Same-Day Dental Crowns in Boulder, CO
Why wait two weeks when you can walk out with a permanent crown today?
At Boulder Smile Design, we've invested in same-day crown technology so you never have to rearrange your schedule twice, wear an uncomfortable temporary, or spend two weeks worrying about a damaged tooth. If you're searching for same-day crowns in Boulder or a CEREC dentist in Boulder, CO — you've found us. Most dental offices in the area still send crown impressions to an off-site lab. We don't. We design, mill, and place your permanent crown in a single appointment.
What Are Same-Day Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-fitted cap that covers a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth — restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Traditionally, getting a crown meant two separate visits: one to prep the tooth and take impressions, and a second (usually 2–3 weeks later) to place the permanent crown. In between, you'd wear a fragile temporary that could crack, slip, or simply feel wrong.
Same-day crowns eliminate that entire waiting period. Using advanced in-office milling technology, we can design, fabricate, and permanently place your crown in about two hours — all in one visit, no temporary required.
How It Works: From Scan to Smile in One Visit
Our same-day crown process uses Glidewell.io — a state-of-the-art digital workflow that rivals CEREC and puts full crown fabrication capabilities right here in our Boulder office. Here's exactly what happens during your appointment:
We use a precise intraoral scanner to capture a 3D image of your tooth and surrounding bite. No messy impression putty. No gagging. Just a quick, comfortable scan that takes minutes.
Dr. Friedman uses the digital scan to design your crown on-screen, tailoring the shape and contours to fit your bite perfectly. You can even see the design before it's made.
Your crown is milled from a single block of high-quality ceramic or zirconia right here in our office. The milling unit carves your restoration to the exact specifications of your digital design — typically in under 20 minutes.
After any finishing touches, Dr. Friedman checks your bite, makes micro-adjustments if needed, and bonds the crown permanently into place. You leave with a final, durable restoration — same day.
Same-Day vs. Traditional Crowns: Why It Matters
| Same-Day Crowns (Boulder Smile Design) | Traditional Crowns | |
|---|---|---|
| Visits required | 1 | 2–3 |
| Wait time | ~2 hours | 2–3 weeks |
| Temporary crown | None | Required |
| Impressions | Digital scan | Putty molds |
| Fabricated | In-office | Off-site lab |
| Material | Premium ceramic/zirconia | Varies |
The convenience factor is real. No second appointment means no second trip across town, no second block of time off work, and no risk of a temporary crown failing in the meantime. For Boulder's busy professionals, parents, and active lifestyles, one-visit crowns aren't just a luxury — they're a better way to do dentistry.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Most patients with mild to moderate tooth damage are excellent candidates for a same-day crown. Dr. Friedman may recommend one if you have:
- A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
- Significant tooth decay that a filling can't fully restore
- A tooth that needs protection after root canal therapy
- A dental implant that needs a permanent restoration
- An existing crown that has failed or needs replacement
- A tooth with a large, failing old filling
During your exam, Dr. Friedman will assess the extent of the damage and confirm whether a same-day crown is the right solution — or whether another restoration might serve you better.
Cost & Insurance
The cost of a same-day crown at Boulder Smile Design depends on the tooth location, material selected, and your insurance coverage. Most dental insurance plans that cover traditional crowns also cover same-day crowns — because the end result is the same: a permanent, custom-fit restoration.
We are in-network with several major dental insurance providers and will always provide a clear cost breakdown before your procedure. For patients without insurance, we offer:
- Our in-house dental savings plan for significant discounts on crowns and other services
- Flexible financing options
- All major credit cards, personal checks, and cash
Call us at (303) 442-6142 and we'll verify your benefits before you even come in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready for a Crown Without the Wait?
Don't let a damaged tooth sit for weeks while you wait for a lab. Boulder Smile Design offers same-day crowns because we believe your time matters.
One appointment. No temporaries. Permanent results.