Discover the Answers to These 4 Common Questions About CEREC Crowns

The CEREC system has changed the way crowns are made. Now patients can simply have their restorations created and placed in just one appointment. If you haven’t gotten a CEREC crown before, you may have a few questions about the process and what you can expect. Below, your dentist has provided helpful, informative answers to 4 CEREC inquiries that tend to be on the minds of a lot of patients.

1. How Does the CEREC System Work?

The CEREC system utilizes CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) technology. Digital images of the tooth are captured and sent to a computer, which will use special software to determine the correct dimensions for the crown. Once the restoration has been designed, the CEREC milling machine can create it. The crown will be carefully attached to your tooth, thus completing the process.

2. How Long Do CEREC Treatments Take?

The answer to this question can vary from patient to patient. Many CEREC appointments last around one or two hours. Note that a significant part of this time is spent removing enamel from the tooth in question so that the final crown can fit properly.

Traditional dental crowns normally require two appointments, and some patients have to wait up to two weeks for their final restoration. In comparison, getting a CEREC crown takes much less time.

3. When is a CEREC Crown Recommended?

If you are a candidate for a traditional crown, then you can also have a CEREC crown placed. It should be noted, though, that CEREC crowns are always made out of ceramic materials. If you are interested in getting a different kind of crown, you may have to go the traditional route. That said, CEREC crowns offer high levels of durability and are very natural-looking.

4. How Long Do CEREC Crowns Last?

It’s impossible to know for sure exactly how long your CEREC crown will last. The restoration will be designed to be highly durable, but there’s always the possibility of accidents occurring. That being said, many CEREC crowns are able to last 10 or even 15 years. To maximize the lifespan of your own crown, be sure to practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis, and don’t forget to visit your dentist twice a year.

Hopefully, the information above helped you learn a little bit more about CEREC crowns. If there’s anything else you want to know, schedule a consultation with your dentist; they will be more than happy to answer any questions on your mind.

About the Author

Dr. Steve W. Cobb went to Baylor School of Dentistry for his Doctor of Dental Surgery. At his practice in Odessa, he puts his decades of dental experience to good use helping patients protect and improve their smiles. With the CEREC system, he is able to provide same-day dental crowns. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cobb, visit his website or call (432) 367-4774.