Using advanced dental technology to get better results than ever before

Like any other type of technology, dental technology is always improving, providing better methods and materials for tried-and-true treatment techniques, and giving you more options than ever when it comes to your care. One treatment that has seen significant improvements over the years is dental crowns. Dental crowns are an incredibly common dental procedure and are often the key to saving and protecting a severely decayed or damaged tooth. Now, new technology is transforming the process of getting a dental crown.

The CEREC System creates same day crowns, making the process of getting a natural dental crown much easier and faster. But what are same day dental crowns and how do they compare to traditional crowns? To help you understand this new technology and how it could benefit you, we’ve answered five of the most common questions we get about them.

What are same day crowns?

Same day crowns are dental crowns that are milled in our office and take about an hour. Generally, traditional dental crowns need to be milled in an outside lab, a process that takes time. Once we send your dental impression to the lab, it usually takes about two weeks for your crown to be milled and sent back to us. Because of this, placing a dental crown normally takes two appointments over two or three weeks.

The first appointment is to prepare your tooth, take the impressions that will be used to create your crown, and place a temporary crown on your tooth, while the second appointment is to replace your temporary crown with the permanent one. The speed and convenience that same day crowns offer, though, expedites this process. True to their name, you’re able to get your permanent dental crown in just a single trip to our office.

What does CEREC mean?

CEREC means “Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.” It refers specifically to the technological system that makes it possible for your dentist to design and mill the best dental restorations like same day dental crowns from high-quality materials right in our office.

What are CEREC crowns made of?

CEREC same day crowns are made from the same high-quality porcelain that’s used to make the porcelain dental crowns crafted in dedicated labs. As a result, same day crowns carry the same benefits as other porcelain crowns. When compared to porcelain crowns with a metal core, fully porcelain crowns like CEREC same day crowns don’t have to be as thick, which means that they save more of your natural tooth structure, and they look more natural.

This is because porcelain-coated metal crowns block more light from reaching their centers, impacting their translucency. Natural teeth are somewhat translucent, so having a crown that is also translucent actually helps it look more natural. Like other porcelain crowns, same day crowns can also be tinted and buffed to match the shade and gloss of your natural teeth. These details work together to allow them to blend naturally with your smile—so well that people won’t even realize you have a crown!

Do same day dental crowns fit as well?

Not only do same day dental crowns fit as well as traditional lab-made crowns, but they may also fit better! This is because of the CEREC system’s CAD/CAM technology, which stands for “Computer Assisted Design” or “Computer Assisted Manufacturing.” Instead of using putty to take impressions of your teeth, this system takes digital scans or impressions in a simple, easy process that takes only a minute or two.

In addition to being more comfortable, these digital impressions are much more accurate than the molds created by putty, especially because you don’t have to worry about air bubbles. The images that these digital impressions take of your teeth are high-definition and are used to create an incredibly accurate 3D model of your teeth, which Dr. Baker or Dr. Stimmel then use to design your crown.

This 3D model allows them to see how your new crown will interact with nearby teeth and how it will fit into the space and your bite as a whole. The result is a crown that fits seamlessly into your smile in both appearance and fit, making it feel more comfortable and more natural than ever.

Do same day dental crowns last as long?

Since same day dental crowns are made of the same high-quality porcelain as other porcelain dental crowns, they’re just as durable. Porcelain crowns are just about as strong as your natural teeth; but, just like your natural teeth, they’re not indestructible. Anything that risks damaging your natural teeth could also cause your porcelain crown to chip, crack, or even break. As a result, it’s wise to take a few precautions to protect your crown from damage, but these are the same precautions you should also be taking with your natural teeth.

Avoid using your teeth as a tool to open packaging or crack open nuts, and don’t crunch down on ice or chew on pens, as any of these habits could damage your natural teeth or your crown. It’s also wise to protect your oral health during sports by wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards are designed to protect your natural teeth as well as dental restorations from damage even if you take a blow to the face. They can mean the difference between an emergency dental appointment and simply brushing off a fall and continuing the game, so it’s certainly worth it to wear them!

Another key to ensuring your dental crown lasts as long as possible is committing to a great oral hygiene routine. This means brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day, flossing at least once a day, using mouthwash every day, and visiting your dentist for a regular evaluation every six months. With this kind of regular, thorough care, your crown should last about 15 years or more before it needs to be replaced.

CEREC same day dental crowns are a game changer because they make it possible to get a dental crown in a single visit to our dental group of Bloomington, IL. It’s easier, faster, and more comfortable than ever to get a dental crown, which is particularly useful if you have a busy schedule or suffer from dental anxiety. Even better, same day crowns manage this without sacrificing quality or longevity and while maintaining their ability to restore your naturally beautiful smile. If you’d like to learn more about same day dental crowns and whether they’re right for you, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Baker or Dr. Stimmel at any time.