Few dental procedures combine convenience, precision, and durability like same-day crowns. Thanks to advanced CAD/CAM technology, dentists can now restore damaged teeth in a single appointment — no messy impressions, temporary crowns, or weeks of waiting for a lab.
But as more patients discover the speed and comfort of same-day restorations, one question inevitably arises:
How much do same-day crowns cost, and are they worth it?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about same-day crown pricing, how it compares to traditional crowns, what influences cost, and why so many patients see them as an investment in both time and long-term oral health.
What Are Same-Day Crowns?
A same-day crown, also called a CEREC crown, is a custom-made dental restoration designed, milled, and placed all in one visit.
Using digital 3D imaging and computer-aided design (CAD/CAM) technology, your dentist can create a crown that perfectly matches your tooth’s shape, color, and bite — without sending impressions to a dental lab.
You can learn more about this service on our Dental Crowns page.
How Same-Day Crowns Work
Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
- Digital Scan – Your dentist uses a 3D scanner to capture detailed images of your tooth.
- Design – A digital model of your crown is created on the computer, tailored precisely to your bite and alignment.
- Milling – The design is sent to an in-office milling unit, where a ceramic block is carved into your custom crown within minutes.
- Placement – The new crown is polished, adjusted for fit, and bonded permanently — all during the same appointment.
No temporaries. No second visit. No waiting for a lab to finish fabrication.
The Average Cost of a Same-Day Crown
On average, same-day crowns cost between $1,000 and $2,500 per tooth in the United States.
The total cost depends on factors such as:
- The material used (ceramic, zirconia, or hybrid resin)
- The tooth being restored (molars typically cost more)
- Your dentist’s experience and technology investment
- Any preparatory treatments needed (e.g., root canal, buildup)
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Crown Type | Cost Range (USD) | Appointments | Durability | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Crown | $800 – $2,000 | 2 visits | 10–15 years | Porcelain, metal, or hybrid |
| Same-Day Crown | $1,000 – $2,500 | 1 visit | 10–15 years | All-ceramic (zirconia or porcelain) |
While the initial cost of a same-day crown can be slightly higher, the time savings, comfort, and precision often make it the better long-term choice.
Why Same-Day Crowns Can Be More Expensive (and Why They’re Worth It)
The slightly higher price tag of a same-day crown reflects the investment in cutting-edge CAD/CAM equipment, software, and training. However, the value you get in return often outweighs the difference in cost.
Here’s why patients are willing to pay a little more:
- No Temporary Crowns
Temporary crowns can fall off or cause sensitivity while you wait for the lab-made version. Same-day crowns eliminate this step entirely. - Instant Results
You leave the office with a permanent restoration in one visit — ideal for busy professionals or anyone who dislikes multiple dental appointments. - Digital Precision
Computer-aided imaging ensures a crown that fits your tooth perfectly, improving comfort, bite alignment, and longevity. - Durable, Aesthetic Materials
CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramics that mimic natural enamel and resist wear. - Fewer Injections and Less Numbing
Since everything is completed in one session, you avoid multiple rounds of anesthesia.
Factors That Influence Same-Day Crown Cost
1. Tooth Location
Back molars require larger and more durable crowns, which may increase material costs. Front teeth often need extra aesthetic customization to match color and translucency.
2. Material Type
Zirconia crowns are stronger and more durable than traditional porcelain but may add slightly to the cost.
3. Dentist Expertise and Equipment
Not all practices offer same-day technology. Offices that invest in advanced CEREC or Planmeca systems often deliver superior quality and precision — which can influence price.
4. Additional Dental Work
If you need a root canal, buildup, or gum contouring before placement, these procedures will add to your overall cost.
5. Insurance Coverage
Most dental insurance plans cover crowns, including same-day ones, up to a certain annual limit. Check with your provider or ask our team for help verifying coverage.
Cost vs. Convenience: The Real Value of Same-Day Crowns
Many patients find the convenience of a same-day crown easily justifies the cost difference.
Think about it this way: instead of taking two half-days off work, getting numbed twice, and waiting weeks with a temporary tooth, you get a permanent crown that looks and feels great — the same day.
Over the long term, the cost of lost time, multiple appointments, and potential issues with temporary crowns often outweighs the small upfront savings of a lab-made restoration.
Durability and Longevity
Same-day crowns are just as durable as traditional crowns when properly cared for. The high-strength ceramic materials used in CEREC systems resist cracking and wear, lasting 10 to 15 years or longer with good oral hygiene.
To extend their lifespan:
- Avoid biting hard foods (ice, hard candy)
- Brush twice a day and floss daily
- Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and exams
With proper care, many patients enjoy their crowns for well over a decade.
Are Same-Day Crowns Right for You?
You might be an excellent candidate for a same-day crown if you:
- Have a chipped, cracked, or decayed tooth
- Have enough healthy tooth structure remaining
- Want a fast, permanent restoration
- Prefer avoiding temporaries and multiple visits
However, patients with extremely deep fractures or gum infections may still require traditional lab-made crowns. Your dentist will recommend the best option after a comprehensive evaluation.
The Same-Day Crown Process: Step by Step
Here’s what you can expect at your appointment:
- Preparation: The damaged tooth is reshaped, and any decay is removed.
- Digital Scan: A camera captures precise 3D images of your tooth.
- Design: The crown is designed on-screen using CAD software.
- Milling: The design is sent to a milling machine that carves your crown from a ceramic block.
- Placement: Your dentist checks the fit, polishes, and bonds the crown — all in about 1–2 hours.
The entire process is comfortable, efficient, and completed in one sitting.
FAQ
1. Are same-day crowns as strong as traditional crowns?
Yes. They’re made from durable, high-grade ceramic that’s comparable in strength to lab-made crowns.
2. How long do same-day crowns last?
With proper care, they typically last 10–15 years, though many last much longer.
3. Do insurance plans cover same-day crowns?
Most insurance plans that cover traditional crowns will also cover same-day versions, up to your annual maximum.
4. Can same-day crowns match my natural teeth?
Absolutely. Digital color matching ensures your crown blends seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
5. How much time will I need for the appointment?
Most same-day crown appointments take between 1.5 and 2 hours from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
While same-day crowns may cost a bit more upfront, the benefits — speed, comfort, precision, and aesthetics — make them a smart long-term investment in your smile.
For many patients, saving time, avoiding temporary crowns, and walking out of the office with a brand-new tooth in one visit is priceless.
Ready to restore your smile quickly and comfortably?
Contact Park Ave Dental Group today to schedule your same-day crown consultation and experience how modern dental technology can transform your care.
Sources
- American Dental Association – Dental Crowns: https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/dental-crowns
- Cleveland Clinic – Dental Crown Overview: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crown
- CEREC Official Site – Technology and Benefits: https://www.cerec.com/en-us/patients.html
