The Role of Digital Technology in Crafting Dental Crowns


Woman sitting in dental chair

In today’s advanced dental field, ongoing innovations are transforming oral health care and restorative procedures. A prime example of this progress is the PlanScan® system.

This groundbreaking technology has changed how dental crowns are made. Moving away from the old approach of multiple visits and long waiting periods, PlanScan® same-day crowns use state-of-the-art technology to provide efficient and accurate dental restorations in just one appointment.

Moving Beyond Traditional Molds

Traditionally, creating a dental crown involves taking physical impressions of the patient’s teeth using trays and alginate dental putty. This process, often messy and uncomfortable for the patient, was prone to errors.

Digital impressions offer a gag-free experience compared to traditional alginate impressions. They allow for a detailed view of your oral anatomy, ensuring that the final crown fits seamlessly with your natural bite and adjacent teeth.

Dentists can now capture precise digital images of the teeth using intraoral scanners. This method is faster and more comfortable for patients and provides accurate data, leading to better-fitting crowns.

How Modern Crown Fabrication Works

The core of digital crown technology lies in CAD/CAM systems. After capturing the digital impression, dentists use computer-aided design (CAD) software to render a virtual 3D image of the crown.

Once the design is finalized, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) fabricates the crown. The 3D images and scanning data are sent to the e.Mill® system, where the dentist inputs information like the color of the crown so that the final restoration matches your natural teeth.

This information from the e.Mill® system is then sent to the PlanMill, where the crown is milled from a solid ceramic block. This process not only accelerates the fabrication but also enhances the strength and aesthetic appeal of the crown.

Same-Day Dentistry

One of the most significant advantages of digital technology in crafting dental crowns is the possibility of same-day dentistry. Traditional methods required weeks for the crown to be made in a lab and returned to the dentist’s office.

With the in-office CAD/CAM technology, patients can receive their crowns on the same day, reducing the need for multiple appointments and temporary crowns.

Digital technology ensures a level of precision that manual methods can’t match. This accuracy results in crowns that fit more snugly, reducing the risk of complications like tooth decay and improving oral health.

Patient-Centered Care

Digital technology in crafting dental crowns is not just about the technicalities; it's about transforming patient care. With reduced discomfort, shorter treatment times, and improved outcomes, digital dentistry is reshaping the patient experience.

Schedule Your Same-Day Crown Today

Integrating digital technology in crafting dental crowns represents a leap forward in dental care. It streamlines the process for dentists and improves the patient experience. As this technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more groundbreaking changes in dentistry, making procedures more efficient, accurate, and patient-friendly.

If you need a tooth restoration, find out about the benefits of digital dentistry for yourself and schedule an appointment for PlanScan same-day crowns at Valley Dental Care. Our dental professionals are experienced in digital crown design and fabrication, ensuring you leave our practice with a healthier smile in just one visit.