How Does the CEREC Crown Process Compare to Traditional Crowns?

When it comes to dental crowns, patients often find themselves weighing the options between traditional crowns and newer, more advanced options like CEREC Dental Crowns. Both types of crowns offer the same essential function of restoring damaged or decayed teeth, but the process, time, and benefits vary significantly. In this article, we’ll dive into how the CEREC crown process compares to traditional crowns, focusing on key factors like time, cost, durability, and the experience at a cosmetic dentist in Sunny Isles Beach.

What Are Traditional Crowns?

Traditional dental crowns have been a staple in dentistry for many years. They are used to restore teeth that are too damaged or decayed to be repaired by fillings alone. The process for placing a traditional crown typically involves multiple visits to the dentist and can take several weeks from start to finish.

In the traditional crown process, the dentist first numbs the area around the tooth to ensure comfort. The damaged tooth is then filed down to make room for the crown, and impressions are taken. These impressions are sent to a dental lab, where the crown is custom-made. During this time, a temporary crown is placed on the tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready.

Once the permanent crown is completed, the patient returns to the dentist’s office for a fitting and cementing of the crown. This process can take anywhere from two to three weeks, depending on the lab’s turnaround time.

What Are CEREC Dental Crowns?

CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is a modern, high-tech solution that allows dentists to create and place crowns in a single visit. Unlike traditional crowns, which require multiple appointments and a waiting period for a custom-made crown, CEREC Dental Crowns are made on-site in the dentist’s office using advanced computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology.

The process starts similarly to traditional crowns, where the affected tooth is prepared by cleaning and filing it down. Instead of taking traditional impressions, a digital scan is used to capture the exact shape of the tooth. This digital information is then sent to a CEREC machine, which uses it to mill a custom crown from a block of ceramic material.

The entire process, from preparation to the final fitting, can typically be completed in about one to two hours, making it much faster than traditional crowns.

How Does the Time Commitment Differ Between CEREC and Traditional Crowns?

One of the most significant differences between CEREC Dental Crowns and traditional crowns is the amount of time required for the procedure.

Traditional crowns typically require at least two visits to the dentist’s office, with a waiting period of several days to a few weeks for the custom crown to be made in the lab. This extended process can be inconvenient for many patients, especially those with busy schedules. Additionally, patients must wear a temporary crown during this waiting period, which can sometimes be uncomfortable and doesn’t always fit perfectly.

On the other hand, CEREC crowns are completed in just one visit. Thanks to the advanced technology used in the process, there is no need for a temporary crown or multiple visits. This makes CEREC crowns a much more time-efficient option, particularly for those with tight schedules.

How Does the Cost of CEREC Crowns Compare to Traditional Crowns?

When comparing CEREC Dental Crowns to traditional crowns, the cost is often a concern for many patients. Traditional crowns tend to be less expensive upfront because they are typically made from metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal materials, and the lab work involved may be less expensive.

However, the total cost of traditional crowns can be higher when you factor in the additional visits, the cost of temporary crowns, and the waiting period. The time commitment for traditional crowns may also lead to additional costs in terms of missed work or other disruptions to daily life.

CEREC crowns may have a higher initial cost due to the advanced technology used in their creation. However, since they are made in a single visit and there is no need for temporary crowns or multiple appointments, the overall cost can often be comparable or even lower in the long run.

It’s important to check with a cosmetic dentist in Sunny Isles Beach to discuss your specific needs and determine the best option for your budget.

Which Type of Crown Offers Better Durability?

Both CEREC dental crowns and traditional crowns are highly durable and can last for many years with proper care. However, there are some differences in material strength and longevity.

Traditional crowns are often made from materials like metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or all-porcelain, each offering different levels of strength and aesthetics. Metal crowns tend to be the most durable, but they are less visually appealing. Porcelain crowns, while more aesthetically pleasing, may not be as durable as metal crowns, especially for molars that endure a lot of pressure while chewing.

CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic materials, which are strong and durable while also offering a natural appearance. While ceramic can be slightly less durable than metal in certain circumstances, modern CEREC crowns are built to withstand normal wear and tear, and they are ideal for patients looking for a balance between strength and aesthetics.

How Do CEREC Crowns and Traditional Crowns Compare in Aesthetics?

For many patients, aesthetics are a critical factor in choosing between CEREC crowns and traditional crowns. Traditional porcelain crowns are designed to blend well with the natural color of the surrounding teeth, offering a natural-looking result. However, they may not always match the natural tooth color perfectly.

CEREC crowns, on the other hand, are made from a highly aesthetic ceramic material that is custom-designed to match the exact shade of the patient’s natural teeth. The digital scanning technology used in the CEREC process ensures that the crown fits perfectly and looks as natural as possible. For those seeking a crown that looks like their natural tooth, CEREC dental crowns are an excellent option.

Is the Procedure for CEREC Crowns More Comfortable?

Both the CEREC and traditional crown processes involve some level of discomfort, but the CEREC crown process is typically less invasive and more comfortable overall. Since CEREC crowns can be completed in a single visit, there is no need for multiple numbing injections or the discomfort of wearing a temporary crown.

Additionally, CEREC crowns require digital scans instead of traditional impressions, which can be uncomfortable for some patients. Traditional impressions involve a messy, thick material that patients must bite down on for several minutes, whereas the CEREC system uses a quick, painless digital scan.

Which Option is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between CEREC Dental Crowns and traditional crowns depends on your unique needs and preferences. If you are looking for a fast, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing option, CEREC crowns are an excellent choice. The single-visit process and high-quality materials make them a popular option for those who want to restore their smile without the hassle of multiple dental visits.

However, if cost is a primary concern or if you are in need of a more durable, metal-based crown, traditional crowns may be a better fit for you.

Consulting with a trusted cosmetic dentist in Sunny Isles Beach can help you make the right decision based on your oral health needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences.