Finding out you need a dental crown can instantly bring up feelings of dread. Many people associate the process with messy impression putty, uncomfortable temporary crowns, and multiple long visits to the dentist. Fortunately, dental technology has advanced significantly, offering patients a much better alternative.
At Fit To Smile Dental in Highlands Ranch, we provide an innovative solution that completely transforms this experience. By utilizing advanced technology, we help our patients bypass the lengthy waiting periods and discomfort associated with older methods. This guide will walk you through the differences between CEREC same-day crowns and traditional crowns, giving you the information you need to make the best choice for your oral health.
Key Takeaways
- Time: Traditional crowns take weeks and multiple visits. CEREC crowns are completed in just one appointment.
- Comfort: CEREC eliminates the need for uncomfortable temporary crowns and messy impression materials.
- Durability: Both options are highly durable, but studies show CEREC crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years with proper care.
- Aesthetics: CEREC crowns are milled from solid blocks of ceramic or porcelain, offering a highly natural look that blends seamlessly with your existing teeth.
Understanding Dental Crowns: What Are They and Why Do You Need Them?
A dental crown is a custom-fitted cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. You might need a crown for several reasons. Dentists frequently use them to protect a weak tooth from breaking, hold a cracked tooth together, or cover a tooth with a large filling when not much of the natural tooth remains.
They are also an essential step following a root canal treatment or when finishing a single-tooth dental implant. Ultimately, a crown protects your natural tooth structure and keeps your smile functioning properly.
The Traditional Crown Process: A Multi-Appointment Journey
For decades, getting a dental crown meant committing to a multi-step process. First, your dentist prepares the tooth by removing decay and shaping it to fit the crown. Next, they use a thick, gooey putty to take a physical impression of your teeth. This impression is sent off to an off-site dental laboratory where technicians craft your permanent crown.
Because it takes several weeks for the lab to create the final restoration, your dentist places a temporary plastic crown over your prepared tooth. Temporary crowns are notoriously fragile.
They can easily fall off or crack while you eat, requiring unexpected trips back to the clinic. Once the permanent crown finally arrives at the office, you return for a second appointment to have it fitted and cemented into place.
Introducing CEREC: The Technology Behind One-Day Crowns
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. This advanced system uses Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to create custom dental restorations right inside the dental office.
Instead of using physical putty, your dentist uses a specialized intraoral camera to take highly accurate 3D digital scans of your mouth. These images are sent to a computer program that designs the exact shape and size of your new crown.
Once the design is finalized, an in-office milling machine carves the crown out of a solid block of high-quality ceramic or porcelain. The entire manufacturing process happens in mere minutes while you relax in the dental chair.
Benefits of CEREC Crowns: Speed, Comfort, and Aesthetics
Choosing a CEREC crown comes with a multitude of advantages that make the dental experience far more pleasant.
First, the speed is unmatched. You walk into the clinic with a damaged tooth and walk out a few hours later with a permanent, fully functioning restoration. You save valuable time by avoiding a second appointment.
Second, the comfort level is significantly higher. Digital impressions eliminate the gag-inducing putty used in traditional methods. Furthermore, because the permanent crown is placed on the same day, you completely avoid the hassle and sensitivity of wearing a fragile temporary crown.
Finally, CEREC crowns offer incredible aesthetic results. The ceramic blocks used in the milling process come in dozens of shades, allowing your dentist to perfectly match the crown to the color of your natural teeth. Because they lack a metal core, CEREC crowns will never show a dark line near your gums.
CEREC at Fit To Smile Dental: Our Commitment to Advanced Care
At Fit To Smile Dental in Highlands Ranch, our mission is to prioritize your overall well-being while delivering state-of-the-art care. Dr. Trent Redfearn and our skilled team utilize CEREC technology to make your restorative treatments as seamless as possible. We understand that your time is valuable, which is why we have invested in the tools necessary to provide premium same-day services.
If you experience a dental emergency, we prioritize getting you into our office quickly. Most practices take weeks to schedule an emergency exam, but we strive to get you in within one business day. We also believe that high-quality care should be accessible, offering flexible financing, insurance support, and an exclusive in-house savings plan for patients without coverage.
Patient Testimonials: Real Stories from Our Highland Ranch Community
Our commitment to patient comfort and excellent results speaks for itself through the experiences of our local community. Based on hundreds of positive reviews, patients consistently praise our team’s supportive and professional approach.
Brenda Kuehnle shared, “So impressed with their whole team. I am not an easy patient and they have been so instrumental in meeting my dental needs in a professional and pain-free way. Much appreciated.”
