CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns in Springfield & Longmeadow, MA
CEREC 3D® One Visit Dentistry – Dental Crown in a Day
The CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) system allows a dentist to design, create and fit a new crown, veneer or inlay in a single visit. Using conventional procedures, this process can take up to three weeks to complete.
The multi-instrument CEREC system consists of an infrared digital camera, a computer with 3-D imaging software, and a milling unit with diamond blades for quick, precise and highly detailed construction of restorations.
How does CEREC Technology Work?
The dentist prepares the affected tooth before fitting it for a restoration. Instead of using dental putty to take an impression of the tooth, a digital picture is taken using the CEREC camera. With computer-aided design and manufacturing technology, the CEREC software converts the digital picture into a 3-D virtual model of the prepared tooth. This image is then used as a guide in designing the new restoration.
Once the dentist is satisfied with the virtual tooth, the data is sent to the on-site CEREC milling unit. The new tooth is then fabricated from a block of high-quality ceramic, which comes in a wide variety of colors and shades to ensure that the restoration matches the surrounding teeth. Processing usually takes less than 20 minutes.
After the milling is finished, the dentist polishes the filling or crown, and bonds it into place in the patient’s mouth.
How much more accurate are CEREC Crowns as opposed to traditional?
One of the aspects of the CEREC process that is advantageous is that the dentist is in control of the crown fabrication from start to finish. There is no “middle man” in a dental lab, just the dentist, some sophisticated software, and a state-of-the-art milling machine. The control that is retained through the process enables the dentist to create restorations that fit perfectly.
Advantages of the CEREC System
When compared to traditional restoration, CEREC restoration has several advantages.
Single-Appointment Dental Care
With the CEREC system, the patient needs to visit the dentist only once, instead of the usual two or three times required with conventional restoration procedures. The patient is able to leave the dentist’s office fitted with the final product.
Complete Control by the Dentist
Because the restoration is designed and fabricated from start to finish by the dentist, a single person has complete control over how the restoration will look and fit. By contrast, a crown made in a laboratory is partially under the control of a technician unfamiliar with the patient.
No Need for Temporary Restorations
Conventional restoration procedures require that the patient wear temporary restorations while the laboratory prepares the final product. Temporary restorations may fit imprecisely or even fall off. The CEREC system eliminates this issue.
Made from Strong Ceramic
The CEREC system uses strong, tooth-colored ceramic to restore teeth to their natural strength, beauty and function. Not only does a CEREC restoration match the look of the rest of the teeth, the material used closely matches the composition of the natural teeth, allowing the patient to eat hot and cold foods without worrying that the restoration will crack from extreme temperatures.
The CEREC system significantly streamlines the dental-restoration process for both dentist and patient.
In the past, placement of a porcelain crown, inlay, or onlay required at least two dental visits. Today, thanks to the advanced CEREC® system featured in our office, patients can have attractive porcelain restorations custom-designed and bonded during a single visit. The tooth-colored porcelain material used in CEREC® restorations — the most bio-compatible material today — closely matches the composition of natural teeth and offers many advantages over traditional restorations. This allows us to conserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible and create attractive results while offering our patients the utmost inconvenience.
What are the Benefits of CEREC Crowns?
CEREC crowns are an excellent treatment option for many reasons. These crowns look and feel lifelike due to the accuracy in shaping and sizing. They are made from a high-quality ceramic material that is designed to withstand the pressure of normal biting and chewing, so should last many years. The most significant benefit of the CEREC process, however, may be its convenience. Patients treated with CEREC technology can get back to their normal way of life quickly and with minimal side effects.
How Long do CEREC Crowns Take?
Unlike traditional crowns, which take two office visits over the span of at least two weeks, CEREC crowns are made in the office while you wait. The entire process can take approximately 2 hours, including the preparation, milling, and bonding of the tooth. The actual milling portion of the appointment, during which the crown is being fabricated in the CEREC machine, usually takes only about half an hour. During that time, patients can read, rest, listen to music, or otherwise entertain themselves in our comfortable office.
Real Patient Testimonials
“I have found the dental care that, Dr. Peck and his staff, provide to be exemplary. From the moment you enter the office, the staff exude friendliness. Everyone is pleasant and do their best to contribute to a relaxing evening at the dentist. Thank you!!!!” – Susan G.
“As far back as I can remember I had bad teeth. The emotional trauma and embarrassing moments I went through can only be buried to places far far away with a hand always covering my smile. Always. So many years of trying new things to improve my smile always had the same outcome~hand over smile! I am now 31 years old and decided to see Dr. Peck and his team. He has changed my life. Tears of joy, years of self consciousness and embarrassment out the window. He has made my smile big, proud and with no hand covering it. Words can do no justice if you can not relate, but if you can it really has changed my life!!!! I believed in Dr. Peck and he believed in me. now its time to SMILE. There can never be enough thanks..But I cherish and love you all for being so supportive and encouraging.” :}” – Diane M.
Can a CEREC Crown Break?
Yes. CEREC crowns are as strong as most traditional crowns, and none are unbreakable. The dentist takes care to fabricate a crown that sits at the right height to properly disperse the force of chewing across all teeth in the row. A crown may break if it is seated too high and endures too much force. Habits like clenching and grinding can also contribute to the risk of fracture for any crown. If you grind or clench, a condition known as bruxism, your dentist may recommend that you wear a mouthguard while you sleep. This custom appliance buffers the force of these actions and can protect crowns as well as natural teeth from undue wear and tear.
Can a CEREC Crown be Adjusted After Placement?
Yes. Crowns can be adjusted or replaced if they do not meet your needs. The most common reason a crown may require adjustment is that the patient has discomfort when they bite down. During the treatment process, the dentist performs specific tests and measurements to secure an optimal, functional bite. Patients may experience slight discomfort during the first few days of getting a new crown. If this continues beyond one week, it should be brought to the dentist’s attention.
How Long do CEREC Crowns Usually Last?
Like a traditional crown, a CEREC crown can last 10 to 15 years. The lifespan of a crown is largely dependent on the patient’s oral hygiene. Patients who brush twice a day and floss daily, taking particular care of their crown in the process, can enjoy a longer-lasting restoration.
