Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic — or CEREC® — crowns are a type of dental restoration that can be provided to a patient in a single day. Unlike typical crowns that must be made in a lab separate from the dentist’s office, these restorations are created with an in-house machine after the affected tooth has been scanned with accurate digital imagery. The crown is then applied to the tooth, and the patient can leave the office without needing to return for further treatment.
Many patients wonder about the effectiveness and performance of CEREC® crowns after one is used to cap a decaying tooth. It helps to understand how they stand up to traditional crowns in strength, protection, material, and appearance. Once the pros and cons are understood, it can be easier to decide what type of crown is the right choice.
Dentists create these special restorations with computer-aided technology. Digital images allow the computer to make a 3D model of the tooth, which it can then use to determine exact measurements for the new crown. As a result, the crown can have an even more precise fit than one that is created from a molded impression in the mouth. Not only does this mean the new cap is comfortable, but the tight fit can prevent plaque and bacteria from infecting what is left of the real tooth.
A computer-made crown can last as long as a traditional one. A patient may keep the same restoration for up to 15 years, though many dentists agree that proper care and oral hygiene can stretch the longevity of both CEREC® and regular crowns. Patients who brush twice daily and floss regularly can prevent harmful bacteria from gnawing away at the restoration.
CEREC® crowns are made of resin or ceramic, allowing them to be crafted easily in the dentist’s office. Traditional crowns are often made of metal or porcelain, or a combination of the two. Metal is often the sturdiest material to use in these procedures. It lasts longer and is more durable. However, dental resin and ceramic are still incredibly sturdy and can last just as long with proper care.
One of the biggest advantages of CEREC® crowns is the natural appearance. A new cap can be colored to match that of the tooth, creating a seamless fit that makes it nearly impossible to discern where the tooth ends and the crown begins. This can be harder to achieve with traditional crowns made of metal. For restorations that will be visible in a patient’s smile, same-day crowns can be ideal.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: CEREC Dentist in Swampscott, MA
For those who want a dental crown without the hassle of multiple appointments, CEREC® crowns may be the winner. However, traditional options can be equally beneficial, so you can discuss the choices with a dentist to see which one is a good fit.
Request an appointment or call Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of the North Shore at 781-443-8268 for an appointment in our Swampscott office.
If a person has a broken tooth, this can lead to many problems, so a dental professional may recommend a CEREC® crown. Known as Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, this technology can be used to fabricate a variety of dental devices, such as veneers, implants, bridges, and dentures, as well as crowns, which are…
Restoring a tooth surface with a crown used to be time-consuming, requiring multiple office visits. CEREC®, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (or CERamic REConstruction) is a system that uses computer technology to design a custom-fitted crown that can be created, polished, and bonded in place on the same day.All of the…
Made of durable, tooth-colored ceramic, CEREC® crowns have become popular in recent years. These restorations are sometimes used to strengthen a broken tooth. One appeal of these crowns is that they can be made in one visit.CEREC® crowns are natural-looking restorations, so dentists use them for front as well as back teeth. Because they are…
If you have ever considered straightening your teeth, Invisalign® may be the solution you are looking for. This treatment offers a discreet, convenient, and effective way to achieve a beautifully aligned smile. The following guide will walk you through the process of getting Invisalign, from your initial consultation to post-treatment care.The journey towards a straighter…
Invisalign® is a popular alternative to straightening teeth with traditional braces. It allows patients to improve the alignment of their teeth without ruining the appearance of their smile with a bunch of metal brackets and wires.These removable plastic aligner trays can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues like crooked, crowded, abnormally…