Whether your tooth was damaged by severe decay or because of an accident, you may need a dental crown now to restore your oral health. If you've had a dental crown before, you know that getting one can be quite the process and it usually takes a few visits until you can restore your smile. But, what if we told you that you can get a new dental crown in just one appointment?
How can that be possible?
Welcome to the world of CEREC crowns. In this article, we're going to explain the difference between CEREC crowns and traditional crowns and help you determine which option is best for your needs.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are caps made to restore a damaged tooth. These caps will cover the entire tooth to protect it and restore its look and function after a root canal, for example. Dental crowns can also be used as part of dental implant treatment to complete the artificial tooth.
What Are CEREC Crowns?
Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic (CEREC) is the latest technology when it comes to dental crowns. This technology makes it possible for you to get your crown during the same appointment. That's why CEREC crowns are also known as same-day crowns.
Regular crowns can take a couple of weeks or more until they are done. That's because the dentist has to take impressions of your teeth and then send them to a lab where the crown will be created
But, CEREC crowns are manufactured the same day at the dentist’s office with technology that allows these crowns to fit better and offer a stronger bite compared to the traditional crowns.
CEREC Vs. Traditional Crowns
Both types of crowns do a wonderful job restoring, protecting, or strengthening your teeth. But, there are a few important differences between the two, such as:
- Traditional crowns take longer than CEREC crowns, and you would need to wait several weeks until the process is completed. CEREC crowns use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) to create the crowns in a single appointment.
- CEREC crowns usually cost more than traditional crowns, but they can be covered by insurance, so make sure to check your plan.
- Traditional crowns are widely more available than CEREC crowns. This is a relatively new technology and dentists still need to learn how to use it and get the necessary resources that support them.
- CEREC uses technology that is able to create perfectly fitting crowns that adjust with more precision on your teeth.
- Traditional crowns are made of metal, such as gold, silver, or stainless steel, while CEREC crowns are made of ceramic or resin.
Which Is Better for You?
It all depends on your oral health needs, budget, and the availability of CEREC crowns at your dentist's office.
As you can see, both types of crowns have their advantages and disadvantages, so it's best to discuss your options with your dentist to determine the best treatment for you.
Interested in Same-Day Crowns? We Can Help!
Do you need to restore a tooth and would like to learn more about CEREC crowns? The Milton cometic dental team at Dental 1 can help you learn more about this treatment and restore your smile faster.
Contact us today to book your appointment in Milton.