With day-to-day busy schedules, people in Houston want immediate solutions for their problems, and this applies to their oral health, too. When a patient visits our practice for a damaged tooth and requires a crown, often their first question is: Can I get it on the same day? Actually, with CEREC® crown technology, yes, you can! We’ll answer some of the most asked questions about CEREC® crowns to help you understand better.
1) What Exactly Is a CEREC® Crown?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Sounds complicated? Well, it really isn’t. This digital technology allows your dentist to design and create a custom-made crown during your visit.
Instead of dealing with goopy impressions and then waiting for weeks to get a new crown, this technology makes everything easier. We take a digital scan, which is then used by a unique software to design your crown.
The result? You get a very natural-looking crown placed on your tooth the same day!
2) Who Should Get CEREC® Crowns?
These same-day crowns are perfect for those patients with weak or damaged teeth that need immediate protection. Our dentist will discuss this option if you have a tooth that is badly damaged, decayed, or has a fracture.
For those who have a habit of grinding their teeth, we may suggest other options.
3) How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The biggest advantage you have with CEREC® same-day crowns is convenience. For a traditional crown, you have to wait about 10 to 12 days before you get it placed on your tooth. With CEREC® technology, the entire process is usually completed in a single visit, though appointment times may vary depending on your specific needs.
The milling machine creates your new crown while you wait. Our Houston dentist then fits and bonds the crown to your tooth. All of these steps get done in the same visit.
4) Do CEREC® Crowns Look Like Real Teeth?
CEREC® crowns are highly valued for their aesthetics. The reason is that these crowns are made using a ceramic material that matches very closely to the shade of your own teeth.
The material is even slightly translucent, just like tooth enamel. This gives your crown a very natural, life-like appearance.
Many of our Houston patients feel completely satisfied with the look of the crown and how well it blends in with the rest of their teeth.
5) Are CEREC® Crowns Durable?
We get this question a lot from patients. The durability of these crowns is comparable to that of traditional dental crowns. Typically, a CEREC® crown lasts 10 to 15 years, sometimes even longer, when you care for it properly.
Final Words
CEREC® crowns give you convenience, aesthetics, and long-lasting results all in one. If you want to know whether these crowns are the ideal option for your teeth, consult our dental expert at John H. Krell D.D.S. today. Call us at (713) 877-1775 to book a visit.