Dental crowns are a reliable means of strengthening and protecting damaged teeth. Traditionally, they are created in dental laboratories, which work with dentists to create top-quality products. Nowadays, though, some dentists have taken the crown creation process into their own hands with the help of CEREC technology. It has the potential to give you a strong, beautiful crown in just a single appointment! Would you like to know more about CEREC crowns? This blog post answers four common questions.
What Does CEREC Stand For?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. This technology allows dentists to design, create, and place crowns in a single appointment. CEREC systems use advanced digital imaging and computer-aided design to ensure that dental restorations are both precisely fitted and highly aesthetic.
How Does the CEREC Process Work?
The CEREC process begins with the dentist preparing your tooth for a crown, much like with traditional crowns. Instead of using physical impressions, your dental team will then use a digital scanner to take detailed images of your tooth and surrounding structures. This process is comfortable and quick.
The digital images are then transferred to an on-site computer, where specialized software creates a 3D model of your crown. The dentist can adjust the design to match your bite and ensure optimal fit and function. Once the design is finalized, the information is sent to a milling machine.
The milling machine crafts the crown from a solid block of ceramic. This process typically takes less than an hour. After the crown is milled, your dentist may further refine its appearance by staining or glazing it to match the color of your natural teeth. Your dentist then places the crown, and you can go off to enjoy your restored smile.
Are CEREC Crowns as Good as Traditional Crowns?
CEREC crowns are made from high-quality dental ceramics, which provide excellent strength and aesthetic appeal. In many cases, CEREC crowns are indistinguishable from crowns produced in dental laboratories. The digital design process allows for exceptional precision and customization.
CEREC crowns even offer advantages that you cannot get with traditional crowns. For example, the expedited process means you will not have to wear a temporary crown. And the digital impression process is easier than the manual impressions that are often taken for traditional crowns. In some cases, CEREC crowns fit even better than traditional ones.
How Long Do CEREC Crowns Last?
With proper care, CEREC crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, and sometimes even longer. Their longevity depends on several factors, including your oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups. Avoiding hard objects and not using your teeth to open packages will also help extend the crown’s lifespan.
CEREC crowns are pretty amazing! Talk to your dental team to learn more about this technology and how it could benefit you.
Meet the Practice
At All Smiles Implants and Family Dental, Dr. Robert Saphner and our team pride ourselves on providing top-quality dental care. We often use CEREC technology to craft beautiful, durable crowns. If you have questions about CEREC or any other services available in our office, contact our La Crosse practice at 608-668-6415.