Dental technology continues to evolve, offering faster, more efficient, and more natural-looking solutions for common issues. One innovation leading this progress is the use of CEREC® crowns. A general or cosmetic dentist can design, create, and place these high-quality restorations in a single visit.
Short for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, CEREC crowns are custom-made dental restorations created using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. Traditional dental crowns often require multiple visits, temporary fittings, and weeks of waiting. However, CEREC crowns are designed and milled in the dental office — usually in under two hours. These crowns are crafted from a solid block of ceramic or porcelain that is color-matched to the surrounding teeth. In other words, they are the natural, durable, and convenient future of dental restorations.
The CEREC process begins with digital imaging, which captures a detailed 3D scan of the tooth. The general or cosmetic dentist then uses the scan to design the restoration on specialized software. After finalizing the design, they send the data to an in-office milling machine that fabricates CEREC crowns on the spot. Lastly, the dentist bonds the crown to the prepared tooth, ensuring a proper fit, bite alignment, and appearance.
General or cosmetic dentists assess each patient’s unique needs, including tooth location and bite alignment, to confirm that CEREC is the right long-term solution. Ideal candidates are those with damaged, decayed, or fractured teeth, including patients who have undergone root canal therapy. Patients with busy schedules, a strong gag reflex, or discomfort with traditional impressions may appreciate the convenience and comfort of CEREC’s digital technology. However, eligibility also depends on having adequate healthy tooth structure and stable gum health.
One of the most compelling reasons why CEREC crowns are gaining popularity is the range of advantages they offer over traditional crowns. The ability to receive a permanent, high-quality crown is only part of what makes this option so appealing. Here are just some of the other advantages of CEREC crowns over traditional crowns:
These benefits contribute to an enhanced patient experience while also supporting long-term dental health. For instance, patients can avoid the discomfort of a temporary crown, which can sometimes fall off or cause sensitivity. It also reduces the number of injections and the amount of time spent in the dental chair. Traditional crowns typically require two or more appointments, with a gap of several weeks between them. Fortunately, CEREC crowns eliminate the need for this gap.
Moreover, CEREC crowns use advanced digital imaging to craft the crowns, allowing general and cosmetic dentists to deliver a highly precise, natural-looking fit with minimal need for adjustments. This cutting-edge technology ensures each crown blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth for a comfortable, lifelike result. Made from stain-resistant, biocompatible ceramic, CEREC crowns offer both durability and safety, making them a smart, long-term solution for most patients.
CEREC crowns are recommended for a wide range of dental situations. In many cases, they are used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but still structurally sound enough to support a crown. Teeth that have been weakened by large cavities, fractures, or root canal therapy can benefit from the protection and reinforcement that this type of crown provides.
Dentists may also recommend CEREC crowns to replace existing restorations that have failed or aged over time. When an old crown becomes loose, worn, or discolored, a CEREC replacement can provide both improved function and aesthetics with minimal disruption to daily life. Similarly, CEREC technology is useful in dental emergencies, providing same-day solutions for cracked or broken teeth without the wait that comes with traditional restorations.
CEREC crowns also have cosmetic applications. They can enhance teeth with significant discoloration, irregular shapes, or small gaps. While porcelain crowns are the more traditional option in cosmetic dentistry, the decision to use CEREC is ultimately based on a clinical examination, patient preferences, and treatment goals. Dentists consider factors such as tooth location, bite alignment, enamel quality, and the size of the restoration when recommending this solution.
Whether for cosmetic improvements or restorative needs, CEREC crowns are the future of dental restorations due to their convenience, efficacy, and efficiency. This innovation can reshape a patient’s dental experience for the better. Reach out to our San Diego team to learn more about CEREC in an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.missionvalleydentalarts.com or call Mission Valley Dental Arts at (619) 805-4248 for an appointment in our San Diego office.
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