Cerec

Same-Day CEREC Crowns: Advanced Dental Technology (2025 Guide)

At D’Amico Dental Care, we’ve been using advanced CEREC technology since 2009 to bring our patients the very best in modern dentistry. This powerful digital system has completely changed how we create dental restorations—making the process faster, more precise, and far more comfortable.

With CEREC’s state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology, we can design and craft custom crowns in just one visit—no messy impressions or temporary crowns needed. After removing any old fillings and preparing your tooth, we use a digital scanner to capture a detailed 3D image. Then, using advanced design software, your dentist creates your personalized crown. Once it’s milled right here in our office, we finish it with expert shading so it blends perfectly with your natural teeth—leaving you with a flawless, confident smile.

Fun fact: D’Amico Dental Care has pioneered same-day CEREC crowns since 2009, even teaching other dentists the technology!

What Are CEREC Crowns?

CEREC Crowns (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) are dental restorations made using CAD/CAM technology. This system creates crowns, inlays, or onlays in just one visit through digital scanning, 3D design, and milling ceramic blocks. The biggest advantage? Treatment time drops from weeks to 2–3 hours.

Dental 3D Design

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How CEREC Crowns Work

CEREC eliminates messy molds and temporary crowns. First, decay or old fillings are removed, and the tooth is prepped. An intraoral scanner takes a digital impression, and CEREC software designs your crown with pinpoint accuracy. The dentist can tweak the design in real time for perfect fit and aesthetics.

Next, the design is sent to an in-office milling machine, which carves your crown from a ceramic block in minutes. After polishing and shading to match your teeth, it’s bonded in place—all in one appointment.

Advantages of CEREC Crowns Over Traditional Crowns

Efficiency: Done in one visit—no temporary crowns or multiple trips.
Precision: Digital scans ensure a perfect fit.
Comfort: No goopy impressions!
Aesthetics: Custom shading mimics natural teeth.
Durability: High-quality ceramics last 10–15 years.

Faster Treatment Process

CEREC slashes treatment time from 3 weeks to 2 hours by combining scanning, design, and milling in one session. Benefits include:
- No temporary crowns (which can break or trap bacteria).
- Less tooth sensitivity.
- Preserves more natural tooth structure.
- Ideal for busy professionals or travelers.

Single-Visit Procedure

CEREC’s digital workflow replaces weeks of waiting with one 2–3 hour visit. Key perks:
- Less anxiety: No multiple appointments.
- No temp crown risks: Like fractures or decay underneath.
- Precision: Margins fit within 20–50 microns (thinner than a hair!).

Customized Fit and Aesthetics

CEREC’s AI-powered design software considers your bite, jaw movement, and tooth shape.
- Natural shade matching (even for tricky front teeth).
- Perfect occlusion: No awkward chewing adjustments.
- Minimal gaps: Margins under 50 microns.

The CEREC Crown Procedure

Tooth prep and digital scan.
3D design tailored to your smile.
Milling from E.max or zirconia blocks (10–15 mins).
Bonding with strong resin cement.

Total time: 1.5–2 hours.

Scanning and Design Process

A high-res intraoral scanner (accurate to 15–20 microns) captures your tooth. AI designs your crown for ideal fit and bite. Adjustments take 10–15 minutes—vs. days with old lab methods.

Initial Consultation and Examination

Your dentist checks your tooth health with digital X-rays and scans, then plans:

Material choice (E.max for translucency, zirconia for strength).
Tooth prep needs.
Digital preview of your results.

Placement and Final Adjustments

The crown is bonded, then checked for:

Margins: No rough edges.
Bite balance: No high spots.
Aesthetics: Seamless color blend.

With care, it lasts 15+ years.

Cost of CEREC Crowns

Tech premium: CAD/CAM equipment.
No lab fees.
Time saved.

Factors affecting price:

Material (E.max vs. zirconia).
Case complexity.
Location.

Is CEREC Worth the Investment?

