If you’ve ever needed a dental crown, you know the traditional process isn’t exactly quick. There’s a lot to keep track of—two appointments, a temporary crown, messy impressions, and a week or two waiting on a lab. Same-day dental crowns flip the entire experience on its head, and the technology behind them is fascinating. Continue reading to see some facts worth knowing about this leading-edge technology for your smile.
CEREC Is an Acronym
CEREC isn’t the name of a person or instrument—it’s an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. In plain English, that means your crown is designed and milled right in the dental office, usually in a single visit. That means there’s no dental lab involved, no temporary crowns, and no two-week waiting period.
It Starts with a Digital Scan
Traditional crowns usually require a physical impression with cold, uncomfortable putty trays. CEREC crowns skip the mess, instead using a small scanning device that captures precise 3D images of your mouth. It’s faster, cleaner, and more comfortable for most patients.
You’ll Have a Crown in About Two Hours
From start to finish, the process of scanning and creating your crown takes about two hours—sometimes less. Once the digital design is finalized, it’s sent directly to an in-office milling unit that carves your crown from a block of high-quality ceramic. The milling process takes about 15 minutes, then it’s checked for color and fit before getting bonded in place.
They’re Equal in Quality to Traditional Crowns
This is a big win for patients who want a restoration today rather than weeks down the road. CEREC crowns are made from the same high-quality ceramic used in traditional lab-made crowns. In fact, research from peer-reviewed clinical studies has shown they’re comparable in strength and durability. The only real difference is that they skip the middleman.
The Cost Is Usually Comparable
Many patients assume same-day crowns are much more expensive because of the convenience factor. But while dentists will often charge a premium to offset the cost of their machines, it doesn’t push your out-of-pocket price any higher.
In fact, in most cases, you’ll actually save money. There’s no second appointment, which means no lost wages from work, no extra childcare, and no unnecessary gas use. Looking at it that way, the value in stress-savings alone is hard to argue with.
There’s always more to learn about emerging dental technology, but these facts will give you a head start. The next time you need a restoration, be sure to ask your dentist about same-day dental crowns. Together, you can make an informed decision about your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Tony Lee is a passionate dentist who earned his DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Since then, he’s completed extensive advanced training in digital dentistry, including CEREC same‑day crown technology. Today, he’s committed to comfortable, precision dental care and stays current through ongoing continuing education. Call (904) 808-8779 or visit our website to schedule a consultation with our friendly team at Total Dental Care.