If your tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken, or if its appearance needs to be improved, then you might be a good candidate for a dental crown. But because the procedure often requires more than one visit (one to prepare your tooth and another to place the crown), it might be more challenging to fit the treatment into your schedule. The good news is that you may not have to wait. With E4D technology, you can restore and improve your tooth with a lifelike crown in just one day.

How Same-Day Dental Crowns are Made

A dental crown works by replicating the top portion of the tooth it restores, precisely matching the tooth’s size, shape, and unique dimensions. Traditionally, receiving a crown meant carefully preparing and measuring the tooth, then sending the measurements to a trusted lab where a skilled technician can hand-craft the restoration. After the crown is completed, it is returned to your dentist’s office where you can have it permanently bonded in place during a second visit.

By contrast, E4D technology utilizes computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to design and craft dental crowns in one day, all in the same office. Your dentist will use high-tech imaging equipment to digitally measure your tooth, and then send the measurements to a milling machine that will craft your porcelain crown on site.

Is a Crown the Right Option?

While same-day dental crowns help you save time while restoring your smile, you may be able to save even more time if your tooth can be restored with a less extensive restoration. For instance, if your tooth is only slightly chipped or cracked, or if it is only blemished on the front surface, then a porcelain veneer may improve the tooth with fewer alterations to its structure. A veneer is a thin shell that mimics the front surface of your tooth, and is bonded to that surface to create a brand new face for your tooth.