Yes! Long-term benefits:

- 95% success rate at 10 years.
- Saves 3+ appointments.
- Fewer complications (like decay under temps).
- Cost-effective after 5–7 years.

Longevity and Maintenance of CEREC Crowns

Lifespan: 10–15 years with:
- Soft-bristle brushing.
- Non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Biannual checkups.

How Long Do CEREC Crowns Last?

E.max: 12–15 years (front teeth).
Zirconia: 15+ years (back teeth).
Key to longevity: Precise fit (<50-micron gaps).

Proper Care and Maintenance Tips

Avoid ice/hard foods to prevent cracks.
Night guards if you grind teeth.
Floss daily around crowns.

Signs That Your CEREC Crown Needs Attention

See your dentist if you notice:

Looseness or sensitivity.
Gum inflammation.
Chips or bite changes.

Early fixes prevent bigger issues!

FAQ

1. What is a CEREC ceramic crown?

A CEREC crown is a full ceramic dental crown that is digitally designed and fabricated in a single visit. Unlike traditional methods, it doesn't require physical impressions or multiple appointments.

2. What are the advantages of CEREC over conventional crowns?

Single-visit treatment: Completed in one day
High precision: Computer-aided design (CAD/CAM)
Exceptional aesthetics: Natural tooth-colored ceramic
No temporary crown needed: The final crown is ready the same day

3. How long does CEREC crown placement take?

The entire process (tooth preparation, digital scanning, fabrication, and placement) typically takes 2 to 3 hours.

4. Is the CEREC placement process painful?

No! The tooth is numbed with local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain. You may experience slight sensitivity after the anesthesia wears off.

5. How long do CEREC crowns last?

With proper care (good oral hygiene and regular checkups), CEREC crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer.

6. How should I care for my CEREC crown?

Brush and floss daily
Avoid chewing hard substances (like ice or hard candy) with the crowned tooth
Visit your dentist every 6 months for checkups

7. How much does a CEREC crown cost?

Costs vary by region and dentist expertise, but CEREC crowns are generally more expensive than traditional crowns (due to advanced technology and time savings).

8. Does insurance cover CEREC crowns?

It depends on your provider. Some insurers cover a portion of the cost, similar to traditional crowns. Check with your insurance before treatment.

Chart

Feature	CEREC Crowns	Traditional Porcelain Crowns	Gold Crowns	Zirconia Crowns	Composite Resin Restorations
Fabrication Time	Single visit (2-4 hours)	2-3 weeks (requires lab)	2-3 weeks (requires lab)	2-3 weeks (requires lab)	Single visit (1-2 hours)
Material	Lithium disilicate (E.max) or ceramic	Porcelain fused to metal	Gold alloy	Zirconium dioxide	Composite resin
Durability	10-15 years	10-15 years	20+ years	15+ years	5-7 years
Aesthetics	Excellent (tooth-colored)	Good (may show metal margin)	Poor (metallic)	Excellent (opaque white)	Good (stains over time)
Tooth Preparation	Minimal (0.5-1.5mm)	Moderate (1.0-2.0mm)	Moderate (1.0-2.0mm)	Moderate (1.0-2.0mm)	Minimal (0.3-0.7mm)
Digital Process	CAD/CAM milling	Conventional impression	Conventional impression	CAD/CAM (lab)	Direct placement
Biocompatibility	Excellent	Good (metal allergy possible)	Good (metal allergy possible)	Excellent	Good
Strength	400 MPa	350-400 MPa	250-350 MPa	900-1200 MPa	150-250 MPa
Clinical Applications	Anterior & posterior teeth	Mostly posterior teeth	Molars	All teeth	Small to medium restorations
Tooth Sensitivity	Low (excellent marginal fit)	Moderate (cement line)	Low	Low	Moderate (microleakage)
Repairability	Difficult	Difficult	Difficult	Difficult	Easy
Long-term Success Rate	90-95% at 10 years	85-90% at 10 years	90-95% at 15 years	95% at 10 years	70-80% at 5 years

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