4 of the Most Common Questions About CEREC Crowns

Dental technology has advanced significantly in recent years, making many treatments faster and more convenient for patients. One of the most exciting innovations is the CEREC crown, which allows dentists to create and place a custom dental crown in a single visit. While this technology is becoming more common, many patients still have questions about how it works and whether it’s the right option for them.

Here are 4 common questions about CEREC crowns and their answers.

1. What is a CEREC Crown?

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It is a technology that allows dentists to design, create, and place a dental crown in just one appointment.

Instead of taking messy impressions and sending them to an outside dental laboratory, the dentist uses a digital scanner to create a detailed 3D image of your tooth. This image is used to design the crown on a computer. Then, a specialized milling machine in the office carves the crown from a block of ceramic material.

The result is a custom crown that fits your tooth precisely and can often be placed the same day.

2. How Long Does the Procedure Take?

One of the biggest advantages of CEREC crowns is convenience. Traditional crowns usually require two appointments spaced several weeks apart. During that time, patients must wear a temporary crown while the permanent one is made in a dental lab.

With CEREC technology, the entire process typically takes about one to two hours. After the tooth is prepared and scanned, the milling machine creates the crown while you wait. Once it is ready, the dentist checks the fit and permanently bonds it to your tooth.

This means you can walk into the office with a damaged tooth and leave with a fully restored smile the same day.

3. Are CEREC Crowns Durable?

Yes, CEREC crowns are designed to be strong and long-lasting. They are usually made from high-quality ceramic materials that closely mimic the appearance and durability of natural teeth.

When properly cared for, CEREC crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Maintaining good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing daily, and attending regular dental checkups can help extend the life of your crown.

Just like natural teeth, crowns can still be damaged by habits such as grinding, chewing ice, or biting hard objects, so it’s important to avoid these behaviors.

4. Do CEREC Crowns Look Natural?

CEREC crowns are known for their natural appearance. The ceramic material used in these restorations closely resembles the color and translucency of real tooth enamel.

Dentists can also carefully match the shade of the crown to blend with your surrounding teeth, making the restoration virtually unnoticeable when you smile.

Because the crown is custom-designed using digital imaging, it also fits more precisely and comfortably.

CEREC crowns offer a convenient and modern solution for restoring damaged or weakened teeth. By combining digital imaging and in-office manufacturing, this technology allows patients to receive high-quality crowns without multiple visits or temporary restorations. If you have a tooth that needs a crown, talking with your dentist about CEREC technology can help you determine whether this same-day treatment is the right option for your smile.

About the Author

Dr. Ryan Eskridge has practiced dentistry for nearly 2 decades. He is a 2002 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. In 2016, he was given the opportunity to purchase his own dental office in Powell and hasn’t looked back! He’s committed to continuing education, becoming one of the earliest dentists in the area to implement CEREC technology in 2004 and has completed thousands of single-visit crowns and restorations. With this type of experience and expertise, you can trust us if you’re looking for a same-day crown restoration. Book online or call (614) 792-0063.