Dental professionals have used crowns to restore and protect compromised teeth for centuries, and the technology used has only improved in that time. Until recently, modern dental crowns were designed, manufactured, and placed over the span of at least two appointments, meaning that patients would often have to wait two weeks after their first procedure before receiving their restoration.
Today, many dentists offer CEREC dental crowns that can be designed and placed in a single appointment. Here’s a brief overview of this process as well as a few pros and cons of the treatment.
How Are CEREC Dental Crowns Manufactured?
When you come in to receive your CEREC dental crown, your dentist will begin the process by applying a local anesthetic and possibly a sedation treatment to ensure your comfort. When you’re ready, they will remove the damaged or decayed structure from your tooth before using a specialized 3D scanner to create a detailed and precise map of your mouth. The CEREC machine will then mill a customized dental crown down from a ceramic block, creating a beautifully lifelike restoration that matches the curves and shade of your smile.
The process of milling your crown can take one or several hours, so it’s a great idea to bring a book to your appointment. When your crown is ready, it will be securely cemented to your tooth. After any final adjustments, you’ll be ready to show off your new restoration to friends and family.
What Are the Advantages of CEREC Dental Crowns?
CEREC dental crowns offer several unique advantages, those being:
- Completing the procedure in a single day: While traditional dental crowns require at least two appointments over at least two weeks to be placed, you can receive a CEREC crown in a few hours.
- CEREC crowns are beautifully lifelike: Since they are manufactured from high-quality ceramic materials, CEREC crowns seamlessly restore the appearance of compromised teeth.
- No temporary crowns necessary: For traditional restorations, patients must wear a temporary crown while their customized permanent appliance is being manufactured. CEREC crowns are placed in one day, making temporary crowns unnecessary.
What Are the Disadvantages of CEREC Crowns?
There are a few cons of CEREC dental crowns to consider. These include:
- Ceramic crowns may not be as durable as metal ones: Dental crowns made from ceramic materials may not last as long as metal restorations, but this difference is often negligible.
- CEREC crowns aren’t always the best option: CEREC dental crowns cannot address cracks below the gumline, which can make traditional crowns the more suitable treatment.
- Greater cost: CEREC dental crowns use advanced technology to deliver beautiful restorations in a single visit, which can make them significantly more expensive than traditional crowns.
A CEREC dental crown may be the best way to preserve your oral health and enhance the appearance of your smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best restorative treatment for you.
About the Practice
First Impressions Dentistry of Yukon offers the best oral health services in the area. Led by Drs. Matt Cole and Zane Weaver, the staff ensures that each patient receives exemplary customer service as well as genuine compassion. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as CEREC dental crowns. To schedule your consultation for CEREC crowns, contact the office online or dial (405) 354-4806.
