Lafayette Louisiana CEREC Crowns

Before CEREC crowns

Later, during the same appointment

There are several uncomfortable aspects of getting a dental crown. Not only does it take two separate appointments, but between appointments you have to wear a temporary crown. Sometimes the temporary is uncomfortable. Always there is a risk that it could come off, since it is made to be easily removable. Also, the impression is not only gooey, but it makes some people gag.

All of those inconveniences are solved with new CEREC technology. Dr. Malone now has the equipment to offer CEREC crowns, which can be placed in just a single visit. CEREC crowns are used to repair damaged, misshapen or discolored teeth, just as traditional crowns do, but the entire process of placing a CEREC crown can be accomplished in a single appointment.

For traditional dental crowns, the process of placing the crowns takes at least two visits. During the first visit, your tooth is prepared for the crown, which usually involves shaving material from your tooth. After your teeth are prepared, an impression is taken of your teeth, and that impression is sent to the dental lab that will create the crown(s). A temporary crown is then placed while you wait for the dental lab to complete their work. When the crowns are complete and shipped to the dentist, you will have to go back into the office to have the temporary crown removed and the permanent crown placed. And if, for some reason, the crown is not right, you start the whole process all over again. Time consuming? Yes.

CEREC crown technology eliminates the wait. Your teeth are prepared as they would be for a traditional crown placement, then a sophisticated 3-D camera creates a digital impression, which eliminates the need for the physical impression. The digital impression is used with CEREC’s computer assisted design (CAD) software to precisely design your restoration so that it is exactly the right size, shape and color.

The crowns are milled on-site while you wait, from beautiful, durable ceramic that is color-matched to look natural. The milling takes only minutes, and then the restoration is polished and bonded into place.

All of this sophisticated equipment still requires specialized training, and a strong aesthetic sense to create beautiful, natural-looking restorations. Dr. Malone and his team have invested both time and money into making sure they have the skills and artistry to fully utilize this breakthrough technology.

Same Day Veneers

This same technology can be used to create a smile makeover. Below is an example of a case of six ceramic veneers that was completed in one day—in one appointment.

CEREC Veneers Before

CEREC Veneers After