A traditional crown is often placed on a damaged or troubled tooth over the course of two dental visits, but a CEREC® crown can be fitted in the same appointment that the tooth impression of a patient is taken. The acronym stands for Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic, and these restorations provide a protective cap over a tooth the same way that traditional ones do. The process to improve the health of the decayed tooth, however, is much quicker and requires less hassle.
Many patients opt for CEREC® crowns because of convenience. Returning to the dentist for multiple visits just to get a crown is something most people prefer to avoid, and this special type of restoration provides a quicker avenue to better oral health. For those still on the fence, understanding how these crowns save time can help in making decisions between the two types.
For patients getting a CEREC® crown, the dentist scans the mouth to get a digital image of the tooth that needs a crown. It only takes a quarter of an hour to successfully upload the images and create a computer model of the new crown. The dimensions of the restoration are tailored to the digital tooth to ensure a proper fit.
For patients getting a traditional crown, an impression must be taken using a putty mold, which can be slightly uncomfortable but only lasts a few minutes. The impression is sent off and the patient is given a temporary crown in the meantime.
The CEREC® crown is generated in the dentist’s office using a 3D printer, whereas the traditional one is sent to a lab. Traditional restorations can be made of porcelain or metal and need to be manufactured with the right equipment outside the dental office, a process that can take several weeks. This is why patients have to make a second appointment for the application of the permanent crown, wearing a temporary restoration while they wait. When the dentist can make a CEREC® crown in the office, the patient gets the permanent restoration applied then and there.
The natural tooth is prepped for the application of the crown by being shaved down. Once it is in order, the dentist places the cap in the mouth, providing snug protection for the sensitive tooth. This happens in the sole appointment for CEREC® and in the second appointment for traditional crowns. For traditional ones, the temporary crown must first be removed.
The kind of crown a patient chooses depends on individual factors and needs, including time and comfort. If you do not want to deal with a temporary crown, speak to a dentist about the CEREC® option and how it works. This type of restoration may be advantageous depending on your specific dental situation. Traditional and single-day crowns each have benefits, and one may work better than the other.
Request an appointment here: https://www.ultimatesmiles.com or call North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry at (760) 940-2273 for an appointment in our Vista office.
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