If you need a dental crown in Littleton, CO, you are facing a choice that most patients do not even know exists: same-day CAD/CAM crowns vs. traditional lab-made crowns. The difference is significant — in terms of convenience, comfort, and the total time invested in your treatment.

How Traditional Crowns Work

The traditional crown process requires two separate appointments spread over two to three weeks:

First appointment: The dentist prepares the tooth, takes an impression using putty molds, and places a temporary crown. The impression is sent to an external dental lab for fabrication.

Waiting period: The lab manufactures the crown — typically over one to three weeks. During this time you wear a temporary crown, which can feel awkward, come loose, or cause sensitivity.

Second appointment: The temporary is removed and the permanent lab-made crown is fitted, adjusted, and cemented in place.

Two appointments. Two rounds of anesthesia. Weeks of wearing a temporary. Two disruptions to your schedule.

How Same-Day CAD/CAM Crowns Work at ADI

At Advanced Dentistry & Implants in Littleton, same-day crowns compress the entire process into a single appointment:

Digital scan: Instead of messy impression molds, our iTero 3D scanner captures a precise digital image of your tooth in seconds — no gagging, no discomfort.

Computer-aided design: Dr. Mohager designs your crown on screen using CAD software, adjusting shape, size, contour, and color in real time for a precise fit and natural appearance.

In-office milling: The design is sent to our in-office milling machine, which carves your crown from a solid block of high-quality ceramic in approximately 15 minutes — right here in our Littleton office.

Same-day placement: After minor adjustments and polishing, the permanent crown is bonded to your tooth. You leave with a finished restoration — no temporary, no second visit, no waiting.

Are Same-Day Crowns as Durable as Lab-Made Crowns?

Yes. Modern CAD/CAM ceramic materials — including lithium disilicate and zirconia — are engineered for both strength and natural aesthetics. Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that CAD/CAM crowns perform comparably to traditional lab-made crowns in longevity, fit, and fracture resistance — with many lasting 15 or more years with proper care.

In some respects, same-day crowns may actually be more accurate because the digital scanning and design process eliminates the dimensional errors that can occur with manual putty impressions and lab handling.

Time and Convenience — No Contest

This is where same-day crowns win decisively. Traditional crowns require two appointments, two rounds of anesthesia, weeks of wearing an uncomfortable temporary, and two disruptions to your work schedule. Same-day CAD/CAM crowns at ADI require one appointment — typically 60 to 90 minutes — one round of anesthesia, and zero temporaries. You leave the same day with your permanent crown in place.

Cost of Same-Day Crowns in Littleton, CO

Same-day CAD/CAM crowns at Advanced Dentistry & Implants typically cost between $1,000 and $1,800 depending on the tooth location and complexity. This is comparable to traditional lab-fabricated crowns — but you eliminate the second appointment, the temporary crown, and the waiting period. Many patients find that the time saved alone makes same-day crowns the better value.

We offer 0% APR financing through Cherry, CareCredit, LendingClub, and Proceed Finance for any restorative treatment. Your exact cost is discussed at your appointment.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Same-Day Crowns?

Same-day CAD/CAM crowns work well for most standard crown restorations — including single crowns, porcelain veneers, inlays, onlays, and small bridges. Common reasons patients at ADI get same-day crowns include cracked teeth, large cavities, failed old crowns, and post-root-canal restorations.

Complex cases involving extensive multi-unit bridges or specific material requirements may still benefit from lab fabrication. Dr. Mohager will evaluate your specific situation and advise you on the best approach — with transparent pricing before any work begins.

The Bottom Line

For most patients in Littleton and the South Denver area who need a crown, same-day CAD/CAM technology delivers comparable quality in a fraction of the time. One appointment. No temporary. No second visit. No outside lab. If your schedule and quality are both important to you — and they should be — same-day crowns are the superior choice.