Most people know what dental crowns are and what they do. However, if you needed a brief reminder, dental crowns are essentially tooth-shaped caps that sit over the top of teeth that are too badly decayed or damaged to support a cavity filling, or that are broken and need holding together. When our dentist recommends that you cover a tooth with a dental crown, it is done to protect the original structure underneath as well as to fill the gap with a suitable prosthetic that can effectively sit over the top of it. This is different to a dental implant which also replaces the tooth root. 

The process to receive a dental crown usually requires several appointments. This is so that the underlying tooth can be cleared of any decay and prepared to receive the crown. It is also necessary for our dentist to take impressions of your teeth so that your custom-designed crown can be milled. You will be fitted with a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready, returning a few weeks later to have this fitted. 

While regular crowns are extremely popular and well used, today patients can benefit from an alternative – Cerec crowns.

What are Cerec crowns?

Cerec crowns are crowns that have been created using a revolutionary new technique, unsurprisingly called Cerec. Cerec stands for ‘ceramic reconstruction’ and explains the material that these crowns are created from. However, rather than being milled from impressions, these crowns are created using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology. 

Using this cutting-edge mapping technology, your Cerec dentist will be able to create an intensely accurate image of your affected tooth and surrounding structures so that your new ceramic restoration can be created with minute precision. One the computer has finalized the design of your crown, the image is sent to the milling device so that your crown can be milled directly on site, while you wait! 

Cerec technology can successfully be used to create a number of different dental restorations, including crowns used in dental implants, bridges, veneers and even dentures. However, regular Cerec crowns are by far the most requested of all. 

Benefits of choosing Cerec crowns

There are a variety of reasons why an increasing number of patients are now opting for Cerec crowns. These include:

Same-day availability of your crown. Dental appointments take time, and this is something that is in short supply for many people. Whether it is because you have kids to look after, a busy career or simply a hectic lifestyle, we understand the inconvenience of needing to attend multiple appointments. Cerec technology enables your crown to be created while you wait, meaning you can leave with your smile restored the very same day.

Less drilling. Preparation of your natural tooth is probably the least fun part of getting a dental crown. However, since Cerec crowns can be made to fit over your affected tooth with only a little being removed to accommodate it, there is less drilling required. 

No temporary crown required. Leaving with your permanent crown the same day means that no part-time prosthetics are needed. The benefit of this, aside from only one appointment, is that you don’t need to worry about your temporary crown pulling out of you eat something sticky or chewy. This is because your final Cerec crown will be permanently secured, rather than just using temporary adhesive. 

Unrivalled accuracy. While impressions have been used to successfully make crowns for many years, Cerec technology takes the accuracy and precision of the process to a whole new level. Plus, you can skip out on the uncomfortable and unpleasant process of conventional, putty-based molds. 
 

If you would like to find out more about CEREC crowns, please do not hesitate to contact our knowledgeable and experienced team who will be delighted to explain how this new technology is transforming the face of dental restorations.