What Is a CEREC Crown: Everything You Need to Know
Are you wondering what the options are for getting a crown? Read about getting a CEREC crown, the procedure, and more from your dentist in Ashburn, VA.
By age 50, Americans have lost an average of 12 teeth. Meanwhile, 26% of Americans ages 65 to 74 have lost all their teeth. If you've lost or damaged a tooth recently, talk to your dentist in Ashburn, VA.
After a consultation appointment, your dentist will help you review your treatment options. For example, they might recommend the CEREC crown procedure.
What is a CEREC crown and how can it benefit your smile? Read on to find out!
What is a CEREC Crown?
First, let's answer the question that likely brought you here: what is a CEREC crown?
If you recently damaged a tooth, your dentist might recommend a crown to fix the problem. Dental crowns are small, tooth-shaped caps. They're designed to fit over an existing tooth.
Dental crowns can help hide a misshapen or discolored tooth. They're also beneficial if you need to protect a worn, broken, or damaged tooth. Dentists also use crowns to keep dental bridges in place.
There are multiple treatment options available if you decide to receive a dental crown. For example, they're often made from:
- Porcelain
- Metal
- Ceramic
- Resin
Some are made using a combination of metal and porcelain as well.
In some cases, your dentist in Ashburn, VA might recommend a CEREC crown. CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.
These crowns are designed, created, and installed using computer-assisted technology. They're made using strong ceramic. You can receive your CEREC crown in a single procedure.
The Benefits
Make sure to discuss the drawbacks and benefits of a CEREC crown with your dentist in Ashburn, VA. They'll help you review your treatment options, allowing you to make an informed choice.
One of the top advantages of a CEREC crown is its strength.
CEREC crowns are reliable, strong, and able to restore your damaged teeth. They're also able to resist abrasion. As a sturdy option, CEREC crowns are more likely to last.
If you ever need the crown replaced, you can visit your dentist's office again for restorations.
With traditional crowns, you might need to wait a week or two before your crown is created and placed. The CEREC crown procedure, on the other hand, is a same-day procedure.
You can visit your Ashburn, VA dentist and walk out with your new crown within the same day.
Your dentist will use computer-aided design (CAD) to gather digital images of your tooth and jaw. Then, they're able to design your crown before creating it in the office. Once it's ready, they can install your crown right away.
When discussing the benefits of the CEREC crown procedure, ask your dentist if you can see before-and-after photos. One of the great benefits of this treatment option is its appearance.
Your friends and family members won't realize you have a crown in place. These crowns lack a metal core. As a result, they're able to blend in with your surrounding teeth.
Since the crown lacks a dark core, it won't interrupt the reflection of light. Instead, your crown can help restore your natural smile.
Potential Drawbacks
As with any treatment option, there are a few drawbacks to consider as well.
For example, you'll need to consider your budget before choosing this procedure. The cost of CEREC crowns is usually higher than the cost for alternative treatments.
Not every dental office offers the CEREC crown procedure, either. Some dentists lack the training necessary to use the technology, too.
Make sure to schedule a consultation appointment with your Ashburn, VA dentist. They'll help you determine if the CEREC crown procedure suits your needs.
They can also recommend alternative treatment options if a CEREC crown doesn't suit your budget. For example, they might recommend CEREC veneers.
Veneers don't surround the entirety of an existing tooth. Instead, these thin shells are designed to cover the front of a tooth. They can help hide damage to improve the appearance of your smile.
Your dentist can use CAD tools to create ceramic veneers for your teeth instead of crowns.
If you don't choose the CEREC crown procedure, you won't receive a new crown during a single visit. Instead, you might need to visit your dentist at least twice.
During the first appointment, they'll need to prepare your tooth for treatment. They'll likely take an impression to send to a lab, and you'll receive a temporary crown.
You'll return later to have your permanent crown installed.
Costs
The cost for the CEREC crown procedure can vary based on the region of the country you live in. Your dentist's experience can impact the cost, too.
Make sure to consult your insurance company before scheduling this procedure. The type of dental procedures your insurance will cover can impact the cost.
Some insurance plans do cover the cost of dental crowns. However, they might only pay for a portion of the cost.
The Procedure
What exactly does the CEREC crown procedure entail?
First, you'll open your mouth wide for a camera, which will take digital images of the tooth requiring treatment. Using these photos, your dentist will create a model.
Your dentist will use CAD technology to create a digital model of the tooth that needs the dental crown. The machine will then use the model to mill a 3D tooth using ceramic.
The entire process for capturing images, creating the model, and printing the tooth should take 15 minutes.
Once your dentist polishes the new crown, they can fit it in place among your existing teeth.
Ask Your Dentist in Ashburn, VA About CEREC Crowns Today
Don't let a damaged tooth impact the appearance of your smile. Instead, talk to your dentist in Ashburn, VA about the CEREC crown procedure. They can help you determine if you're an ideal candidate for this treatment.
You can receive your CEREC crown during a single appointment to restore your smile right away.
Eager to get started? We can't wait to help! Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.
