You don’t have to wait weeks for a natural-looking dental crown to be made. CEREC® crowns from the Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry beautifully restore broken or worn teeth in just one visit.
What Is a CEREC Crown?
Dental crowns (sometimes called “caps”) cover and protect a tooth from the chewing surface to the gumline. It saves a tooth that is badly worn, decayed, or broken. CEREC is the acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. The crowns are all ceramic and made using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing) dental technology.
If you experience tooth decay that affects two or more surfaces of your tooth, this all-ceramic technology can also be used for a dental filling (called a porcelain inlay) of the highest quality that will last for many years.
Advantages of One-Visit Crowns
- Convenience – Dr. Debra Gray King has CEREC technology in her office. Unlike traditional dental crowns, which require two visits, this allows her to craft a customized crown while you wait.
- Comfort – Since the crown is placed the day the tooth is prepared, there is no need to wear a temporary crown between appointments. Temporary crowns can irritate the gums or the tooth, and can come loose at inconvenient times.
- Composition – The crowns are metal free. They are made of high-quality ceramic and look completely natural. Unlike porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, a dark line from a metal foundation will never show at your gumline.
- Precision – CAD/CAM technology uses 3-D digital images of your teeth produced by optically scanning your teeth. The computer then creates a dental restoration that precisely fits over your natural tooth and perfectly fits into your bite for maximum protection and comfort.
How Does CEREC Work?
- We will clean and prepare your natural tooth for a dental crown. Any decay or weak portions of the tooth will be removed. The size of your tooth will be reduced to ensure the crown completely fits over it and is aligned with your bite.
- We use a handheld, intraoral camera to scan your teeth and take digital images of them. A digital model of your tooth is saved and used to create a dental crown for you.
- Dr. King selects a block of porcelain that matches the shade of your natural teeth. The porcelain block is placed in the CEREC milling machine in our office.
- Using the digital model, the milling machine mills the porcelain block to craft a ceramic crown for your tooth. It only takes about 20 minutes, so you can relax during the brief wait.
- Dr. King will check the crown to ensure proper fit and bite. Your CEREC crown will be polished and bonded to your natural tooth.
How Long Will Your All-Ceramic Crown Last?
Treat your CEREC crown like a natural tooth. Floss daily, and brush your teeth at least twice a day to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. If you’re diligent about oral hygiene, your crown can last ten to twenty years.
Let Dr. King know if you clench or grind your teeth. The pressure from grinding or clenching can damage your crown. We will provide suggestions to help preserve your crown.
Interested in CEREC Crowns?
If you’re interested in protecting and restoring a tooth with a CEREC crown, contact our office. An examination will help determine if you are a candidate for this treatment. Call us to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment online.
