Dental crowns are snug coverings that help protect and restore broken, worn, or loose teeth. They also work well for covering teeth discoloration, keeping a dental bridge attached firmly, encasing a dental implant, and protection after the root canal surgery. The two common types of crowns are traditional crowns and CEREC crowns.
Traditional crowns are made of stainless steel, silver, or gold. Alternatively, CEREC crowns (aka same-day crowns) are made from resin or ceramic. These are technologically advanced versions of dental crowns and offer multiple advantages over traditional ones. If your dentist has recommended a crown for dental restoration, you may consider CEREC crowns for the following reasons. But first, let us understand what does the CEREC system mean?
CEREC stands for CEramic REConstruction or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It is an advanced crown development technology that uses specialized computer software. An intra-oral scanner in the patient's mouth does the job of dental mapping within seconds. You do not need to bite down on a putty-like substance for dental impressions. However, there are a few more reasons to choose CEREC crowns. Read on to know more.
Preview Facility
The three-dimensional images of the patient's teeth help see their exact dimensions and alignment. As a result, the crown matches the look, feel, and shape of the natural teeth. But that's not all; the patient can preview their post-crown placement smile and get input on the crown's desired size, shape, alignment, and color. With CEREC, the patient has a better say and participation in the final design, before the fabrication stage of the CEREC® process.
Better Esthetics and Functionality
CEREC crowns are more natural-looking because the dentist and the patient can preview the patient's smile and customize the crown accordingly. The near-perfect alignment and shape of the crown also help restore the bite strength.
Shorter Restoration Process
Both traditional and CEREC dental restoration involve a multi-step process. However, the difference lies in the duration of the process. The conventional crown restoration takes two to four weeks and requires patients to wear a temporary crown until they get their permanent crown.
Conversely, CEREC crown placement takes a day; the dentist can design, create, and place a permanent crown within a few hours (and with greater accuracy!). The patients need not wear a temporary crown and visit the dentist multiple times. Further, it is a boon for patients prone to developing post-procedure dental problems, such as pulpitis. So, CEREC helps save time and gives you great results and convenience.
As Durable as Traditional Crowns
Contrary to the misconception, CEREC crowns are as durable as traditional crowns. Both can last 10-20 years, depending upon aftercare. However, traditional crowns made using combination materials resist wear and tear better, but they may not be esthetically as appealing as CEREC crowns.
More dentists are now offering CEREC dental services to provide patients with technologically advanced, minimally discomforting, and quality restorations that do not take long.
Will you choose CEREC crowns?
Comment below and let us know.