Traditional dental crowns take weeks to fit and develop — but what if you could get crowns fitted and ready in just a single appointment? Introducing CEREC crowns: the latest in time-saving dental solutions. Whether you need crowns sooner rather than later or just don’t want to wait, these same-day crowns provide the dental restoration you need in one day.
In this blog, we’re discussing Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) technology, how it hits Fast Forward on traditional processes, and how you can reap the benefits of same-day crowns.
How Same-Day Crowns Change Up the Game
CEREC crowns save time — that’s a fact — but did you know there are other benefits of same-day crowns? Let’s examine each and every one of them.
It’s Like 2 Appointments in 1
Traditionally, dental crowns are ready in two appointments. The first involves reshaping the tooth, taking dental impressions, and fitting you with a temporary crown; the second is when the finished prosthetic is affixed to your tooth.
When you get CEREC crowns, you can bypass the waiting period and complete everything in one appointment. Rather than having a technician take weeks to produce a crown in a lab, we create your crown on the spot using our milling machine. After a hand-finish and polish, we fit your crown using dental cement. Voilà — the process is now complete!
Skip the Temporary Crowns
Of course, temporary crowns become redundant by default if you’re receiving your crown in a single appointment. Temporaries are for the wait between appointments, which is not a part of the CEREC process.
No-Mess Digital Impressions
Out with gag-worthy dental putty — in with digital imaging. Most dentists have eradicated the outdated practice of placing putty on the teeth to take a dental impression. The CEREC method simply has no time to mess about with putty, using a digital scanner in all cases.
As one of our time-saving dental solutions, our specialised scanner is a portable device that takes digital dental impressions in minutes — sometimes, even seconds. Dental scanners are almost always more pleasant for patients, too, who usually find putty to feel uncomfortable in the mouth.
The CEREC Process: What to Expect
The CEREC process is as easy as 1-2-3-4. Here’s what to expect, step by step:
1. Digital, No-Goop Impressions
We take a snapshot inside your mouth using our specialised scanner — no dental putty required!
2. CAD Design
We upload this image to our computer to convert it into a three-dimensional model. Using the scan data and bite information, our CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software will suggest a crown shape for the dentist to review — or tweak, if necessary.
3. On-Site Milling
Next, it’s over to our milling machine, which uses the computer-generated model to create your crown on the spot using ceramic material. We also polish and hand-finish your crown before fitting it.
4. Fitting & Bonding
Finally, it’s time to fit your crown! We bond your new prosthetic to your teeth using dental cement.
CEREC FAQs
What are same-day crowns?
Same-day crowns are dental crowns that dentists can develop (using CAD software), create (using a milling machine), and fit in a single appointment. These are also called CEREC crowns.
What are CEREC crowns made of?
CEREC crowns are made from ceramic — usually zirconia or e.max (a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic).
How long do same-day crowns take?
At Stanley St. Dental, we can have your crowns ready in an hour — or maybe two, at the longest.
Are same-day crowns as good as traditional crowns?
Same-day crowns are certainly more time- and cost-effective, as:
- The entire process is condensed into a single appointment
- There are fewer costs all around, as the CEREC process eliminates the need for temporary crowns and laboratory work.
However, where traditional crowns have CEREC technology beat is in material durability. While CEREC milling machines cannot work with metal blocks, technicians in a lab can fuse ceramic or porcelain with metal for a more robust prosthetic.
That said, the difference in durability is not significant, while the time and money saved is. Patients may be happy to sacrifice a little durability for a quick, easy solution that renders temporary crowns obsolete.
Is CEREC technology safe?
Absolutely — we scan your mouth using non-invasive, radiation-free digital imaging. CEREC technology has also been studied and perfected quite extensively over the years.
What is the cost of same-day crowns in Melbourne?
Getting same-day crowns in Melbourne can cost anywhere from $1,300 to $2,800 per tooth. This wide variation is because dental work has no flat rate, and costs will ultimately depend on individual needs and case severity.
Get Same-Day Crowns at Stanley St. Dental
Looking for a CEREC dentist near Collingwood? Look no further than Stanley St. Dental. If it’s high-quality, time-saving dental solutions you want, we have them in spades.
- Need to secure your new CEREC crowns with dental implants? We can perform the whole procedure.
- Interested in our other restorative options, like dental bridges? Speak to one of our dentists.
- We’ve also got your general dentistry services sorted, from the classic check-up and clean to root canal treatment.
Whatever’s got you down in the mouth, we can take care of you at Stanley St. Dental. Hit that Book Appointment button to get started.