CEREC Crowns Made Simple: 4 Common Questions Answered

  Dentist putting block of porcelain into CEREC machineIf you have a tooth with severe damage or decay, your dentist may have recommended a CEREC crown. However, hearing this acronym may have left you even more confused about what it is! In short, it’s cutting-edge technology that allows you to get a restoration within a single visit. Many dental offices are adding this to their practice because of its convenience. Continue reading to learn the answers to four common questions patients have.

1.)  What Does “CEREC” Mean?

This acronym refers to a handy machine that allows your dentist to place porcelain crowns within one visit, without needing to wait for a dental lab to craft them. It stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It gives your dental office the ability to take a digital impression of your mouth and design a customized crown, which then gets made in-house by a milling machine.

2.)  How Long Does Treatment with CEREC Crowns Take?

The entire treatment timeline depends on your specific case, but it can take about an hour or two. The bulk of this is your dentist preparing your tooth for the crown. They will remove some enamel from the sides, so that your restoration can have a tighter fit. After a quick scan of your mouth, a model of your crown gets sent to a machine that takes about 30 minutes to sculpt it out of a block of porcelain. Once this is done, it’s ready to be placed!

3.)  Are There Any Advantages to CEREC Crowns?

Many dentists are choosing to have a CEREC machine in their office because of how convenient it is. This technology eliminates the need for temporary crowns, which can cause some issues with your teeth and gums. It takes about two weeks for a dental lab to craft your restoration. During this time, you risk damaging the temporary crown as it’s not as durable and is bonded with weaker cement, increasing your risk of damaging your tooth.

4.)  How Long Do CEREC Crowns Last?

While CEREC crowns are very convenient, many people think they are too good to be true. The good news is that they are just as reliable as traditional crowns. They can last for around 10 to 15 years before you need to get them replaced, similar to their counterparts. They are both made from a high-quality material that gives them the reliability patients love! Even if you may not have known much about CEREC crowns beforehand, learning more about them can help you feel more confident about choosing them for your oral health!

About the Practice

At Michelsen Dental, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who want the best for you and your smile. We use state-of-the-art technology to give you treatments that are quick and effective, including offering CEREC crowns. You deserve high-quality care, so we ensure each restoration is lifelike and will last you for years to come. If you have any questions, we’d be more than happy to solve your concerns, schedule an appointment, or call us at (714) 492-1169.