When it comes to restoring a damaged tooth, dental crowns are one of the most reliable solutions. Traditionally, getting a crown required multiple visits, messy impressions, and waiting weeks for a dental lab to create the permanent restoration. Today, technology has made the process faster and more convenient with CEREC crowns. CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) allows dentists to design, mill, and place your crown in a single visit. If you’re considering this option, here are 4 common questions patients often ask about CEREC crowns.
1. How Do CEREC Crowns Compare to Traditional Crowns?
Traditional crowns require at least two visits—one to take impressions and place a temporary crown, and another weeks later to place the permanent crown after it’s made in a dental lab. With CEREC technology, everything is completed in one appointment. Your dentist uses digital scans instead of goopy impressions and mills the crown chairside. The result is a strong, natural-looking ceramic crown that fits precisely over your tooth.
CEREC crowns are comparable in durability and aesthetics to traditional crowns, but the biggest advantage is convenience. You skip the wait time and the hassle of wearing a temporary crown.
2. Are CEREC Crowns Durable?
Yes! CEREC crowns are made of high-quality ceramic that can withstand the daily pressures of chewing and biting. With proper care—brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups—a CEREC crown can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. While metal crowns may be slightly stronger, ceramic crowns are highly durable and have the added benefit of blending seamlessly with your natural teeth.
It’s also worth noting that CEREC crowns are metal-free, making them an excellent choice for patients with metal sensitivities or those who prefer a more natural-looking smile.
3. What is the Process of Getting a CEREC Crown Like?
The process is simple, efficient, and comfortable. First, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing decay or reshaping it to make room for the crown. Instead of using traditional impressions, your dentist will take a digital scan of your mouth with a small camera.
That scan is then used to design your custom crown on a computer. The design is sent to a milling machine in the office that carves your crown out of a block of ceramic. Within minutes, your crown is ready to be bonded permanently to your tooth. The entire appointment typically takes about two hours, start to finish.
4. Are CEREC Crowns Right for Everyone?
Most patients who need a crown are excellent candidates for CEREC. Whether you have a cracked tooth, a large filling that needs replacement, or a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment, a same-day crown can restore strength and function. However, in rare cases where a tooth requires special materials or an extremely complex restoration, a traditional lab-made crown may still be recommended.
CEREC crowns combine convenience, durability, and aesthetics, making them an excellent choice for many patients. If you’ve been putting off a crown because of time or inconvenience, same-day CEREC technology may be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Ask your dentist if CEREC crowns are right for you—you might be surprised at how simple the process can be.
About the Practice
Do you have a tooth in need of restoration? You can trust the experts at Amberly Dental to fix your smile quickly with same-day CEREC crowns. We can construct a new crown for you in just one hour and have you back to your day in no time! Our restorations are fabricated using 100 percent white dental porcelain with quality that matches any lab-made crown. If you’re ready to get your look and functionality back, schedule an appointment online or call us at (402) 786-2007.