Dental Expert Dr. Scott Martinka Compares Same-Day Crowns & Traditional Crowns in HelloNation
The article explains how fit, materials, technology, convenience, and individual clinical needs influence the choice between two established crown options.
WILLMAR, Minn., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Are same-day crowns as good as traditional crowns?
HelloNation has published an article that provides the answer, featuring insights from Dental Expert Dr. Scott Martinka of Lakes Area Dental in Willmar, MN.
The HelloNation article explains that both same-day crowns and traditional crowns can provide functional restorations when properly designed and fitted. A dental crown can restore a weakened or damaged tooth, but the appropriate approach depends on several clinical considerations rather than treatment time alone.
Same-day restorations rely on digital dental technology. The dentist can use digital scanning to capture detailed information about the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. That information is then used to design a restoration that can often be produced with in-office milling equipment.
The article explains that traditional crowns follow a different process. Information about the prepared tooth and surrounding bite is sent to a dental laboratory, where a technician creates the restoration. Because fabrication takes additional time, patients may receive a temporary crown before returning for placement of the permanent restoration.
Neither approach is automatically better for every patient. The quality of a dental crown depends on accurate design, proper fit, suitable materials, bite relationships, and the condition of the tooth. These considerations apply whether the restoration is created in the dental office or by a dental laboratory.
Dental crown materials are another important part of the comparison. Different options can vary in strength, appearance, wear characteristics, and their interaction with nearby teeth. The available dental crown materials may also differ between in-office systems and laboratory fabrication methods.
The condition and location of a damaged tooth can influence material selection. Front teeth may have different appearance requirements than back teeth exposed to stronger chewing forces. The amount of remaining tooth structure and the patient's bite are additional factors a dentist can consider.
Fit is also important for either restoration method. The crown needs to fit the prepared tooth accurately, make appropriate contact with neighboring teeth, and function properly with the patient's bite. Digital scanning can provide detailed information for designing the restoration while eliminating the need for some conventional impression materials.
The HelloNation article notes that convenience is one of the clearest differences between the two approaches. In many cases, same-day crowns can reduce the number of appointments and eliminate the need for a temporary restoration. This can be helpful for patients who find multiple dental visits difficult to schedule.
Convenience, however, should be considered alongside clinical needs. Some cases may benefit from customization, materials, or fabrication methods available through laboratory production. A dentist can evaluate whether completing treatment in one appointment meets the functional and appearance requirements of the specific tooth.
Traditional crowns remain an established option because laboratories can use different materials and fabrication methods. Laboratory customization may also be valuable when a restoration has particular cosmetic or functional requirements. The best-suited process depends on the individual clinical situation rather than the production method by itself.
The article concludes that patients should consider more than speed when comparing their options for a damaged tooth. Both approaches can provide an appropriate restoration when design, fit, material selection, bite, and remaining tooth structure are carefully considered.
Are Same-Day Crowns as Good as Traditional Crowns? features insights from Dr. Scott Martinka, Dental Expert of Willmar, MN, in HelloNation.
About HelloNation
HelloNation is America's Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative "edvertising" approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.
SOURCE HelloNation
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