Have you ever had a dentist place a crown? Do you remember if they used an in-office dental milling machine, or did they partner with a dental lab or studio? When it comes to fixing a tooth, you might have heard about these two different methods for making a crown. Both have their perks, but let's dive into why using a dental lab might just be the best choice for your smile!
Let’s Start at the Beginning
First off, what's a crown? A crown is almost like a little hat for your tooth! They’re used when your teeth need a bit of extra protection and support, especially if they've been damaged or weakened. That's where crowns come in handy. They cover up the tooth, making it stronger and also restoring your natural biting and chewing functions.
How Are Crowns Made?
With milling machines like CEREC, the crown is made right there in the dental office. It's a quick process, which is great if you're in a hurry. But sometimes, quick isn't always best.
Dental labs, on the other hand, take a bit more time, but that extra time is so worth it! When making a crown with this method, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them off to the lab. There, highly skilled technicians carefully craft your crown by hand. It's like getting a custom-made piece of jewelry for your smile!
Which One is Better?
That depends, but if you’re like us and want the best custom fit and look, using a dental lab is the way to go. For starters, the quality of materials is often better with a dental lab. It’s also made by hand, which means a skilled person can give it much more attention to detail. Dental technicians in labs are like artists. They make sure every crown fits perfectly and looks natural in your mouth.
Another big benefit of the lab over a milling machine is customization. Our teeth are all different shapes and sizes, just like we are. With a dental lab, your crown can be tailored to fit your unique smile. That means it will feel more comfortable and look more natural than one made by a machine.
Of course, there are times when a milling machine might be the better choice. If you need a crown in a hurry, for example, or if you're getting a simple restoration, a machine-made crown could be just fine.
But if you want the best for your smile, it's hard to beat the quality, customization, and durability of a crown made in a dental lab. So, next time you're at the dentist, ask about your options.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope you enjoyed learning about the different ways dentists can make crowns for their patients. If you enjoy learning about dentistry and want to see our latest posts, please drop by and like our Facebook page.