Thinking about getting a CEREC crown but not sure what they’re all about? You’re in the right place.
Together, we’ll cover CEREC crowns, including their benefits, drawbacks, and the process. Our goal is to help you understand whether or not a CEREC crown is the right choice for your dental needs.
Understanding CEREC Crowns: A Modern Dental Marvel
So, what is a CEREC crown? It’s a high-tech solution for a damaged tooth, crafted from a strong ceramic material.
Instead of booking multiple appointments, a dentist with a CEREC machine can create and place this crown in just one visit. This makes CEREC a popular choice for those who love efficiency.
Advantages of Choosing CEREC Crowns
We know that no one enjoys spending hours at the dentist. This is where CEREC crowns have a big advantage. With the right technology, your dentist can take a 3D digital scan of your tooth that then goes directly to a milling machine in the office.
From there, they carve out your new crown while you wait. That means no messy impressions or waiting weeks for a lab to make your crown.
Research suggests this chairside economical approach is very efficient, and lets you get back to your day quickly. Besides convenience, here are a few additional benefits:
Natural Looking Appearance
Because CEREC crowns are made of ceramic, they blend in beautifully with your natural teeth. There’s no metal core, so you get a more aesthetically pleasing result.
Research suggests this is because the lack of a metal core allows light to reflect more naturally off the crown, making it less noticeable. In the end, CEREC crowns offer a natural look by closely resembling the appearance of your natural teeth.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Don’t be fooled by the speed of the process. These crowns are built to last. With proper care, they can last for many years, just like traditional crowns.
CEREC crowns are sturdy and resist abrasion, making them a reliable option for restorative dentistry. Their durable nature makes them an excellent option for patients seeking a long-lasting dental solution.
Inside the CEREC Crown Process
If you live in the Langley, BC area, we’re pleased to tell you that, here at Walnut Grove Smiles, CEREC crowns are part of our services.
Let’s lay out what you can expect if you decide to go for it.
1. Preparation
First, we’ll examine the damaged tooth and prepare it for the crown. At this point, we usually need to remove any decayed or weakened areas. We may take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate size of the crown.
2. Digital Impression
This is where things get cool. Next, we’ll use a special camera to take digital images of your teeth, creating a 3D model. This digital impression eliminates gooey, uncomfortable traditional impressions.
3. Crown Design and Milling
Using the 3D model, we’ll then design your custom crown right here in the office. The design is sent to the milling machine, which carves your crown with precision from a block of ceramic material.
We carefully select the ceramic porcelain used in CEREC crowns to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth. This process typically takes about 15 minutes, allowing for same-day placement.
4. Fitting and Placement
Once the crown is milled, we’ll make sure it fits correctly and make any final adjustments. Then, we polish it to match your natural teeth and bond it securely in place.
In the end, you leave with a brand-new smile. And, of course, we’ll provide you with instructions for caring for your new CEREC crown.
CEREC Crowns Vs. Traditional Crowns
The big question: how do these high-tech crowns stack up against traditional crowns? Let’s take a quick look.
Essentially, the main difference lies in the process. CEREC offers incredible speed and convenience but limits material choice.
Traditional crowns allow for different materials based on your specific needs and preferences but require more time.
Understanding the distinctions between CEREC and traditional crowns will enable you to chat with us about the best option for your individual needs.
Making the Decision: Is a CEREC Crown Right For You?
While a CEREC crown presents an exciting leap in dental technology, choosing the best type of crown is a personal decision. Always keep your main priorities in mind:
- Convenience: If you value a fast, streamlined process and dislike multiple dental appointments, CEREC might be your ideal match. The single-visit procedure eliminates the need for temporary crowns and reduces the overall treatment time.
- Appearance: The natural look of ceramic CEREC crowns makes them an excellent option if aesthetics are a top priority. CEREC technology allows for precise color matching and shaping, resulting in a crown that seamlessly blends in with your surrounding teeth.
- Budget: Have an open and honest conversation with your dentist about all costs involved. Explore if payment plans are an option for making the treatment more manageable. Discuss the cost of CEREC crowns compared to other restorative options, considering your insurance coverage and long-term dental needs.
Ultimately, the right crown for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. A candid chat with your dentist will help determine if this approach is a good fit. Know that we can provide personalized recommendations based on your oral health condition and treatment goals.
A Convenient and Aesthetically Pleasing Solution
A CEREC crown offers a convenient and aesthetically pleasing solution for damaged teeth. This innovative approach provides many advantages, such as same-day service and natural-looking results. Just be sure to weigh these advantages against potential drawbacks such as cost and availability.
Currently, we’re accepting new patients and would love to welcome you to the Walnut Grove family! You can request an appointment with us today and we’ll look forward to meeting you.