Medically Reviewed by Esteem Dental And Orthodontic Team on October 5, 2026
A cracked or worn-down tooth can turn a routine day into an urgent one, and the last thing anyone wants after finding out they need a crown is to hear it will take two separate dental visits to fix. The good news is that this isn’t always the case anymore, and knowing the difference between a same-day crown and a traditional crown can help you choose the option that fits your schedule and your smile.
At Esteem Dental, our team offers both same-day crowns and bridges and traditional crown options at our Lake Nona and Winter Garden locations, so you can choose the approach that works best for your situation. Understanding how each process works will help you feel more prepared going into your appointment.
How Traditional Crowns Are Made
Traditional crowns follow a two-visit process that has been the norm for decades. During your first appointment, we prepare the affected tooth by removing any decayed or damaged structure, then take an impression using a putty-like material or a digital scanner. We send that impression to an outside dental lab, where technicians custom-fabricate your crown from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys.
While you wait for your permanent crown, you will wear a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth. This process typically takes one to three weeks, depending on the lab’s turnaround time. Once your permanent crown arrives, you return for a second visit so we can check the fit, make any adjustments, and permanently cement it in place.
How Same-Day Crowns Work
Same-day crowns, sometimes called CEREC crowns, use computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to create your restoration in a single appointment. After preparing your tooth, we use a digital scanner to capture a precise 3D image, eliminating the need for a messy physical impression. We send that digital file directly to design software, where your crown is custom-shaped to match your bite and surrounding teeth.
Once the design is finalized, an in-office milling machine carves your crown from a solid block of ceramic material, a process that generally takes about 20 to 30 minutes. We then fit, adjust, and bond the finished crown to your tooth in the same visit. There is no temporary crown and no second appointment required.
Which Option Might Be Right for You
Both approaches are backed by research showing comparable long-term outcomes. According to a 2025 clinical study published through the National Library of Medicine, CAD/CAM crowns fabricated chairside demonstrated a 100% survival rate after 24 months of use, supporting same-day crowns as a reliable option for many patients. Traditional lab-made crowns also carry a strong track record, particularly for more complex cases involving multiple teeth or unique bite considerations.
A few factors can influence which option makes more sense, including:
- Time availability: A same-day crown finishes treatment in one visit, while a traditional crown requires two appointments spaced days or weeks apart.
- Case complexity: More involved restorations, such as those affecting the bite alignment or multiple adjacent teeth, may benefit from the lab fabrication process.
- Material preference: Traditional crowns offer a broader range of material choices, including certain metal alloys not typically milled in-office.
- Comfort with technology: Some patients prefer the shorter, single-visit experience that same-day crowns provide, while others are comfortable with the traditional timeline.
Whichever path fits your needs, both options are designed to restore the strength, function, and appearance of your tooth for years to come.
Restoring Your Smile at Esteem Dental
Deciding between a same-day crown and a traditional crown does not have to be complicated when you have a team walking you through your options. Dr. Jordan Jones and the team at Esteem Dental evaluate each case individually, considering the location and condition of the affected tooth, your schedule, and your long-term oral health goals before recommending the approach that fits you best. As a multi-specialty practice with locations in Lake Nona and Winter Garden, we can also address any related restorative or cosmetic needs in the same visit, so your care stays coordinated under one roof.
If you think you may need a crown or simply want to understand your options before a small issue becomes a bigger one, our team is ready to help you find the right fit. Reach out through our contact form to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward a fully restored smile.
Dr. Jordan Jones, DDS
Dr. Jordan Jones leads the experienced team at Esteem Dental, providing comprehensive family dental care to the Winter Garden and Lake Nona communities. With a focus on general dentistry, pediatric care, and orthodontics, Dr. Jones combines advanced techniques with a compassionate approach to ensure every patient receives personalized, quality treatment in a comfortable environment.
✓ Medically Reviewed
