Gone are the days of multiple dentist visits and temporary crowns when you need a dental crown. CEREC technology, a revolutionary advancement in dentistry, allows dentists to create and place strong, natural-looking crowns in just one appointment. This article explores cerec crown and how they can benefit you in collaboration with your dentist.
What is a CEREC Crown?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It’s a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system that your dentist uses to design and fabricate a crown right in the office. Crowns are caps placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their function and appearance. Traditionally, dentists relied on external labs to create crowns, requiring multiple appointments for impressions, fitting, and placement.
The CEREC Advantage: Same-Day Crowns
The biggest advantage of CEREC crowns is the convenience of a same-day procedure. Here’s how it works:
- Digital Impressions: Your dentist takes digital scans of your tooth and surrounding teeth using a special camera. This eliminates the need for uncomfortable and messy traditional impressions.
- Computerized Design: Using the digital scans, your dentist creates a 3D model of your tooth on a computer screen. They can then design a custom crown that fits perfectly with your bite and surrounding teeth.
- Milling the Crown: The design is sent to a milling machine in the dental office. This machine carves the crown out of a block of strong ceramic material based on the digital design.
- Placement and Finishing: Once milled, your dentist checks the fit and color of the crown. After any necessary adjustments, they bond the crown to your prepared tooth.
Benefits of CEREC Crowns
- Convenience: The biggest advantage is the one-visit procedure, saving you time and multiple trips to the dentist.
- Comfort: Digital impressions eliminate the discomfort of traditional impressions.
- Accuracy: The digital technology ensures a precise fit for your crown.
- Natural Appearance: CEREC crowns are made from tooth-colored ceramic, closely resembling your natural teeth.
- Durability: These crowns are strong and long-lasting, minimizing the risk of chipping or breaking.
Who is a Candidate for CEREC Crowns?
CEREC crowns are a versatile solution for various dental needs. They can be used for:
- Severely Cracked or Fractured Teeth: When a tooth is badly cracked or fractured, a crown can protect it from further damage and restore its function.
- Extensive Decay: If a large cavity weakens a tooth, a crown can provide the necessary strength and structure.
- Root Canals: After a root canal, a tooth becomes brittle. A crown protects the weakened tooth and prevents future breakage.
- Cosmetic Improvements: CEREC crowns can improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or uneven teeth.
Discuss CEREC Crowns with Your Dentist
If you need a dental crown, talk to your dentist about CEREC technology. They can assess your individual situation and determine if a CEREC crown is the right option for you. During the consultation, discuss your concerns, goals, and any questions you may have about the procedure, material options, and cost.
Conclusion
CEREC crowns offer a convenient, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for restoring damaged or compromised teeth. By working with your dentist, you can determine if CEREC crowns are the right fit for your needs and achieve a beautiful, healthy smile in just one visit.
