TL;DR
- CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) lets dentists make and place crowns in one visit.
- A quick digital scan, computer design, and in-office milling create the crown within hours.
- It saves time and removes the need for temporary crowns or multiple appointments.
- The crowns fit well, look natural, and are made from strong ceramic materials.
- With proper care, CEREC crowns last 10-15 years.
- Good brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups help them stay in great shape.
How CEREC is Changing Dental Care?
The world of restorative dentistry is evolving quickly, and CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology is redefining what it means to get a dental crown. Instead of scheduling multiple appointments or waiting weeks for a lab-made crown, patients can now walk in and leave with a high-quality restoration the very same day. This new approach combines precision, speed, and comfort, making dental visits more convenient and less stressful than ever before.
As we move forward, we’ll look at how CEREC works in real practice: how it works step by step, the benefits that make it stand out, how it compares with traditional crowns, and how long CEREC restorations typically last with proper care.
What is CEREC in Dentistry?
CEREC represents one of the biggest advancements in modern restorative dentistry. It allows dentists to design and place a CEREC crown in a single visit, using computer-based technology to replace traditional molds and laboratory wait times.
The system combines digital scanning, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to produce precise, high-quality restorations right in the dental office. Key components include:
- A digital scanner (intraoral camera) to take accurate 3D images of your teeth.
- CAD software that helps the dentist design the custom restoration on-screen.
- A CAM milling machine that carves the restoration from a ceramic or composite block.
CEREC typically uses strong, tooth-colored ceramics or hybrid composites that blend naturally with your existing teeth and are durable for long-term use. Because CEREC is an in-office system, there’s no need for an external lab, temporary crowns, or multiple appointments. Everything is completed in one visit, saving both time and discomfort.
How CEREC Works?
Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of how a CEREC dental crown is created and fitted:
Step 1: Digital Impressions: A special intraoral camera scans your prepared tooth and surrounding area to generate a precise 3-D image.
Step 2: Computer-Aided Design: Using CAD software, the dentist designs the crown on-screen in real time, adjusting shape, thickness, and fit.
Step 3: Milling the Crown: The CAM milling machine takes a ceramic block and carves out the custom crown within 15-30 minutes.
Step 4: Fitting and Bonding: The dentist polishes and fine-tunes the restoration, then bonds it permanently onto the prepared tooth, all in the same appointment.
Advantages of CEREC Same-Day Crowns
Our dentists at University Ave Dental have seen firsthand how CEREC same-day crowns can improve comfort and efficiency for many patients. Here are some key advantages:
- Time Efficiency: The entire process is completed in a single appointment, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Precision Fit: Digital impressions and CAD design minimize manual errors and ensure a more accurate fit.
- Durability: The ceramic materials used in CEREC restorations are engineered for long-term strength and performance.
- Aesthetics: The ceramic blocks are color-matched to blend naturally with surrounding teeth, ensuring a seamless look.
- Comfort: Patients can avoid messy impressions, temporary crowns, and multiple visits, making the experience smoother and more comfortable.
- Minimized Tooth Sensitivity: Since the restoration is placed immediately, there’s less exposure of the prepared tooth, reducing post-procedure sensitivity.
- Conservation of Natural Tooth: CEREC allows dentists to preserve more of the natural tooth structure compared to traditional crown methods.
It’s true that the CEREC crown cost can be a bit higher, but most patients find it worth it. You get a strong, natural-looking crown that’s made and placed in just one visit.
CEREC vs Traditional Crowns: Key Differences
Here’s how the two approaches compare in important aspects:
| Features | CEREC Same-Day Crowns | Traditional Crowns |
| Visits Required | One visit. | Two or more visits. |
| Materials Used | Ceramic-based materials or composite blocks. | Wider material range: ceramic, metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and zirconia. |
| Accuracy | Digital scan and CAD design ensure a perfect fit. | Physical impressions and manual steps may introduce slight errors. |
| Temporary Crown | Not Required. | Often needed while waiting for the lab to fabricate the final crown. |
| Turnaround Time | Completed the same day. | Usually takes 1-2 weeks or longer. |
| Durability | Strong and long-lasting for most cases. | May offer higher strength in certain metal-based crowns. |
| Aesthetics | Natural-looking and color-matched ceramic finish. | Depends on material like porcelain-fused and all-ceramic look natural. |
| Repair or adjustments | Can be modified chairside immediately. | Requires sending back to the lab. |
| Comfort | Digital impressions, so no messy trays. | Can be uncomfortable for some patients. |
How Long Do CEREC Crowns Last?
If you’re wondering how long CEREC crowns really last, the good news is that they last quite a long time! With proper care, they can stay strong for 10 to 15 years, sometimes even longer.
These same-day crowns are made from tough ceramic material that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. Their lifespan depends on simple things: how well you brush, what you eat, and whether you grind your teeth.
Here’s how to help your CEREC crown last longer:
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly to keep your gums healthy.
- Visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups.
- Avoid biting into hard foods like ice or nuts.
- Wear a night guard if you tend to grind your teeth.
- Limit coffee, tea, or dark foods that might stain your crown.
Conclusion
Getting a dental crown should be simple and stress-free. With CEREC technology, you can restore your tooth in just one visit without waiting weeks for a lab-made crown. It’s quick, comfortable, and designed to look and feel completely natural.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Blaine, MN, our team at University Ave Dental is here to help. We take time to understand your needs, explain every step clearly, and make sure your visit feels easy and reassuring from start to finish.
Call us at (763) 784-1242 or visit 10155 University Ave NE, Suite #112, Blaine, MN 55434. We look forward to helping you smile confidently again.
FAQs
How long does a CEREC crown appointment take?
A typical appointment for a CEREC crown may range from about 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on complexity, since the design, milling, and placement all happen in one visit.
Are CEREC crowns as durable as traditional ones?
Yes. Research shows that CEREC crowns can have similar longevity to lab-made crowns, with survival rates of 94-95% at 5 years and 85 % at 10 years in certain studies.
What materials are used for CEREC crowns?
CEREC crowns are typically made from high-strength ceramic blocks that the CAD/CAM system mills into custom restorations.
Are CEREC crowns more expensive than regular crowns?
The cost can vary. While the convenience and efficiency of CEREC same-day crowns might come at a premium in some cases, many practices price them comparably to traditional lab crowns when factoring in fewer visits and no temporary crown.
Is CEREC suitable for patients with metal allergies?
Yes. Since CEREC crowns are ceramic-based and do not include metal components, they are well-suited for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities.
