Same-Day Smile Restoration: How CEREC Technology is Changing Dental Crowns

When it comes to repairing damaged teeth, dental crowns are often considered the go-to solution, restoring strength, function, and aesthetics all at once. In most cases, though, crowns require at least two dental visits — one to prepare the tooth and one to apply the crown — with a few weeks in between. 

While it’s not a deal-breaker, the process can be inconvenient, and the temporary crown placed in the meantime isn’t always comfortable. CEREC technology has changed all that, using advanced technology to create and place a crown — all in a single visit. 

In this month’s blog, Amy Morris, DDS, and our team at Morris Dental Associates explain how it works — and how you can benefit.

The technology behind CEREC

An acronym for “Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics,” CEREC uses digital imaging and computer-aided design technology to create highly customized dental restorations in just one visit, without using the design services of a traditional off-site dental lab. 

The process begins with detailed images of your teeth. To capture these images, Dr. Morris and our team use a digital scanner instead of the standard putty impressions. 

These images are downloaded into an advanced software program that creates a precise 3D model of your restoration, allowing Dr. Morris to match your unique bite pattern and tooth shape for optimal fit and function. Once the design process is complete, the CEREC system uses a special “milling” machine to create your custom crown from durable ceramic material. 

Finally, the crown is placed on your tooth using a very strong binding agent, then gently shaped for a perfect fit. No messy impressions, no long wait time, and no uncomfortable temporary crown — it’s all completed in one office visit.

Benefits of same-day dental crowns

While traditional crowns offer the same “end benefits” — protection, restoration, durability, and aesthetics — CEREC crowns offer distinct advantages that are definitely worth considering.

A fully digital process

First, unlike a traditional crown, there’s no need for sticky impressions. For many people, the impression process can be a little uncomfortable, often triggering a “gag” reflex that interferes with the process and can even require a “redo.”

No need for two visits

Second, with CEREC, there’s no need to wait for a dental lab to create your crown — a process that takes at least two weeks and often longer. Once it’s ready, you need to come in for a second appointment to have the crown fitted and applied. 

That means two visits and two interruptions to your schedule, as well as two injections to numb your tooth. Not a big deal to some people, but most patients appreciate having more efficient dental care. 

No temporary restoration

And finally, with traditional crown treatment, you’ll need to wear a temporary crown while you wait for your permanent crown to be made. While temporary crowns are important for protecting the tooth, they can also be uncomfortable and ill-fitting, sometimes coming loose and requiring another appointment to put them back in place. 

With CEREC, your permanent crown is applied the same day, eliminating the need for a temporary restoration.

Restorations designed for you

Like traditional crowns, CEREC crowns can be an excellent choice for people with cracked teeth, large cavities, worn or misshapen teeth, and teeth treated with root canal therapy — and for replacing missing or damaged crowns, too. 

If you have a crown in your future, ask Dr. Morris if you’re a good candidate for a same-day CEREC crown, or if a traditional crown is a better choice for your needs. 

Conveniently located in Abilene, Texas, Morris Dental Associates is proud to serve patients in Abilene, Sweetwater, Brownwood, Eastland, and the surrounding areas. To schedule your visit with our team, request an appointment online or over the phone today.