CEREC Crown
Russellville, AL
 Dental crowns are restorative in nature. They are meant to take the place of sections of broken or damaged teeth. They can be made from a variety of different materials including porcelain, resin, ceramic, and metal, and can be colored to match the remaining natural teeth of the patient.
Compared to traditional tooth crowns, Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, are far more durable and considered among the strongest available. Please contact Singing River Dentistry in Russellville, AL, so our staff can go over the details of the procedure and schedule an appointment for you.
What Is a CEREC Crown?
CEREC crowns are a specific type that have many benefits over a traditional crown. When it comes to having a crown placed, both our patients and our team want the best possible fitting to ensure it feels comfortable in the patient's mouth. CEREC crowns offer the most accurately made crowns available via the use of CAD/CAM technology. Singing River Dentistry can fit CEREC crowns in one quick appointment.
Our staff uses computer-aided design (CAD) to create digital images of your jaw and tooth that will be used to design the crown. A computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) machine is then used to create the crown right in our own office, which usually takes around 15 minutes to make.
When Should I Get a CEREC Crown?
CEREC crowns are far superior to traditional crowns, which are sometimes called lab crowns, because they are designed and placed utilizing (CAT) technology which stands for Computer Assisted Technology. This ensures proper fit and diminishes potential complications. Just a single office visit is necessary for the procedure.
Teeth which are discolored or whose luster has diminished to the point of being darker in color can also be brought back to their natural brilliance with the help of a CEREC crown placement. Minor alignment issues can also be corrected with a CEREC crown.
CEREC Crown Procedure
One of the main CEREC crown advantages over traditional crowns is the speed of the process. Whereas other crowns may take several weeks to complete, CEREC crowns are a same-day procedure.
CEREC crowns are made using a device similar to a 3D printer, which is a machine that is able to "print" 3D sculptures. They use a variety of materials and can make many different items. In this case, we use porcelain or resin composite to "print" you a dental crown.
When you come in for your appointment, our dentist will use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to design the crown. This is a type of digital photography that allows our dentist to produce the 3D model of your crown. Our dentist will take images of your jaw and tooth.
Our machine will use these images to mill (create) a tooth for you, which is the CEREC crown. In general, this takes about 15 minutes. Once this is complete, our dentist will place the crown and ensure that it is a good fit. We will then polish the CEREC crown for appearance and the process will be complete.
CEREC Crown Benefits
Our onsite CAD/CAM technology can mill a crown in less than 15 minutes, meaning the whole procedure can take as little as two hours.
For a crown that can last over 15 years, this is significantly beneficial to the patient. CEREC crowns are often made from porcelain, which is a ceramic that looks nearly indistinguishable from a natural tooth. The color of the porcelain crown can be matched to that of a natural tooth, and porcelain even gives off the same gleam that natural teeth do. This is especially beneficial to those who are having a CEREC crown due to decay, as decay often discolors the teeth.
What Is Involved in Fitting a CEREC crown?
Having a CEREC crown placed is similar to having a normal crown placed, but the wait time between having the initial surgery and having the crown placed is shortened from two weeks to having it placed the same day. The patient will choose what material they would like the crown to be made from.
An intraoral scanner provides a digital impression generated from the scans of the patient's teeth. This is entirely different from the way traditional crowns are manufactured. The scans are uploaded to a CAD/CAM computer system which is able to provide a complete restoration of the affected tooth digitally.
Once this is completed, the machine is capable of producing a CEREC crown in under 15 minutes. With a bit of final polishing to make sure it matches the rest of the patient's teeth in shape and color, our staff will then place it on the tooth.
Why Choose CEREC Crowns
Unlike lab crowns, which can take weeks to produce and then place, CEREC crowns are ready within a single office visit. Most patients are delighted to find out we can get them manufactured and back to place in their mouth the very same day. These same day crowns save time for the patient and the office.
The placement process utilizes Computer Assisted Technology which greatly diminishes mistakes made during a traditional crown placement. It ensures a greater degree of comfort while patients chew their food as well. We have found CEREC crowns last much longer than the lab crowns do.
One of the biggest reasons a patient chooses to get a crown placement is to correct the appearance of their teeth. Because CEREC crowns do not have their core made of metal, they do not have an artificial appearance. They appear more natural, and blend in easier with the patient's natural teeth.
How long does it take to get a CEREC crown?
Getting a CEREC crown typically takes about two hours. This includes the time needed for tooth preparation, digital impressions, crown design, milling, and placement. Unlike traditional crowns, CEREC crowns are created and placed in a single visit.
What materials are used in CEREC crowns?
CEREC crowns are typically made from high-quality ceramic materials that are durable and match the natural appearance of your teeth. These materials are known for their strength and aesthetic appeal, providing a natural-looking restoration.
How do I care for my CEREC crown?
Caring for a CEREC crown is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Avoid chewing on hard objects to prevent damage to the crown.
Can CEREC crowns be used for front teeth?
Yes, CEREC crowns can be used for front teeth. They are designed to match the color and appearance of your natural teeth, making them an excellent choice for restoring front teeth with a natural and aesthetically pleasing look.
Are CEREC crowns strong enough for back teeth?
Yes, CEREC crowns are strong enough for back teeth. The high-quality ceramic materials used in CEREC crowns are durable and can withstand the biting forces of back teeth, making them suitable for both front and back teeth restorations.
Will a CEREC crown match my natural teeth?
Yes, CEREC crowns are designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. The digital imaging technology used in the CEREC process ensures a precise fit and a natural appearance, blending seamlessly with your existing teeth.
What should I do if my CEREC crown feels uncomfortable?
If your CEREC crown feels uncomfortable, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Discomfort could be due to an improper fit or bite issues, which can be adjusted by your dentist to ensure a comfortable and accurate fit.
How long do CEREC crowns last?
CEREC crowns can last many years with proper care, typically ranging from 10 to 15 years or longer. Factors such as oral hygiene, chewing habits, and regular dental visits can influence the longevity of your crown.
Can I get a CEREC crown if I have an existing metal crown?
Yes, you can replace an existing metal crown with a CEREC crown. Your dentist will remove the old crown and prepare your tooth for the new CEREC crown, providing a more aesthetically pleasing and metal-free restoration.
Are CEREC crowns more expensive than traditional crowns?
The cost of CEREC crowns can vary and may be comparable to or slightly higher than traditional crowns. However, the convenience of same-day service and the advanced technology used can justify the cost. It's best to discuss with your dentist for a detailed cost comparison.
Get Your Dental Crown in One Day in Russellville, AL
Singing River Dentistry uses CEREC crown technology as a fast, effective and simple restorative treatment. Our team can accommodate your next dental crown, and can fit it around your schedule. To book an appointment now, call our office at 256-460-4191 and our professionals can show you how a CEREC crown could make your restoration process easier. |
