Dental crowns are an effective tool for repairing and beautifying a person’s smile. Crowns cover damaged, discolored, or broken teeth, protecting them from further damage and restoring their color and shape
especially when dental tooth whitening is no longer an option.
While the crown itself is quite useful, the process of getting one hasn’t been so convenient. Patients often wait two or three weeks while the dentist crafts a crown in the correct size and shape. This waiting period can be frustrating if the patient has a busy schedule (or is suffering a terrible toothache).
Luckily, one new dental technology is changing the way many offices make dental crowns:
the CEREC crown.
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic. This procedure allows dentists to create and install dental crowns in a single visit. Could this procedure be the key to perfecting your smile? Let’s look at this innovative new technology.
CEREC Crowns and How They Work
Dentists make traditional dental crowns offsite in a lab. By contrast, dentists build CEREC crowns from a solid piece of ceramic or resin in the office.
The process is very simple. The dentist uses a CEREC Acquisition Unit to take a digital image of your tooth. This image helps your dentist design your crown in mere moments. A CEREC Milling Unit uses that 3D image to carve your crown from a ceramic or resin block. Once your new crown is complete, your dentist can fit it in place right away. Just like that, you’re on your way with a brand-new smile!
The Pros
CEREC services are quickly becoming the go-to method for dental crowns. This is largely due to their many benefits – most notably the quick turnaround time.
The CEREC crown procedure takes around two hours. There is no need for uncomfortable impressions, temporary crowns, or waiting to get that perfect smile you’ve always wanted.
Also, CEREC crowns can be stronger and more durable than traditional crowns. This is because they are carved from a single block of material, rather than porcelain fused to metal components. CEREC crowns can last 10-15 years, making them a great investment in your oral health.
The Cons
The CEREC crown does provide many benefits to dentists and their patients. However, it is important to remember that this procedure may not be for everyone.
For example, the CEREC Acquisition Unit cannot adequately capture fractures below the gum line. If your tooth has this kind of fracture, your CEREC crown may not fit properly. This can cause more discomfort in the long run.
Cost is also a key factor when considering CEREC versus traditional dental crowns. The average patient can expect to pay between $300 and $1,000 for a traditional crown (depending on their insurance coverage and the materials used). By contrast, CEREC crowns can cost between $500 to $1,500.
Of course, the time you save from avoiding multiple appointments can make up for the extra cost of CEREC crowns. However, some patients may want to consider these cost differences.
Book Your Appointment Today
A CEREC crown protects damaged teeth, prevents oral discomfort, and hides discoloration for a more beautiful smile. If you’re interested in receiving a CEREC crown, talk to your dentist. He or she will help determine if this procedure is right for you.
Downtown Dental has been providing Chicagoans with healthy, beautiful smiles (including CEREC restorations) for nearly twenty years. To schedule an appointment, call one of our offices today!