CEREC dental crowns are oral devices made from a digitally modeled ceramic mold and are used to restore damaged teeth. In the past, getting a dental crown required multiple visits to the dentist and several weeks of wearing temporary crowns prior to being fitted with one that matched your natural tooth color. With CEREC technology, you can get permanent crowns in one visit.
Continue reading to learn more.
What are CEREC dental crowns?
Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, also called (CEREC) is an advanced modern technology that allows dental professionals to create custom-fitted dental crowns in a single visit and their clinic. It is a new cutting-edge type of oral restoration made digital as an alternative to traditional impressions. It involves using CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Assisted Manufacturing) software to create the crowns and a milling machine that carves the ceramic material into shape. Like traditional crowns, CEREC tooth crowns are made to match the shape, size, and shade of your natural teeth, giving you a gorgeous smile.
When is CEREC used?
CEREC dental crowns are used for the following:
- Restore damaged teeth because of decay, deterioration, or trauma
- Replace huge fillings that have ended up being loose or worn down
- Cover severely stained teeth
- Secure dental bridges in place
- Repair cracked or fractured teeth
- Replace old, worn-out crowns
Traditional Dental Crowns Vs. CEREC
Below is a comparison between CEREC and traditional dental crowns:
- Dental visits needed. Traditional dental crowns call for multiple visits to the dentist, usually two or more. With CEREC, you can receive your new crown in just one visit.
- Materials. Traditional dental crowns are made from various materials, including metal alloys, ceramic, resin, and porcelain fused to metal (PFM). On the other hand, CEREC crowns are made only from ceramic material.
- Durability. Given that traditional crowns are made from different materials like metal alloys, they are much less susceptible to breakage. On the other hand, the ceramic material used in CEREC crowns is more at risk of breakage.
- Lifespan. Because CEREC crowns are more prone to damage, their life expectancy is significantly shorter than traditional dental crowns. They last approximately 10 to 15 years on average, while metal crowns can last up to 15 years or more.
- Cost. The costs for both treatments differ, but there’s not much difference.
- Accuracy. Since CEREC uses a digital impression, the accuracy of CEREC crowns is more significant than traditional dental crowns.
It’s worth noting that the secret to longer-lasting crowns, whichever materials they are made from, is good oral hygiene and routine dental visits. This means brushing twice and flossing daily, avoiding or restricting sweet foods and drinks, and scheduling regular checkups and cleanings. You may check out the Eberhardt Dentistry homepage if you need any help deciding between dental crowns and CEREC or any other dental services related to your oral health.
Should you choose CEREC over traditional crowns?
If you are trying to find a faster method to address your damaged teeth, CEREC crowns might be the right option for you. Like traditional crowns, they can also give you a natural-looking smile, but in a fraction of the time. However, if durability and a longer lifespan are necessary, traditional dental crowns would be a much better alternative.
Are there alternatives to CEREC dental crowns?
If, for some reason, you can’t receive CEREC or traditional dental crowns, here are a few of the alternatives you can consider:
- Dentures. These are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth. They can be made from either acrylic or metal, providing a more affordable substitute for crowns. However, they are less durable. Check out this page for more details about dentures.
- Dental implants. These are longer-lasting treatments for missing teeth made from titanium and are surgically implanted right into the jawbone. While they are more expensive than other alternatives, they offer a more natural feel and look, and a longer lifespan.
- Onlays. While they are less strong than crowns, onlays provide a more affordable option for repairing damaged teeth. These dental pieces cover the teeth’s chewing surface area and replace large fillings.
- Inlays. Inlays resemble onlays but are smaller. They fit inside the cusps (ridges) of the tooth and are used to fix smaller areas of decay.
- Bonding. Also known as composite bonding, this approach involves applying a tooth-colored resin material directly to the affected tooth and shaping it for a natural look. It’s a suitable option for people who want a low-cost solution with limited longevity.
The Bottom Line
CEREC dental crowns are an excellent option if you need to restore your teeth promptly without compromising the quality of your results. Comparable to traditional ones, they can give you a natural-looking, stunning smile. However, if toughness and longevity are top of your checklist, traditional crowns are the better option. Your dentist can help you make a decision about which crown will suit your situation.
Regardless of your choice, proper oral hygiene is vital to keeping your oral restorations looking great and lasting much longer. Brush your teeth at least two times, floss daily, and have regular checkups with your dentist every six months or as recommended by your dentist. With great care and maintenance, your new crown should last many years.