It used to be that if your tooth incurred serious damage that required a dental crown to restore it, you’d have to wait several weeks for a lab to create it. In the meantime, you’d be fitted with a temporary crown that restricts your diet, increases your risk of sensitivity, and puts the underlying structure of the tooth at risk for damage. Thankfully, today’s CEREC crowns are ready to wear in under two hours, eliminating the lengthy waiting period for a lab-made crown and protecting your smile for a decade or more. Here are a few more incredible perks to these durable, lifelike same-day restorations!
What are CEREC Crowns?
The word CEREC stands for “Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.” These strong, natural-looking restorations are just like the dental crowns you get from a dental lab, only instead of your dentist sending your impressions off to a lab for fabrication, your prosthetic is made in the dental office while you wait. This means there’s no need for a temporary crown, nor will you have to return in a few weeks to have the makeshift restoration removed and the permanent one attached.
What are the Benefits of CEREC Crowns?
In addition to providing the opportunity to complete your entire treatment in just one visit, CEREC crowns offer the following incredible perks over lab-made restorations:
- Because your measurements are uploaded to the CEREC computer, your dentist must use digital impressions instead of those uncomfortable putty molds that are sometimes necessary with traditional crowns.
- Your entire CEREC treatment can be done in one appointment, saving you time by eliminating the need for multiple visits.
- Same-day crown treatment means your tooth will not be at increased risk for decay while you wear a temporary restoration.
- CEREC crowns look and feel just like real teeth and can be identically matched to the rest of your smile.
- Porcelain restorations are strong and durable and can last just as long lab-made crowns.
Who Shouldn’t Get a CEREC Crown?
With so many perks, it’s easy to see why CEREC crowns are so popular. However, porcelain may not be the ideal material for certain back teeth, as it may not be able to withstand full biteforce. In these situations, your dentist may recommend a lab-made restoration that is specifically designed for chewing teeth.
Remember, today’s CEREC crowns are durable, beautiful dental restorations that can repair damaged teeth in just one dental appointment. Whether your tooth has extensive decay or cavities, a deep crack, or is suffering from a painful infection, these prosthetics can restore their appearance and function for years to come.
About Our Practice
At Peterson & Cammack Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand that when you’ve got a painful toothache, the last thing you want is to have to visit the dentist multiple times to complete your treatment. That’s why we’re pleased to offer CEREC Same-Day Crowns. If you’re ready to restore your smile with a durable, long-lasting prosthetic under two hours, contact us today to schedule a consultation for CEREC by visiting our website or calling 360-459-4420.