CEREC crowns are dental crowns that are designed and fabricated in a single appointment using CAD/CAM technology. Traditional lab-made crowns require multiple appointments, the cooperation of an outside dental lab, and long wait times.
CEREC crowns on the other hand can be made all in one day and don’t involve the use of temporary crowns. This effectively reduces the time and cost of your treatment. CEREC crowns, similar to traditional crowns, are used to protect a tooth that has been decayed, damaged, or weakened.
The crown is placed over the vulnerable tooth for protection from wear and tear when eating and also improves the appearance of the tooth.
CEREC same-day crowns are similar to traditional crowns in their use. This means they can be used to treat many of the same issues that traditional crowns treat, such as cracks, chips, eroded enamel, broken teeth, a weakened tooth following root canal treatment, or to cover a large filling.
CEREC crowns offer advantages for patients who would rather save time and money on dental appointments by cutting out the middleman. However, there are some limitations. CEREC crowns are not as accurate at color matching as lab techs who create lab-made crowns so they may not look as aesthetically natural in the front teeth.
They are also exclusively made of ceramic materials so they are not suitable for patients who grind their teeth or withstand significant force like in the back teeth. Ceramic is a fragile material prone to chipping and cracking and is at a higher risk of breaking when placed in the back teeth. They are also not as suitable for treating damage that goes below the gumline.
First, we will examine your tooth to determine if you’re a good candidate for CEREC crowns. Your tooth will be prepared in the same way as traditional crowns, which involves removing a small amount of tooth structure from around the tooth to create room for the crown.
This is done under local anesthetic and is painless. Next, we will take 3D digital scans of your teeth with our CEREC scanner. Using our software, we can create a high-definition 3D model of your teeth and this model is used in tandem with our 3D printer which mills out a custom-made dental crown out of a block of ceramic.
The software also color matches the shade of your crown to the shade of your teeth. The exact parameters and measurements of your tooth are carved out of the block of ceramic to create a perfect natural-looking tooth replica. We’ll then check the fit before bonding and polishing the crown.
Studies show that CEREC crowns have a similar lifespan to traditional lab-made crown materials like porcelain. You can expect your same-day crowns to last between 5 to 15 years depending on your oral hygiene, lifestyle, and maintenance.
To extend the lifespan of your crowns, you should practice good oral hygiene by regularly brushing, flossing, and attending regular dental appointments every 6 months. Limit your exposure to staining food and drinks and avoid smoking.
If you grind your teeth, you need to wear a mouthguard when you sleep. Don’t use your teeth as tools or to chew on inanimate objects. Avoid chewing on hard, sticky, and crunchy foods. This will protect your crowns from damage and stains.
