For decades, getting a dental crown meant two appointments, messy impressions, uncomfortable temporary crowns, and weeks of waiting. But technology has changed everything. At Prentice Dental, we use Glidewell.io same-day crown technology to deliver permanent, custom crowns in a single visit—and the results speak for themselves.
The Traditional Crown Problem
Traditional crowns require two appointments separated by 2-3 weeks. Here's what that process involves:
- ❌Messy impressions: Gooey putty that triggers gag reflexes and often needs to be redone
- ❌Temporary crown headaches: Fragile plastic temporaries that break, fall off, or collect food underneath
- ❌Two weeks of worry: Avoiding hard foods, feeling self-conscious about appearance, dealing with sensitivity
- ❌Lost productivity: Two separate appointments means two missed work days or schedule disruptions
- ❌Lab uncertainty: You're trusting technicians you've never met to create something that fits properly
The Same-Day Crown Advantage
Glidewell.io same-day crowns eliminate every single problem above. Here's what Dr. Prentice's patients experience instead:
- Digital scanning: No goop, no gagging—just a comfortable 3D scan in minutes
- No temporary crown: Walk out with your permanent crown the same day—nothing breaks, nothing falls off
- Immediate results: Eat normally the same day, no sensitivity, no waiting period
- One appointment: Usually 90-120 minutes total—one disruption instead of two
- Dr. Prentice controls everything: He designs, mills, and places your crown himself—no outsourcing to unknown labs
Why Most Dentists Still Use Traditional Crowns
If same-day crowns are so much better, why doesn't every dentist offer them? Three reasons:
- Cost: A single Glidewell.io milling unit costs $100,000+. Dr. Prentice has invested in 3 units to ensure availability.
- Training: Glidewell.io requires extensive training and practice. Dr. Prentice has been using this technology for over 15 years and teaches other dentists nationally.
- Time commitment: Traditional crowns are faster for the dentist (outsource to a lab). Same-day crowns require the dentist to be present throughout fabrication.
Are Same-Day Crowns as Strong?
Actually, they're often stronger. Glidewell.io crowns are milled from solid blocks of high-density ceramic—no air bubbles, no weak spots. Traditional lab crowns can have microscopic flaws introduced during the layering and firing process. Plus, same-day crowns bond immediately to freshly prepared tooth structure, creating a stronger seal that reduces the risk of future decay underneath.
The Bottom Line
Unless you have a very complex cosmetic case requiring ultra-precise color matching (rare), same-day crowns are the superior option for most patients. They save time, eliminate temporary crown problems, deliver better fits, and last just as long—often longer—than traditional crowns.
Dr. Prentice has placed thousands of same-day crowns with an exceptionally low failure rate. His patients consistently say the same thing: "I wish I'd known this option existed years ago."
About Dr. Joshua Prentice
DDS, Kois Center Graduate with Honors
Dr. Prentice has completed advanced training at the prestigious Kois Center, one of dentistry's most respected institutions for comprehensive treatment planning and evidence-based care. He lectures nationally on complex restorative dentistry, digital workflows, and airway-centered treatment.
With over 15 years of experience in comprehensive dentistry, Dr. Prentice combines cutting-edge technology with evidence-based protocols to deliver predictable, lasting results for complex dental cases.
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Need a Crown? Get It Done Today
Dr. Prentice can evaluate your tooth and, in most cases, complete your crown the same day using Glidewell.io technology. No temporaries, no second visit.
Or call us at (972) 539-6831