Tag Archives: advantages of CEREC crowns

dentist pushing cerec crowns

I need a dental crown on a tooth in the front of my mouth. My dentist is really pushing for me to get a CEREC crown. I know he’s invested a lot in the machine and probably needs to recoup his money, but I want to make sure these crowns are just as good as the regular ones before getting it. It’s more of a big deal because I’m talking about a front tooth and don’t want to look stupid.

Kevin

Dear Kevin,

Block of porcelain for CEREC crowns
Cerec restorations are made of all-porcelain.

Trying something new can be exciting, but when it comes to your smile, you want to be certain the results will be something you won’t want to hide.

Advantage of CEREC Crowns

With traditional porcelain crowns, your dentist designs it and then send it off to a lab to be completed. This process takes about two weeks. In the meantime, you will be provided with a temporary crown. This is designed to protect the tooth.

They are designed to come off easily so some patients find it more challenging to eat with them on. They’re also a little less attractive than the final result will be because of their temporary nature.

With CEREC Crowns, you walk out of your appointment with your permanent crown in place. This is because it is milled right in the office.

That convenience is its biggest advantage. You don’t have to come back for a second appointment, which means there is no need to get additional time off work or find a babysitter for a second appointment.

Because they’re made of all porcelain, they are just as attractive as traditional crowns. There isn’t much of a cost difference either.

CEREC Crowns on Front Teeth

This issue of a front tooth is more an issue of the dentist than the type of crown. Matching a crown to a front tooth takes an expert cosmetic dentist, especially on a single front tooth.

In that case, I’d ask your dentist to show you images of results of crowns he’s done on front teeth. Ask specifically for an example of CEREC crowns as well. Because they’re milled out of a single block of porcelain, your dentist will really have to know his color theory.

If he doesn’t get beautiful results, you may be happier switching to a different dentist for this one procedure with a different dentist. You can still get a CEREC crown, but you’ll get it by a dentist with expertise in cosmetics. Ideally, you’d see a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Should I go somewhere else to get a CEREC crown?

My dentist told me I needed a dental crown.  We scheduled an appointment, but after talking to my nephew, I’m wondering if I should go to a different dentist in order to get a CEREC crown?  He loves his.

Nellie D. – Washington

Nellie,

The difference between a CEREC crown and a traditional crown is twofold: 1. Where they’re milled and 2. The turn-around time.

A CEREC crown can be great, but what matters the most is the artistry of the dentist. So, if your dentist is artistic, you’ll get a great crown no matter which method is chosen. You’ll want a crown that looks both natural and beautiful.

If getting a crown the same day means a lot to you, ask your dentist if he has a CEREC machine, or another one similar, available. If he doesn’t, you’ll have to make a decision as to whether your dentist’s skill outweighs the  desire to not have two appointments.  A skilled dentist could make a beautiful crown no matter where is it milled.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, LA Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.