Are Same-Day Crowns a Good Idea?

Same day crowns… that seems convenient

If you are deciding which dentist to go to in Boynton Beach, FL, you may be considering one that does same day crowns. “Same day” or “one-visit crowns” are crowns milled in the dental office while you wait, after the tooth has been prepped and a digital impression made. Today’s technology allows dentists to mill very functional crowns, but these crowns may lack ideal esthetics.
True artistry occurs in a dental lab. Dr. Jamie J. Alexander of Boynton Beach prefers to prep the tooth, make an impression, and place a provisional crown on the prepped tooth, while an ideally esthetic tooth is made by an expert dental technician. Teeth can have up to a dozen subtle colors in just one tooth, as well as transitions of opacity and translucency that are very difficult to replicate in a single layered material like in-office milling machines use.

In-office milling does not allow the use of some dental materials that have been successfully used in dentistry for decades with documented success. These include gold and porcelain fused to metal options. Dr. Alexander spends time explaining the advantages and disadvantages of the alternatives, so you can make a decision that is right for you.

What are the Benefits of Provisional Crowns?

There are two important benefits of wearing a provisional crown. (1) When a crown is needed, it is likely due to extensive damage to the tooth. When cleaning out and preparing a tooth, sometimes it is necessary to allow the gum tissue around it to heal before making an accurate impression for the crown. Waiting will increase the stability and predictability of restoration, as well as gum health. (2) The provisional crown will be made of tooth-colored acrylic by Dr. Alexander to match the shape of the crown he has planned for the expert lab technician to make. While you are wearing the provisional crown, he will wait a bit to let you “try” the shape. Does it function smoothly as you bite and chew? Does it appear natural in your smile? If you have any concerns, you can express them, and Dr. Alexander will modify the design.

If you are leaning towards choosing a dentist who provides same-day milled crowns, keep all of this in mind. Dr. Jamie J. Alexander has been helping Florida residents and visitors restore their bites and smiles with exquisite crowns for 15 years. Your same-day crown may be a provisional one that looks, feels, and functions beautifully until your optimally esthetic crown is made. If you live in the Boynton Beach area or are visiting, we are happy to provide you with the highest quality oral health care. Give us a call today!

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