CEREC dental crowns are oral devices made from a digitally modeled ceramic mold to recover broken teeth. In the past, getting a dental crown required several visits to the dental expert and numerous weeks of wearing temporary crowns before 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 technology that allows top dentist in Akron, Ohio to produce custom-fitted dental crowns in a single visit in their clinic. It is a new cutting-edge form of oral restorations made from digital instead of traditional impressions. It involves using CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Assisted Manufacturing) software to create the crowns and a milling machine that shapes the ceramic product. Like traditional crowns, CEREC crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, providing you with a gorgeous smile.
When is CEREC used?
CEREC dental crowns are used for the following:
- Restore damaged teeth due to decay, deterioration, or injury
- Replace huge fillings that have become loose or worn down
- Cover severely discolored 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. Check out websites such as https://eberhardtdentistry.com/cerec-same-day-crowns/ for further information on getting a CEREC dental crown the same day you visit the dentist.
- Materials. Traditional dental crowns are made from various materials, including metal alloys, ceramic, resin, and porcelain, integrated into metal (PFM). On the other hand, CEREC crowns are made only from ceramic material.
- Durability. Traditional crowns are made from various materials like metal alloys, so 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 lifespan is significantly shorter than traditional dental crowns. On average, they last up to 10 to 15 years, while metal crowns can last up to 15 years or even more.
- Cost. The costs for both treatments vary, but there’s not much difference.
- Accuracy. Since CEREC uses a digital impression, the reliability of CEREC crowns is greater than traditional dental crowns.
It’s worth noting that the key to longer-lasting crowns, whichever materials they are made from, is good dental hygiene and regular dental visits. This means brushing twice and flossing daily, preventing or limiting sugary foods and beverages, and scheduling regular checkups and cleanings.
Should you choose CEREC over traditional crowns?
If you are looking for a faster method to address your damaged teeth, CEREC crowns may be the right choice. 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 for you, then traditional dental crowns would be a 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, offering a much more affordable alternative to crowns. However, they are less durable. If a CEREC tooth crown is out of the question for your missing teeth, you can take a look here to see your options.
- Dental implants. These are longer-lasting treatments for missing teeth made from titanium and are surgically implanted into the jawbone. While they are more expensive than other options, they provide a more natural look and feel 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 are similar to onlays but smaller. They fit inside the cusps (ridges) of the tooth and are used to repair smaller areas of decay.
- Bonding. Also known as composite bonding, this approach includes applying a tooth-colored resin material straight to the affected tooth and shaping it for a natural look. It’s a suitable option for people who want an inexpensive solution with limited durability.
The Bottom Line
CEREC dental crowns are a great choice if you need to restore your teeth promptly without compromising the quality of your results. Comparable to traditional ones, they can provide you with a natural-looking, beautiful smile. However, if toughness and longevity are top of your list, 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 dental hygiene is vital to keeping your dental restorations looking great and lasting longer. Brush your teeth at least two times, floss once daily, and have regular checkups with your dentist every six months or as your dentist recommends. With great care and maintenance, your brand-new crown should last many years.
