CEREC dental crowns are oral devices made from a digitally modeled ceramic mold and are used to recover broken teeth. In the past, getting a dental crown required several visits to the dental expert and several weeks of wearing temporary crowns prior to being fitted with one that matched your natural tooth color. With CEREC technology, you can get permanent crowns in one visit.
Continue reading to find out more.
What are CEREC dental crowns?
Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, also called (CEREC) is an advanced technology that allows dentists to produce custom-fitted dental crowns in a single visit to their dental clinic. It is a new cutting-edge type of dental restoration made from digital instead of traditional impressions. It includes using CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Assisted Manufacturing) software to create the crowns and a milling machine that carves the ceramic product into shape. Like traditional crowns, CEREC crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, giving you a gorgeous smile.
When is CEREC used?
CEREC dental crowns are used for the following:
- Restore damaged teeth because of decay, wear and tear, or trauma
- Replace large fillings that have become loose or worn down
- Cover severely stained 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 even more. A replacement crown can be obtained in a single appointment when you choose CEREC same day crown is Akron.
- Materials. Traditional dental crowns are made from a variety of materials, including metal alloys, ceramics, resin, and porcelain, integrated into metal (PFM). On the other hand, CEREC crowns are made solely from ceramic material.
- Durability. Given that traditional crowns are made from various materials like metal alloys, 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 breakage, their life expectancy is significantly shorter than traditional dental crowns. Generally, they last approximately 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 accuracy of CEREC crowns is greater than traditional dental crowns.
It’s worth noting that the secret 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, avoiding or limiting sugary foods and beverages, as well as scheduling regular checkups and cleanings.
Should you choose CEREC over traditional crowns?
If you are trying to find a faster way to address your damaged teeth, CEREC crowns may be the right option. Like traditional crowns, they can also provide you with a natural-looking smile, but in a fraction of the time. However, if durability and a longer lifespan are necessary, traditional dental crowns would be a better option.
Are there alternatives to CEREC dental crowns?
If, for some reason, you can’t obtain CEREC or traditional dental crowns, here are a few of the alternatives you can take into consideration:
- Dentures. These are detachable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth. When you need dentures, they can be made from either acrylic or metal, providing a much more inexpensive substitute for crowns. However, they are less durable.
- Dental implants. These are longer-lasting treatments for missing teeth made from titanium and are surgically implanted into the jawbone. While they are much more costly than other alternatives, they offer 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 restoring damaged teeth. These dental pieces cover the teeth’s chewing surface area and replace huge fillings.
- Inlays. Inlays resemble onlays but are smaller-sized. They fit inside the cusps (ridges) of the tooth and are used to repair smaller areas of decay.
- Bonding. Also called composite bonding, this approach includes using a tooth-colored resin material straight to the affected tooth and shaping it for a natural look. It’s an ideal alternative for people who want an inexpensive solution with limited longevity.
The Bottom Line
CEREC dental crowns are an excellent option if you need to restore your teeth fast without compromising the quality of your results. Comparable to traditional ones, they can provide you with a natural-looking, stunning smile. However, if toughness and longevity are top of your checklist, traditional crowns are the better option. Your dentist can help you decide which crown will suit your situation.
Regardless of your choice, proper oral hygiene is essential to keeping your dental restorations looking great and lasting longer. Brush your teeth at least twice, floss once daily, and have regular checkups with your dentist every six months or as advised by your dentist. With great care and maintenance, your brand-new crown should last many years.
