If you’ve been told you need a dental crown, you may be dreading the idea of multiple visits, messy impressions, and temporary crowns. Fortunately, modern technology has made the process much easier with CEREC crowns. CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) uses advanced digital imaging and milling technology to create custom crowns in just one appointment. Curious about how they work? Let’s look at 4 of the most common questions patients ask about CEREC crowns.
1. What Makes CEREC Crowns Different from Traditional Crowns?
Traditional crowns usually require at least two visits. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared, impressions are taken, and a temporary crown is placed while a dental lab fabricates the permanent crown—a process that can take two to three weeks.
CEREC crowns, on the other hand, are designed, crafted, and placed in a single appointment. Using 3D digital scans, your dentist creates a precise model of your tooth, then mills the crown from a block of ceramic right in the office. This eliminates the need for temporary crowns and extra appointments.
2. How Long Do CEREC Crowns Last?
CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic that is both durable and natural-looking. With proper care, they can last 10 to 15 years or more, similar to traditional crowns. Their longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, diet, and habits like teeth grinding. Regular dental checkups and good home care—brushing, flossing, and avoiding very hard foods—help extend the life of your crown.
3. Do CEREC Crowns Look Natural?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of CEREC crowns is their highly aesthetic appearance. The ceramic material is color-matched to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, making the crown virtually indistinguishable from your natural smile. Since the design is guided by digital imaging, the fit and contour are extremely precise, which not only looks great but also feels comfortable.
4. Is the Procedure Comfortable?
Many patients find the CEREC process more comfortable than traditional crowns. Instead of messy impression trays, your dentist uses a digital scanner to capture images of your teeth in seconds. The entire process—preparing the tooth, designing the crown, milling it, and placing it—takes about two hours. While you’ll still receive local anesthesia for tooth preparation, the efficiency of the process means less time in the chair and no need for multiple numbing injections on different visits.
CEREC crowns are a modern solution that saves time without sacrificing quality. They:
- Eliminate the need for temporary crowns.
- Provide a natural, long-lasting restoration.
- Fit comfortably thanks to digital precision.
- Allow you to complete treatment in just one visit.
If you’ve been putting off getting a crown because of the hassle, CEREC technology might be the perfect solution for you. Talk to your dentist to see if you’re a candidate and enjoy the benefits of a restored, beautiful smile faster than you ever thought possible.
About the Practice
Do you need to restore a damaged tooth quickly and efficiently? At Washington Dental Associates, we can fix you up with a same-day CEREC crown and have you ready to go in just one visit to our practice! We have a dedicated team of dentists with decades of experience, meaning you’re going to get the best treatment available on the market. And with evening and Saturday appointments available, you’re sure to find a convenient time to come in and see us. Schedule your visit online or call our Bergenfield office at (201) 453-4863.