Are Same Day Crowns Durable? What You Should Know About Their Longevity

At Rō Dental Studio, one of the questions we hear most often about same day crowns is: “Are they as durable as traditional crowns?” It’s a fair question. After all, dental work is an investment in both your health and your confidence, and it’s natural to want a treatment that will last.

Same day crowns, made possible by advanced technology, are increasingly popular across Canada because they combine convenience with precision. Instead of waiting weeks for a lab-made crown, you can walk into our clinic and leave the very same day with a custom-made restoration. But how do they measure up when it comes to strength, longevity, and overall value?

Let’s dive into the details.

First, What Exactly Is a Same Day Crown?

A same day crown, often referred to as a CEREC crown, is a dental crown designed, crafted, and placed in a single appointment. Using 3D imaging and CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) technology, we scan your tooth, design the crown digitally, and mill it from a block of high-quality ceramic, all right here at Rō Dental Studio.

The result is a precise, natural-looking restoration that protects and restores your tooth without the need for messy impressions, temporary crowns, or multiple visits.

Durability: How Do Same Day Crowns Compare?

The biggest myth we hear is that same day crowns aren’t as strong as traditional crowns. In reality, the materials used in same day crowns are just as durable, sometimes even more so.

• Material strength: Same day crowns are typically milled from a solid block of ceramic. This creates a restoration that is highly resistant to cracks and fractures. Traditional crowns may combine metal and porcelain, which can sometimes chip where the two materials meet.

• Precision fit: Because digital scans capture your tooth with incredible accuracy, same day crowns fit exceptionally well. A snug fit reduces wear, improves comfort, and lowers the risk of decay forming around the crown.

• Modern ceramics: Advances in dental ceramics mean today’s crowns are not only strong but also very natural-looking. The ceramic blends with your other teeth while maintaining strength for everyday use.

How Long Do Same Day Crowns Last?

With proper care, a same day crown can last 10 to 15 years or more. In fact, many patients enjoy their crowns for decades. Their lifespan is very similar to that of traditional crowns. The key factors are less about the crown itself and more about your oral health habits.

Factors That Affect Longevity

1. Oral hygiene
   Brushing twice a day and flossing daily keeps bacteria and plaque away from the crown margins. This helps prevent decay and gum disease, which are the main reasons crowns fail.

2. Bite forces and habits
   Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism) can put extra stress on a crown. At Rō Dental Studio, we may recommend a custom night guard if you grind your teeth.

3. Diet
   Just like your natural teeth, crowns benefit from a balanced diet. Avoiding frequent snacking on hard or sticky foods (like ice, hard candies, or caramel) can prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

4. Regular check-ups
   Seeing your dentist regularly ensures small issues are caught early. During your visits, we’ll check the integrity of your crown and the health of the surrounding gum tissue.

The Everyday Strength of Same Day Crowns

You might wonder if a same day crown can handle day-to-day chewing and biting, especially when it comes to tougher foods. The answer is yes. These crowns are designed to restore full function, meaning you can comfortably eat apples, nuts, and other firm foods once your crown is securely in place.

Patients often tell us they forget they even have a crown as it feels just like a natural tooth. That’s the beauty of modern ceramic and precise digital design.

Advantages of Same Day Crowns Beyond Durability

Durability is important, but it’s not the only reason people choose same day crowns at our Calgary studio.

• Convenience
  The biggest benefit is in the name: same day. Traditional crowns can take two or more weeks to come back from a dental lab, during which time you wear a temporary crown that may be uncomfortable or even fall off. With same day crowns, there’s no waiting period.

• Aesthetics
  The ceramic used in same day crowns can be colour-matched to blend seamlessly with your smile. No grey lines near the gumline, no mismatched shades. just a natural look!

• Comfort
  Digital scanning technology eliminates the need for messy putty impressions, which many patients find unpleasant.

• Less risk of temporary crown issues
  Since there’s no temporary crown involved, you avoid problems like sensitivity or accidental damage between visits.

Same Day Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns: Which Lasts Longer?

When comparing same day and traditional crowns, the difference in longevity is minimal. Both options, when made with high-quality materials and properly cared for, are built to last.

The decision often comes down to:

• Time: If you value convenience and want everything completed in one visit, same day crowns are the clear winner.

• Material preference: Some traditional crowns use porcelain fused to metal, which may last slightly longer in very heavy-biting areas, but they can be less aesthetic and sometimes cause gumline discolouration.

At Rō Dental Studio, we find that most patients are thrilled with the durability and look of same day crowns.

Caring for Your Same Day Crown

If you’re investing in a crown, you’ll want to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Here are some simple tips:

• Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

• Floss gently around your crown daily.

• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or pens.

• Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.

• See your dentist twice a year for cleanings and check-ups.

With this routine, your crown should serve you well for many years.

Final Thoughts

So, are same day crowns durable? Absolutely. Thanks to high-quality ceramic materials, digital precision, and proper dental care, they can last just as long as traditional crowns, often 10 to 15 years or more. The added benefit is the convenience of completing your treatment in one appointment without compromising on strength or aesthetics.

At Rō Dental Studio, we combine advanced technology with a patient-first approach. Our team uses the latest CAD/CAM systems to design crowns. For Calgarians who lead busy lives, same day crowns are an ideal solution. In just a single visit, you leave with a crown that’s strong, natural-looking, and built to last.

If you’ve been told you need a crown, or if you’re dealing with a broken or weakened tooth, we’d be happy to show you how this advanced option can restore your smile quickly and reliably.

Book a consultation today!