Making Your CEREC® Crowns Last

CEREC® makes it more convenient for you to get restorations like dental crowns. CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Its equipment gives dentists the ability to make restorations in their clinics. These are milled out of ceramic blocks, providing natural-looking dental restorations.

Getting the most out of a CEREC crown

The traditional way of getting fitted with a crown requires at least two trips to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist takes an impression of the patient’s teeth by having them bite down on a mold. The mold is sent to a facility where restorations are made. It takes about two weeks for the restoration to get back to the dentist. The patient then comes in for a second appointment so they can be fitted with their customized crown.

The CEREC process

Things work differently when it comes to CEREC crowns, as the entire process is completed during a single trip to the dentist. Just as is the case with traditional crowns, the patient’s tooth is prepared for the restoration by removing enamel from its sides. This allows for a tighter fit with the restoration, which will be cemented to the tooth.

The dentist then takes digital images of the patient’s tooth and uses them to create a 3D model. The model is displayed on a screen connected to CEREC equipment, and the dentist uses it to design the patient’s crown. Once the patient and dentist are satisfied with the projections for the crown, the dentist uses a color chart to select a ceramic block that is the same color as the rest of the patient’s teeth. The equipment is turned on, and it creates the patient’s custom crown in less than 30 minutes. The restoration is cemented to the patient’s tooth once ready, so they can walk out of the clinic with their smile restored.

There is no need for a temporary crown with CEREC because the patient gets fitted with their customized crown during the same visit. The traditional way of getting a crown involves the patient getting a temporary one to protect the prepared tooth while they wait for their customized crown.

Patients can expect CEREC crowns to last about 15 years. These restorations are highly resistant to stains because they are made from ceramics. Simple things that a person can do to increase the longevity of their CEREC restoration include:

• Practice good oral hygiene: Crowns are not vulnerable to tooth decay, but the bases of the teeth being covered are, so good oral hygiene will keep these areas clean and help prevent tooth decay and gum disease
• Use protective gear: Oral appliances, like night guards, can help protect restorations like crowns for those who grind their teeth
• Avoid hard foods: Crowns are designed to withstand bite forces, but they are not as durable as real teeth; bad habits, like chewing on ice, can end up damaging crowns

It only takes a visit to get a crown

Dealing with a damaged or discolored tooth that needs a crown? Call or visit our Portland clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.cosmeticdentistoffice.com or call Rachel Cole DDS PC at (503) 248-1114 for an appointment in our Portland office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: CEREC Dentist in Portland, OR.