive. Whether it's the familiar face of a team member who’s been here for over two decades or the stress-free charm of our historic home office, we put your comfort first.

We understand that your dental health is part of your whole well-being, both physically and emotionally. That’s why you're never rushed, and why Dr. Clayton McCarl takes the time to explain every option thoroughly. From flexible evening and Saturday appointments to a Spanish-speaking team ready to serve, we aim to make every visit easy, clear, and positive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do same day crowns last?

With proper care, same day crowns can last 10 to 15 years or more. This is on par with traditional crowns. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine checkups play a key role.

Are same day crowns covered by insurance?

Most dental insurance plans offer the same coverage for same day crowns as they do for traditional lab-made crowns. Our team is happy to verify your benefits and help you understand your options.

Do same day crowns feel different?

Because they’re custom-designed with digital imaging, same day crowns often result in fewer adjustments and a more comfortable bite from the start.

Why Choose McCarl Dental Group for Your Crown?

We’ve proudly supported families in and around Greenbelt, MD for four generations, offering not just excellent dentistry, but a trusted relationship that spans lifetimes. When you choose us for same day crowns, you’re doing more than saving time. You’re choosing a team that knows your name, remembers your story, and cares deeply about your comfort and confidence.

Ready to Restore Your Smile Today?

If you’re in pain, dealing with a damaged tooth, or simply looking for a faster, more comfortable solution, same day crowns might be the perfect fit. Contact McCarl Dental Group in Greenbelt to schedule your consultation with Dr. Clayton McCarl.

Our relaxing setting, deeply experienced team, and personalized approach ensure a crown experience that’s anything but ordinary. Call us at (310) 474-4144 today and experience the difference of care that spans generations.