CEREC dental crowns are oral devices made from a digitally modeled ceramic mold to recover broken teeth. In the past, getting a dental crown required multiple visits to the dentist and numerous weeks of wearing temporary crowns prior to being fitted with one that matched your natural tooth color. With CEREC technology, you can get permanent crowns in one visit.
Read on to find out more.
What are CEREC dental crowns?
Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, also called (CEREC) is an advanced modern technology that makes it possible for dentists to produce custom-fitted dental crowns in a single visit to their clinic. It is a new cutting-edge type of dental restoration made digital as an alternative to traditional impressions. It involves using CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Assisted Manufacturing) software program to create the crowns and a milling machine that carves the ceramic material into shape.
Like traditional crowns, CEREC crowns are designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, providing you with a gorgeous smile. There’s plenty of information about CEREC dental crowns; you can read more below.
When is CEREC used?
CEREC dental crowns are used for the following:
- Restore damaged teeth because of decay, deterioration, or injury
- Replace huge fillings that have become loose or worn down
- Cover badly stained teeth
- Secure dental bridges in place
- Repair cracked or fractured teeth
- Replace old, worn-out crowns
Traditional Dental Crowns Vs. CEREC
Below is a comparison between CEREC and traditional dental crowns:
- Dental visits needed. Traditional dental crowns call for multiple visits to the dentist, usually two or more. With CEREC, you can receive your new crown in just one visit.
- Materials. Traditional dental crowns are made from a variety of materials, including metal alloys, ceramics, resin, and porcelain, integrated into metal (PFM). On the other hand, CEREC crowns are made only from ceramic material.
- Durability. Given that traditional crowns are made from various materials like metal alloys, they are much less susceptible to breakage. On the other hand, the ceramic material used in CEREC crowns is more at risk of breakage.
- Lifespan. Because CEREC crowns are more vulnerable to breakage, their lifespan is significantly shorter than traditional dental crowns. Generally, they last approximately 10 to 15 years, while metal crowns can last up to 15 or more.
- Cost. The costs for both treatments differ, but there’s not much difference.
- Accuracy. Since CEREC uses a digital impression, the accuracy of CEREC crowns is greater than traditional dental crowns.
It’s worth noting that the secret to longer-lasting crowns, whichever materials they are made from, is good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. This means brushing twice and flossing daily, preventing or restricting sweet foods and drinks, and scheduling regular checkups and cleanings.
Should you choose CEREC over traditional crowns?
If you are looking for a faster way to address your damaged teeth, CEREC crowns might be your ideal option. Like traditional crowns, they can also provide you with a natural-looking smile, but in a fraction of the time. However, if durability and a longer lifespan are necessary, traditional dental crowns would undoubtedly be a much better alternative.
You may visit websites like https://eberhardtdentistry.com/ if you are having trouble choosing between traditional dental crowns, CEREC, and other dental services for your oral health.
Are there alternatives to CEREC dental crowns?
If, for some reason, you can’t receive CEREC or traditional dental crowns, here are a few of the alternatives you can consider:
- Dentures. These are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth. They can be made from either acrylic or metal, offering a much more inexpensive substitute for crowns. However, they are less durable. On the other hand, if you have lost all of your teeth and are unable to get CEREC dental crowns, you may want to consider full dentures.
- Dental implants. These are longer-lasting treatments for missing teeth made from titanium and are surgically implanted right into the jawbone. While they are much more expensive than other alternatives, they offer a more natural feel and look and a longer lifespan.
- Onlays. While less strong than crowns, onlays offer a more budget-friendly option for restoring damaged teeth. These dental pieces cover the teeth’s chewing surface and replace large fillings.
- Inlays. Inlays are similar to onlays but smaller. They fit inside the cusps (ridges) of the tooth and are used to repair smaller decay areas.
- Bonding. Also known as composite bonding, this technique includes applying a tooth-colored resin material straight to the affected tooth and shaping it for a natural look. It’s a suitable alternative for people who want an inexpensive solution with limited durability.
The Bottom Line
CEREC dental crowns are an excellent option if you need to restore your teeth promptly without sacrificing the quality of your results. Similar to traditional ones, they can give you a natural-looking, stunning smile. However, if durability and longevity are top of your list, traditional crowns are the better option. Your dentist can help you decide which crown will suit your situation.
No matter your choice, proper oral hygiene is essential to keeping your dental restorations looking great and lasting much longer. Brush your teeth at least two times, floss daily, and have regular checkups with your dentist every six months or as your dentist recommends. With great care and maintenance, your new crown should last many years.
