What are CEREC Crowns? 

CEREC crowns are a new and innovative type of dentistry that has taken the industry by storm over the past decade. We strive for the most conservative, accurate and biocompatible dentistry possible - oh and did we mention that they can be created in a single appointment. Want to know more about these innovative dental procedures, here is our ultimate frequently asked questions for CEREC crowns...

What are CEREC Crowns? 

Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic Crowns - also known as CEREC crowns - are an innovative dental procedure that combines technology and skill to create a crown in a matter of one appointment. Utilizing Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing technology, also known as CAD/CAM dentistry, this new field of dentistry has provided optimal function and esthetics in order to create natural teeth for patients. The procedure involves your dentist taking a 3-Dimensional (3D) digital impression of your mouth to measure the area where the crown will be placed - say goodbye to traditional impression material. Afterwards, a small camera is utilized to take high quality images of your teeth. Once finalized, the milling unit is used to create the ceramic crown. The dentist will then paint and glaze each tooth to match your other teeth perfectly. Bonding is the final stage of the procedure, which can be completed in a matter of minutes - creating a high quality and meticulously shaped crown that fits seamlessly with the rest of your teeth.

How long do CEREC Crowns last?

Both types of crowns typically last 10-15 years. However, the lifespan of a crown largely depends on the patient’s oral hygiene. Take good care of your mouth and crown and it can last much longer than 15 years.

Are CEREC Crowns more expensive?

As with any dental procedure, your costs will vary. The cost can be based on a number of factors, these include:

• The type of dental insurance you have.
• Procedures covered by your dental insurance.

Procopio Towle Dental Office accepts all PPO insurance programs, as long as they will allow you as a patient to choose any dentist to be your primary dental care provider without any obligation to see one of their dentists within their network. We also provide an “in-house” Procopio Towle Annual Dental Membership for patients who are without dental insurance, it is a prepaid membership dental savings plan that delivers additional value by eliminating monthly premiums and deductibles. For new patients and current patients who do not have dental insurance, it provides an economical way to get dental comfort care they otherwise could not afford.

Are CEREC Crowns better than traditional Crowns?

CEREC crowns are more conservative on the tooth and more time efficient. Given that they only take a day to complete, these technologically advanced crowns, have become the preferred option. While it can take weeks to receive a traditional dental crown, a CEREC crown is created in a single appointment. Not only that, but they allow for a better bite and more natural teeth for patients. Rather than using an impression tray and material, which is uncomfortable and subject to minor distortion, we take photos of the tooth using a digital camera. The computer will create a 3D model of the tooth that is designed by your dentist as opposed to a Lab Technician, who is unfamiliar with your mouth. Once the tooth design is finalized, our milling machine will fabricate the crown from a ceramic block with exceptional accuracy, achieving both great fit and esthetics. They look extremely realistic and you do not have to wear a temporary crown or have uncomfortable impressions of your mouth taken.

Are CEREC Crowns good for molars? 

The simple answer is YES! Molars typically do much of the hard work when breaking down food substances, making them susceptible to wear and tear. Consequently, a high-quality CEREC crown is always a good option for these types of teeth, if restorative options are needed. Obviously, these types of crowns work on any tooth and your dentist will provide the best option for you during consultation. Moreover, CEREC restorations are less reactive than gold and other metals. Therefore, patients are less likely to suffer from irritation, making it a safer choice.

Conclusion 

Overall, CEREC crowns are an innovative and highly efficient dental procedure that provides all the existing benefits of crowns and more! If you are considering CEREC crowns or are still looking for options, call Procopio Towle Dental Office today, where we will be happy to help answer any inquiries you may have.