If one of your teeth has been severely damaged or decayed, there’s a good chance that your dentist will suggest fitting it with a dental crown. These custom caps are made to cover the chewing surface of the damaged teeth to build them up, restore their appearance, and protect them from future damage. In the past, getting a dental crown meant multiple appointments. Thanks to CEREC technology, you can now get a dental crown in a single day. Continue reading to learn about the pros and cons of choosing CEREC.
The Advantages of CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns
The most obvious advantage is that CEREC dental crowns can be completed incredibly quickly. You only need to go to the dental office once. CEREC dental crowns and planned, milled, and placed on the tooth all during the same appointment. This eliminates the patient’s need to wear a temporary crown, so you don’t need to worry about any of those annoying eating restrictions that are usually necessary between appointments. Additionally, using CEREC does not sacrifice anything in terms of quality, so you can still expect a natural-looking, long-lasting result.
The Disadvantages of CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns
While CEREC crowns are highly convenient, they do come with some minor disadvantages.
- Limits Material Choice: CEREC crowns are always made from blocks of ceramic, so you can’t choose other dental crown materials, like metal, or porcelain fused-to-metal.
- Not One-Size-Fits-All: CEREC crowns aren’t suitable for every tooth. If you have a fracture that extends below the gumline, your dentist might recommend a traditional dental crown or another treatment method.
- Not All Dentists Have CEREC: Additionally, many dental offices don’t provide same-day restorations, so you need to specifically seek out a provider who offers this service.
- Might Cost More: Lastly, while the price of CEREC same-day dental crowns is usually comparable to the cost of traditional dental crowns, they can cost slightly more. If you are on a tight budget, this is something you should look at in detail so that you don’t run into any surprises.
Which Crown Should I Choose?
CEREC dental crowns are incredibly convenient. Many patients find that avoiding multiple appointments to the dental office and not having to wear a temporary crown is completely worth the minor downsides of CEREC. During your consultation with your dentist, you can discuss your goals, needs, and put together a treatment plan that best meets your needs.
If you have a damaged tooth, CEREC may be the solution you’ve been looking for. By scheduling a visit with a CEREC dentist, your tooth can be good as new in just one appointment.
About the Author
Dr. David Tillman earned his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. He has completed over 2500 hours of post graduate dental education. Currently, he is a proud Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the International College of Dentists. To learn more about CEREC same-day dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (817) 870-4746.