Fixing a tooth with a dental crown traditionally takes at least two appointments. However, nowadays, many dentists are able to design, create, and place crowns in just one day thanks to the state-of-the-art CEREC system. Is this form of restorative dentistry the best choice for your smile? To help you determine the answer to this question, here’s a brief overview of the pros and cons of CEREC crowns.
Advantages of CEREC
One of the biggest reasons why so many patients prefer CEREC crowns is the convenience they offer. The treatment makes it possible to have your tooth repaired in just one day. Not only does this result in fewer trips to the dentist, but it also eliminates the need for a temporary restoration.
Furthermore, CEREC crowns are always made out of ceramic materials such as porcelain. As a result, they look very natural and can easily blend in with the rest of your smile. And despite the fact that they’re made in just a day, they are still very durable. In fact, a properly cared-for CEREC crown can often last for 10 years or even longer.
Disadvantages of CEREC
You can typically expect a CEREC crown to have a higher price tag than a traditional crown. This can be attributed to the advanced technology that is needed to create a CEREC crown. Thus, those who are on a budget may want to opt for a traditional crown. (It’s worth noting, though, that many patients find the higher cost to be a worthwhile tradeoff for the convenience of a same-day restoration.)
It should also be noted that CEREC crowns may not be the best choice for certain kinds of damage. The CEREC system uses a camera to capture images of the tooth in need of repair, but said images won’t show damage that’s present beneath the gums. As such, if you have a tooth fracture that extends to the area below the gumline, a traditional crown may be required.
So, Should You Get a CEREC Crown?
At the end of the day, the answer to this question is going to vary from patient to patient. CEREC crowns certainly have plenty of benefits that make them worth considering, but your budget and the nature of your dental damage also need to be taken into account.
Ultimately, the best way to find out whether a CEREC crown is truly the right choice for you is to speak with your dentist. They can go over your options in more detail and help you pick the one that’s truly the best fit for your situation.
About the Author
Dr. Matthew McKissock is a graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry, and he is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. He’s able to help his patients revitalize their smiles in less time by repairing their damaged teeth with same-day CEREC crowns. To schedule a consultation with Dr. McKissock at Windermere Dentistry, visit his website or call (407) 909-1099.
