Traditionally, it takes multiple appointments over a few weeks to be fitted with a dental crown because it’s built in a special laboratory to match the shape, shade, and size of your natural teeth. However, if your dentist uses CEREC same-day technology, they can provide a restoration without the long wait. It’s natural to wonder whether this method is better than the tried-and-true way of doing things. Read on to learn more about some of the pros and cons of this technique to decide if it’s right for you!
What Are CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns?
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) same-day dental crowns are like standard ones, but they are created more digitally instead of using manual means. Instead of biting into a tray of goo to take physical impressions, scans and images are taken virtually and then loaded into a special computer program. Then, an on-site milling machine uses this information to carve your artificial tooth on the spot.
What Are the Pros of CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns?
Advantages of choosing a CEREC same-day dental crown include:
- Immediate results. You’ll receive your prosthetic on the same day as your appointment, so you won’t have to wait 1 to 2+ weeks to protect and preserve your grin.
- No temporary crowns. Because you won’t have a long period of time between preparing your tooth and having your restoration placed, there’s no need for a temporary one in the meantime.
- Natural look and feel. These artificial teeth can be customized to match your teeth for a seamless smile.
- Durable. The resilient ceramic used to create your restoration is stain and scratch-resistant and can last 10+ years with the right care.
What Are the Cons of CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns?
Although there are many benefits to this technique, it’s not necessarily the best choice for everyone’s unique circumstances. Some potential pitfalls are:
- Expense. Because your dentist must use additional technology and materials to build your dental crown, it may cost more than if it was created at a lab.
- Materials. Today, porcelain is a popular choice for dental restorations, but this method doesn’t apply if you want one fused to metal or prefer an amalgam option.
- Limited applications. CEREC technology doesn’t take images below the gumline, so if your situation requires a more in-depth solution, you may have to go the traditional route.
- Resilience. Porcelain is incredibly strong, but it’s not as long-lasting as prosthetics made of metal.
If you still have questions about this updated technique, the best way to learn more is to schedule a consultation with your dentist!
About the Practice
At Grateful Dentists, you and your family benefit from two dentists who offer a wide array of services under one roof. They understand that everyone has unique needs and strive to provide compassionate care to meet them. They welcome patients of all ages and believe that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. Then, they use state-of-the-art equipment like CEREC same-day dental crowns to enhance your comfort and result accuracy. If you’d like to make an appointment, you can request one on the website or by calling (978) 667-2741.