If you have a damaged tooth, your dentist will likely recommend a crown. Dental crowns are a custom-fit cap that goes around a broken, weak, or decaying tooth to help restore it. The tooth is reshaped to fit the crown, which is placed over the tooth. A patient might need a crown to fix a chipped tooth, to prevent grinding due to stress or misalignment, to fix a cavity, protect a dental implant, and more. There are options when it comes to choosing the best type of crown, whether that be a traditional crown or a CEREC crown.
What is a CEREC Crown?
The CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) crown is made from very strong ceramic and is designed and created by one machine in just a few minutes. A CEREC machine works by using advanced technologies to make a very precise 3D scan of a patient’s mouth, particularly in the area where 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.
How Does a CEREC Crown Differ From a Traditional Crown?
- The main difference between a CEREC crown and a traditional crown is that a CEREC crown can be created and placed in one visit to the dentist. 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 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.
- Another difference is that a traditional crown can be made with various materials. Often, a traditional crown utilizes metal in some capacity. Some use a very thin piece of metal that is fitted on the top of the affected tooth, and some use a porcelain cap attached to metal, which is placed over the tooth. A CEREC crown is made only of ceramic.
- CEREC crowns can be more susceptible to damage because a traditional crown is put into place with cement, making them more long-lasting and durable. With that being said, if you take care of it properly, a CEREC crown is still expected to last anywhere between 10 and 15 years.
If you would like more information on the difference between a CEREC crown and a traditional crown, please do not hesitate to reach out. If you believe you might be eligible or in need of a dental crown, schedule a visit with your dentist, who can go over the pros and cons of both and create a plan that is best for you and your situation.
Related Article: How Long Does a CEREC Crown Last?