Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic (CEREC) is a dental technology to create dental restorations, often used to repair a damaged tooth. A few common reasons for getting a CEREC crown are severe tooth damage from decay or injury, to restore the look or function of a tooth, or for a root canal or dental implant. CEREC is a machine that some dentists can have in-house to create custom outlays, inlays, or crowns in only a few minutes. This machine is revolutionizing how restorative or cosmetic dentistry operates.
How Much Does a CEREC Crown Cost?
The cost of a CEREC crown often depends on the dental needs, location, and insurance. For a crown, on average, you can expect the cost to be anywhere between $500 and $1,500 per tooth.
How Does The CEREC Machine Work?
A CEREC machine works by using advanced computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies to make very precise 3D scans of a patient’s mouth, particularly in the area where a restoration is needed. The machine creates outlays, inlays, or crowns out of a ceramic block. After the ceramic piece is created, it is then color-matched to the patient’s tooth to give it a natural appearance. This process reduces the need for temporary restorations and multiple visits to the dentist.
What Are The Benefits of a CEREC Machine?
Multiple Offerings: Along with outlays, inlays, or crowns, CEREC can also be used to fabricate fixed bridges, veneers, dental implants, and dentures.
Speed: Without a CEREC machine, the dentist has to scan your teeth, send the scans to a lab where the item is fabricated, and then have it shipped back to the dentist’s office. That process can take weeks. Oftentimes, throughout that process, the dentist will have to fix you with temporary dental restorations, such as a crown, requiring multiple follow-up visits for the patient. With a CEREC machine, a crown can be created in around 20 minutes. Overall, the convenience of a CEREC machine is unmatched, especially if you have a very busy schedule.
Accuracy: Not only is the machine very fast, but it is extremely accurate. By using the CAD and CAM technologies, the CEREC can create a fitting custom to your mouth, and not only that, they are designed to look extremely natural and be very long-lasting.
Aftercare Instructions
If you have a CEREC crown or will be getting one, it is very important to take care of it. If you take care of it properly by following the list below, the crown is expected to last anywhere between 10 and 15 years.
- Brush gently twice a day
- Floss daily
- Avoid crunching on hard foods such as ice or hard candy
- Visit the dentist twice a year for a scheduled exam and cleaning
- Have your dentist check the crown at each visit to monitor its integrity
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night
To learn more about CEREC, the cost, disadvantages, or any other questions you may have, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
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