If you've cracked a tooth, lost a filling, or been told you need a crown, the traditional process can feel daunting — two visits, temporary crowns, impressions that make you gag, and weeks of waiting. At Stanton Smiles in Fort Lauderdale, we do it differently. Our same-day crown technology lets you walk in with a damaged tooth and walk out with a permanent, custom-made ceramic crown — all in a single appointment.
What Is a Same-Day Dental Crown?
A same-day dental crown (sometimes called a CEREC crown, after the technology that made it possible) is a full ceramic restoration designed, milled, and bonded in one visit — typically in under two hours. Unlike traditional crowns, there are no goopy impressions, no temporary crowns, and no second appointment two weeks later.
At Stanton Smiles, our same-day crown process is the cornerstone of what we call the Stanton "One Visit" Method — a patient-first approach to restorative dentistry that respects your time without compromising quality.
How the Same-Day Crown Process Works at Stanton Smiles
Here's exactly what to expect when you come in for a same-day crown in our Fort Lauderdale office:
- Digital scan (5 minutes). Instead of a tray of putty, we use a small intraoral camera to capture a 3D digital impression of your tooth. It's fast, comfortable, and dramatically more accurate.
- Custom design (15 minutes). Dr. Stanton designs your crown on our CAD software to match the exact shape, contour, and bite of your natural tooth.
- In-office milling (20–40 minutes). A precision milling unit carves your crown from a single block of high-strength ceramic — right here in the office. You can watch it happen.
- Glaze and bond (30 minutes). We polish, color-match, and permanently bond the crown to your prepared tooth. You leave with a finished restoration.
Same-Day Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns
Both produce a beautiful, durable result — but the patient experience is dramatically different:
- Number of visits: Same-day = 1. Traditional = 2 (sometimes 3).
- Time investment: Same-day = ~2 hours. Traditional = 2 visits over 2–3 weeks.
- Temporary crown: Same-day = none. Traditional = yes (often falls off, sensitive).
- Impressions: Same-day = digital scan. Traditional = physical putty tray.
- Material: Same-day = solid block of medical-grade ceramic. Traditional = porcelain-fused-to-metal or lab ceramic.
- Aesthetics: Both excellent — same-day ceramics are color-matched on-site.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Same-Day Crowns?
Most patients in Fort Lauderdale who need a crown are excellent candidates for the same-day approach. Common scenarios include:
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- A large old filling that has failed
- A tooth that has had a root canal and needs full coverage
- Severe tooth decay too extensive for a filling
- A worn-down tooth from grinding (bruxism)
- Replacing an old metal or PFM crown with a more natural-looking ceramic one
Cases that may still require lab-fabricated crowns include certain implant restorations and complex full-mouth rehabilitation — Dr. Stanton will tell you straight at your consultation which option fits your tooth best.
How Long Do Same-Day Crowns Last?
Modern ceramic same-day crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer with good oral hygiene — comparable to traditional lab crowns. Independent clinical studies tracking CEREC crowns over decades show survival rates above 95% at 10 years. The high-strength lithium disilicate ceramic we use is engineered to withstand normal chewing forces and is highly resistant to staining.
How Much Does a Same-Day Crown Cost in Fort Lauderdale?
Same-day crowns at Stanton Smiles are priced comparably to traditional lab crowns — and in many cases the same or slightly less, because we eliminate the outside lab fee. Most dental insurance plans cover crowns at the same rate regardless of how they're fabricated. We're happy to verify your benefits before your appointment and provide a clear, written estimate up front. Financing through CareCredit and in-house payment plans are also available.
Why Patients in Fort Lauderdale Choose Stanton Smiles for Same-Day Crowns
Dr. Daniel Stanton has been practicing restorative and cosmetic dentistry in Fort Lauderdale for over two decades. Our practice was an early adopter of in-office digital milling because we saw what it did for patients: less time off work, no anxiety-inducing temporaries, and a final restoration that fits perfectly the first time.
Beyond the technology, we focus on the small things — heated neck pillows, noise-canceling headphones, transparent pricing, and a team that explains every step before we touch a tooth. It's why so many of our patients drive in from Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, and Coral Ridge for their dental work.
Same-Day Crown FAQ
Does the procedure hurt?
No. The tooth is fully anesthetized during preparation, just like any other crown procedure. Most patients report little to no soreness afterward.
Will my insurance cover it?
In almost all cases, yes. Insurance reimburses crowns based on the procedure code, not the fabrication method. We'll verify your specific plan before treatment.
What if my tooth needs a root canal too?
We can often complete the root canal and same-day crown in the same visit, depending on the tooth.
Are same-day crowns as strong as traditional crowns?
Yes. The lithium disilicate ceramic used is one of the strongest dental materials available — stronger than traditional porcelain.
How do I schedule a same-day crown appointment?
Call us at (954) 565-9788 or request an appointment online. We typically have same-week availability for crown procedures.
Schedule Your Same-Day Crown Consultation in Fort Lauderdale
If you've been putting off dental work because of the time commitment, same-day crowns may be the solution. At Stanton Smiles, we've helped thousands of Fort Lauderdale patients restore their smiles in a single visit — without sacrificing quality, aesthetics, or comfort.
Call (954) 565-9788 or book online to schedule your consultation. We're located at 5400 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308.