27 Aug What Are CEREC Crowns? Complete Guide
Dental technology, like everything else in the world, is constantly advancing. Because dental procedures can be a big investment, it is always wise to choose the very best method of solving your dental problems. CEREC crowns are revolutionizing the way dentists across the country view dental crowns. There are many benefits to this type of procedure which explains why it is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after dental procedures.
What exactly are CEREC crowns? CEREC dental crowns are used to repair and restore damaged or weakened teeth. These crowns are metal-free and made out of a high-quality ceramic material. CEREC crowns are stronger and more natural-looking than traditional dental crowns.
It is often intimidating to opt for a procedure that is still relatively new to the dental world. However, after reading this complete guide, you will be fully confident that CEREC crowns are a much better alternative to traditional dental crowns.
What Are CEREC Crowns?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economic Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. That is a fancy way to describe just how CEREC crowns came to be. CEREC crowns are designed from a high-quality ceramic material that is incredibly strong and natural-looking. The procedure itself is concise and effective.
Preparation for CEREC Crowns
Upon arrival at the Tulsa dentist’s office for a CEREC crown procedure, you will have pictures taken of the tooth or teeth in need of repair. These pictures are taken using a specific digital camera. Once the pictures have been captured, they will be sent to CEREC’s 3D imaging software where they are used to create a model of your tooth. (Yes, this means no more messy impressions!)
The 3D model of your tooth is then used to create your CEREC crown right in the dentist’s office. A machine will use the model to create your new ceramic dental crown. This portion of the process is incredibly efficient and only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.
The CEREC Crown Procedure
Once the 3D tooth has been created from high-quality ceramic material, it is placed in your mouth just like a traditional dental crown. This tooth is now your permanent crown. No need for a followup appointment or pesky temporary crown!
You will be out of the dentist’s chair and back to your life in a matter of just a few hours. CEREC crowns are revolutionizing the dental industry with their efficient and precise procedure. They eliminate much of the discomfort of a traditional dental crown while saving you both time and money!
Purpose of CEREC Crowns
CEREC crowns are used for a variety of circumstances. The most common use for a CEREC crown is to repair or restore a damaged tooth. Your dentist may suggest a CEREC crown if you have a traditional crown that seems to be failing or falling apart.
Many people are also concerned about the potentially harmful metals that are used in the creation of traditional dental crowns. For this reason, they choose to replace all of their existing metal crowns with CEREC’s ceramic dental crowns.
Benefits of CEREC Crowns
The benefits of CEREC dental crowns are many. From the actual dental procedure to the final results, CEREC crowns prove to be raising the bar for every type of dental procedure.
Time
Time is our most valuable asset. However, visits to the dentist’s office, especially for an extensive procedure, can eat up hours of our week. CEREC crowns have changed that for the better. Because all of the prep work can be done right in the dentist’s office, the procedure is completed in just one visit!
There is no need for a followup visit simply to go through the added pain of replacing a temporary crown with a permanent one. Use your valuable time for something more fun than sitting in a dentist’s chair!
Permanent
One of the most frustrating facts about traditional dental crowns is the fact that the first crown you receive is only temporary! Temporary dental crowns are known to be extremely fragile as well as uncomfortable.
In addition to these negative factors, temporary crowns make it necessary to go through the discomfort of two dental procedures. CEREC crowns save you this inconvenience. The CEREC crown that you receive on your visit to the dentist’s office is entirely permanent and the process is completed in just a few hours.
Longevity
CEREC crowns last an average of 10-15 years. However, with proper care, they can last much longer! CEREC crowns are an investment in your future. The natural-looking ceramic material will continue to provide a beautiful and healthy smile many years down the road.
Investment
Although CEREC crowns can appear to be a bit of an investment, it may actually save you money in the long run! CEREC crowns are completed in a single office visit meaning you only pay for one procedure. They are also known to last longer than traditional dental crowns meaning you won’t have to pay to have your crown repaired a few years down the road as you might with a different type of crown.
CEREC Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns
There are many benefits to choosing CEREC crowns. However, how do they compare to traditional dental crowns? As with anything, everyone has different needs when it comes to their dental care. In the end, choosing the right type of dental crown for your situation is more important than which type of crown that ends up being. Having all the information is crucial to making the correct decision.
Time
CEREC crowns are completed in a single procedure that lasts only a few hours. On the other hand, traditional crowns require several visits to the dentist’s office. During this time you will receive a temporary crown while your impressions are sent to a lab for the creation of your permanent crown.
Once your permanent crown is sent back to the dentist’s office, you will have to go to an additional appointment so that your permanent crown can be placed.
Investment
Traditional dental crowns are still very popular. This is due to the fact that they are much cheaper. However, at the end of the day, you may actually save money by choosing to pursue CEREC dental crowns!
The numerous dental visits required to complete a traditional crown add up and may end up costing you more money than a single visit for the CEREC crown procedure would have. It’s important to consider both options in their entirety when determining which dental crown procedure is right for you.
Efficacy
CEREC crowns do have many benefits. However, traditional dental crowns are still just as effective in repairing your damaged teeth! Although they come with their share of inconvenience, a traditional crown is still extremely beneficial in situations where the tooth has begun to decay. It is important to discuss the pros and cons of both types of crowns with your local dentist. They will be able to suggest which alternative is best for your individual mouth and the situation in which you find yourself.
Precision
Simply put, CEREC crowns are much more precise than traditional dental crowns. The creation process for traditional crowns involves dental impression material which can shift or cause fitting problems. CEREC crowns use digital imaging to create a 3D mold of your tooth. This allows your new crown to be an exact replication and fit comfortably in your mouth.
Final Thoughts
Being told that you require a dental crown is not a fun experience for anyone. However, CEREC crowns have changed the procedure for the better. They have solved many of the common problems that both dentists and patients have with traditional dental crowns. A quicker, more comfortable procedure that saves you both time and money makes your dental crown experience much more pleasant.
Talk to your local Tulsa dentist to determine if CEREC dental crowns are right for you. Strong, healthy, and beautiful teeth are within your reach!
Related Questions
What happens if my crown falls off? Although it is not a complete dental emergency, a damaged crown should be addressed in a timely manner. Avoid damaging the tooth by eating soft foods. Call your dentist immediately to explain the situation and book an appointment as soon as possible.
If you are able, keep the crown that has fallen out. Bring the crown with you to your dentist appointment as it may help them to assess the cause of this problem. You may also need to obtain dental cement or wax from the drugstore to cover the damaged tooth until you can visit your dentist.
Should you brush your teeth if you have a temporary crown? Although temporary dental crowns are fragile, they should never be neglected. While you have a temporary crown, gently brush around all sides of the tooth (including the gums). It is still necessary to floss.
However, avoid pulling the floss directly up the sides of the tooth. Instead, slide the floss out to the side to avoid pulling your temporary crown off. You also need to avoid crunchy, sticky, or hard foods while you have a temporary dental crown. These types of foods can cause damage and even pain in the affected area. CEREC crowns will help you to avoid these potential issues. Learn more about the proper toothbrushing technique here.
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