Getting a dental crown used to be a time-consuming process. Between multiple visits to the dentist, temporary crowns, and multiple weeks of waiting for a lab-made restoration, it was like taking up a new hobby you don’t enjoy.
Now, imagine walking into the dentist’s office with a damaged tooth and walking out the same day with a brand-new, custom-made crown — no temporary restorations, no messy impressions, no follow-up visits, and no waiting weeks for fabrication in a lab. Sounds too good to be true, right? Not with CEREC® technology!
The cutting-edge CEREC system is revolutionizing how dental crowns are made, delivering high-quality, permanent restorations in just a single visit. Here’s how it works and why it might be the ultimate solution for your smile.
This advanced CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) system makes the process efficient, precise, and comfortable. If you need a dental crown but don’t want the hassle of multiple visits, here’s everything you need to know about CEREC and why it might be the perfect solution for you!
How Does CEREC Technology Work?
Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics — or CEREC — is a state-of-the-art system that uses digital scanning and milling technology to create custom ceramic crowns in just a few hours. Here’s how the 4-step process works:
- Digital Scanning — Instead of using traditional, gooey impression material, your dentist takes high-resolution 3D images of your teeth with an intraoral scanner.
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) — The digital scans are then used to design a precise, custom-fit crown with advanced CAD software.
- On-Site Milling — The design is then sent to an in-office milling unit, where the crown is crafted from a single block of high-quality ceramic.
- Immediate Placement — Once the crown is ready, your dentist polishes, customizes, and bonds it to your tooth.
The procedure usually takes about two hours, making it one of the most convenient and efficient ways to restore a damaged tooth.
The Advantages of CEREC Crowns
CEREC dental crowns offer several significant benefits over traditional crowns, making them an attractive option for many patients.
- Same-day convenience — Traditional crowns require at least two visits—one for impressions and a temporary crown, and another, weeks later, to place the final restoration. CEREC allows you to skip the wait and leave the office with a permanent crown on the same day!
- No temporary crowns — When getting a traditional crown, patients are often fitted with a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being fabricated in a lab. These temporary restorations can be uncomfortable and may even fall out before the next appointment. CEREC eliminates this issue entirely.
- Superior fit and comfort — The digital impressions used in CEREC technology are incredibly precise, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit. This level of accuracy reduces the need for adjustments and the risk of discomfort after placement.
- Natural aesthetics — CEREC crowns are crafted from high-quality ceramic that perfectly matches the natural color and translucency of your teeth. Unlike some traditional crowns, which contain metal, CEREC restorations appear natural and blend seamlessly into your smile.
- Long-lasting results — Despite the speed of the process, CEREC crowns are strong and durable. When properly cared for, over 85 percent of CEREC crowns last at least 10 years, making them a reliable long-term solution.
Are CEREC Crowns in Lindenhurst as Strong as Traditional Crowns?
One of the most common questions patients ask is whether same-day CEREC crowns are as durable as their lab-made counterparts. The answer is yes — most of the time. Since CEREC crowns are milled from a single block of high-quality dental ceramic, they are extremely strong and resistant to wear. This makes them exceptionally effective for:
- Front and mid-mouth restorations
- Moderate bite pressure areas
- Patients who want a metal-free option
However, in cases where a patient has severe grinding habits (bruxism) or requires extreme bite force durability (such as molars that bear heavy chewing pressure), lab-made zirconia or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns may be recommended.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a CEREC Crown?
CEREC crowns are ideal for most patients who need a dental crown. You may be a great candidate if you:
- Have a broken, cracked, or severely decayed tooth that needs protection
- Want to avoid the hassle of multiple dental visits and get your crown on the same day
- Prefer a metal-free restoration that doesn’t compromise on natural looks
- Need a comfortable, custom-fit crown that won’t require frequent adjustments
However, if you need a full-mouth reconstruction or need special materials, your dentist may recommend a different type of crown.
The Cost of CEREC Crowns: Are They Worth It?
Another common question among patients about CEREC crowns concerns their out-of-pocket cost compared to those of traditional crowns. While exact prices vary based on various factors — the location in the mouth of the crown and your location and insurance coverage — CEREC crowns are typically comparable in cost to lab-made crowns.
The fact that they don’t require much (if any) additional investment despite delivering added convenience, time savings, and precision makes CEREC crowns a worthwhile solution. Plus, some dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost — and many dental practices, like Pearly Place Dental, offer flexible payment and financing options. So, checking with your insurance and dental care providers is always a good idea.
Caring for Your CEREC Crowns
Like natural teeth, CEREC crowns require proper care to stay strong and functional. Here are some essential tips:
- Brush and floss daily to keep your gums and adjacent teeth healthy.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects (like ice or pens) to prevent damage.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth while sleeping.
- Schedule regular dental checkups to ensure your crown remains in great shape.
With this proper care, your CEREC crown can provide years of reliable function and aesthetics.
Experience the Magic of Same-Day CEREC Dental Crowns in Lindenhurst
Do you need a dental crown but have neither the time nor the patience for multiple visits, temporary restorations, and the weeks-long wait for a permanent crown? If so, cutting-edge CEREC crowns may offer the convenience, effectiveness, and aesthetics you’re after!
If you’re in Lindenhurst, NY, and want to learn more about the transformative effects of CEREC same-day crowns on your smile and bite, contact Dr. Anudeep Grewal and the skilled and helpful Pearly Place Dental team to schedule a consultation!