Similarly, Jcrew Jem noted, “The ladies were so nice and supportive.”
Whether you need a routine cleaning, a cosmetic upgrade, or a same-day CEREC crown, Dr. Redfearn and the Highlands Ranch staff work tirelessly to ensure every visit is comfortable, informative, and highly effective.
CEREC vs. Traditional Crowns: A Detailed Comparison
When weighing your options, it helps to look at how these two types of crowns stack up against each other across a few key categories.
Durability and Lifespan
Traditional crowns, especially those made with metal alloys or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), are incredibly strong. They typically last 10 to 15 years, with some lasting longer depending on oral hygiene. CEREC crowns are milled from a single, solid block of ceramic, making them highly resistant to cracking and wear. Long-term studies show that with excellent care, CEREC crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years.
The Patient Experience
Traditional crowns require physical impressions, temporary crowns, and weeks of waiting. CEREC crowns require a quick digital scan, zero temporary crowns, and are completed in a single visit.
Material Options
Traditional crowns offer a wider variety of materials, including gold, base metal alloys, and PFM. CEREC crowns are exclusively made from ceramic or porcelain. While metal crowns are sometimes recommended for back molars that endure heavy chewing forces, modern CEREC ceramics are more than strong enough for the vast majority of dental restorations.
| Feature | Traditional Crowns | CEREC Crowns |
|---|---|---|
| Time Required | Multiple appointments, weeks of waiting | Completed in a single visit |
| Temporary Crowns | Typically required | Not required |
| Material Options | Variety including gold, base metal alloys, and PFM | Exclusively ceramic or porcelain |
| Strength | Metal crowns recommended for heavy chewing forces | Modern ceramics strong enough for most restorations |
Is CEREC Right for You? Factors to Consider
For most patients, a CEREC same-day crown is the ideal solution for restoring a damaged tooth. However, your dentist will help you determine the best path based on your specific clinical needs.
If you have a severe grinding habit (bruxism) or require a crown on a molar that sustains extreme pressure, a traditional metal crown might occasionally be suggested for added strength.
Additionally, if the tooth fracture extends deep below the gum line, a traditional impression might be necessary to capture the exact margins of the tooth root. During your consultation, Dr. Redfearn will evaluate your bite, the location of the tooth, and your cosmetic goals to recommend the perfect fit.
Maintaining Your CEREC Crown: Tips for Longevity
Taking care of a CEREC crown is incredibly simple because you treat it exactly like a natural tooth.
Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from around the base of the crown, which prevents gum disease and decay in the underlying tooth structure. Finally, maintain regular six-month checkups and cleanings at Fit To Smile Dental. These routine visits allow our hygienists to monitor the health of your crown and ensure your surrounding teeth remain strong.
FAQ
Q: How long do CEREC crowns last compared to traditional crowns?
A: A well-made dental crown should last many years regardless of the method used. Traditional crowns typically last 10 to 15 years. CEREC crowns are highly durable because they are milled from a single block of ceramic, and studies show their lifespan can range from 10 to 30 years with excellent oral care.
Q: Is the CEREC procedure painful?
A: No, the procedure is not painful. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area before preparing your tooth, just like a traditional crown or filling. The digital scanning process is completely painless and much more comfortable than traditional impression putty.
Q: Can CEREC crowns match the color of my natural teeth?
A: Yes. The ceramic blocks used to mill CEREC crowns come in a wide variety of shades. Your dentist will carefully select a color that perfectly matches your surrounding teeth, ensuring a beautiful and natural-looking result.
Q: Are CEREC crowns covered by insurance?
A: In most cases, dental insurance plans cover CEREC crowns exactly the same way they cover traditional crowns. They are typically covered when deemed medically necessary to restore a damaged or severely decayed tooth. Our insurance-friendly team at Fit To Smile Dental can help you navigate your coverage to maximize your benefits.
Embrace the Future of Dental Care with Fit To Smile
You no longer have to put up with messy impressions, temporary fixes, and multiple appointments just to restore your smile. Advanced technology has made protecting your oral health faster and more comfortable than ever before.
If you are dealing with a damaged tooth, severe decay, or simply want to learn more about same-day restorative options, we are here to help. Contact Fit To Smile Dental in Highlands Ranch today at (303) 683-2300 to schedule your appointment and discover how a custom CEREC crown can transform your dental experience.
You can also find our office located at 4185 E Wildcat Reserve Pkwy #300, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126.