CEREC Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns: Pros and Cons

traditional dental crown

Let Lexington Dental of Owasso Help You Find the Right Treatment For You

If you live in Owasso, Tulsa, Collinsville, or Claremore and have been told you need a dental crown, you probably have one pressing question: how long is this going to take? That answer depends largely on which type of crown you choose. At Lexington Dental of Owasso, we offer both CEREC same-day crowns and traditional crowns, and understanding the difference can help you walk into your appointment with confidence.

Ready to learn which crown is the right fit for your smile? Call our Owasso, OK, dental office at (918) 274-8500 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Cary today.

Traditional Crowns: The Classic Option

Traditional crowns have decades of proven success behind them. The process typically spans two appointments and two to three weeks.

At the first visit, your dentist prepares the tooth, takes impressions, and fits you with a temporary crown. The impressions go to an off-site dental lab, where a technician handcrafts your permanent crown. At the second visit, usually two to three weeks later, the temporary comes off, and the permanent crown is cemented in place.

child with meta dental restorations/crownsPros of traditional crowns:

  • Often offer a wider range of material options, including porcelain-fused-to-metal and full zirconia
  • Lab technicians can add very fine aesthetic detail for highly visible front teeth
  • Proven long-term track record across all crown types
  • May be preferred for complex bite situations where a lab’s input adds precision

Cons of traditional crowns:

  • Requires two appointments and a waiting period
  • Temporary crowns can come loose or feel uncomfortable
  • More time off work or away from your daily schedule
  • A greater chance of tooth sensitivity while wearing the temporary

For patients who aren’t in a rush and want maximum customization on cosmetically prominent teeth, traditional crowns remain an excellent choice.

CEREC Crowns: Same-Day Dentistry in Owasso

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It’s a technology that allows Dr. Cary to design, mill, and place a permanent ceramic crown in a single visit, often in under two hours.

The process starts with a digital scan of your tooth. That scan feeds into specialized software that generates a 3D model. From there, a milling machine carves your crown from a solid block of ceramic right here in the office. No temporary, no lab, no second appointment.

cerec technology shown by dentistPros of CEREC crowns:

  • Completed in one visit, no waiting weeks
  • No temporary crown means less sensitivity and no risk of it falling off
  • High-strength ceramic material that matches your natural tooth color
  • Digital scanning is more comfortable than traditional putty impressions
  • Fewer time off requests from work or school

Cons of CEREC crowns:

  • Material is limited to ceramic, which may not be suitable for every clinical situation
  • Less hand-finishing than a lab-made crown, which can matter for complex cosmetic cases
  • Not all dental practices have CEREC technology on-site

For most back teeth, molars, and premolars that take on heavy chewing forces, CEREC ceramic is exceptionally durable. It’s also a strong option for patients who simply can’t afford two trips to the dentist.

Which Crown Is Right for You? A Quick Guide

Choose CEREC if: You have a limited schedule, you dislike temporaries, your crown is on a back tooth, or you want the convenience of a single visit.

Choose traditional if: You have complex cosmetic needs, your bite situation requires extra lab input, or your insurance plan has specific coverage requirements tied to lab-fabricated restorations.

Still not sure? That’s exactly what a consultation is for.

Ready to find out which crown is right for you? Call Lexington Dental of Owasso at (918) 274-8500 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Cary and the team serve patients from Owasso, Collinsville, Claremore, and throughout the greater Tulsa area. We’ll give you a clear, honest breakdown of your options and what each one costs. 

How Lexington Dental of Owasso Approaches Crown Treatment

cerec same day dental crownNot every dental practice takes time to explain the “why” behind a recommendation. At our Owasso location, we do. Before Dr. Cary recommends any crown, CEREC, or traditional, the team conducts a thorough clinical exam that includes digital X-rays and, when appropriate, a full review of your bite and surrounding teeth.

That conversation matters. A crown on a back molar has different demands than a crown on a visible front tooth. Patients with certain bite patterns or grinding habits may benefit from one material over another. Our goal is to match the right restoration to your specific tooth, your lifestyle, and your schedule, not just default to whatever is quickest or most convenient.

We also believe in price transparency. Before any treatment begins, you’ll know exactly what your crown will cost, what your insurance may cover, and what financing options are available through our office. No surprises at checkout.

Visit Lexington Dental of Owasso

Dr. Jacob Cary and the team at Lexington Dental are located at 8500 N 129th East Avenue, Owasso, OK. We proudly welcome patients from Owasso and the surrounding communities of Tulsa, Collinsville, and Claremore. Whether you’re due for a routine exam or ready to move forward with a crown, we’re here to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible.

Call our Owasso dental practice today at (918) 274-8500 or stop by and meet the team. A healthier, stronger smile is closer than you think.

 

Shawn Now Media
Shawn Now Media