Did you know that dental crowns can now be made in as little as two hours? It’s true! This treatment is called a same-day crown, and is a great way for patients who only need one restoration to expedite the process.
Obviously, this is a boon for tight schedules. Convenience isn’t the only cool feature of same-day crowns, though. There are at least six other facts that dentists are geeking out about! To understand the hype, just keep reading.
The CEREC Alphabet Soup
Same-day dental crowns go by another name – CEREC crowns. CEREC is the official name of this treatment, but it’s standing-in for quite the mouthful: Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. So, naturally, dentists simply call them same-day, CEREC, or chairside crowns.
Futuristic Cameras and 3D Models
A CEREC camera is capable of taking detailed photos of your teeth. This image is then translated into a digital 3D model and analyzed by impressive computer software. After some calculation, the computer is even able to recommend the best shape for your crown!
More Dental Technology That Seems Made-Up
Your dentist steps back in for the design process. There are some more abbreviations here, but fortunately they’re more straightforward than CEREC. CAM and CAD simply stand for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing.
This just means your dentist uses a very sophisticated computer to sketch and create your crown. The software allows them to manipulate 3D models, include an incredible amount of detail, and then produce a dental crown to that exact design. It’s truly some sci-fi-esq stuff, and what’s even more interesting is that architects also use CAD to design entire buildings! That just goes to show you how powerful the technology is.
Same-Day and Same-Quality Crowns
We’re used to fast-track solutions being of lower quality than their carefully produced counterparts. However, CEREC crowns use the exact same ceramic material as normal ceramic crowns! That means they have the same lasting durability and strength. You won’t be sacrificing quality with a same-day dental crown.
No Temps, No Wait – Use Your Same-Day Crown Immediately
Since the CEREC process is so quick, you won’t require a temporary dental crown or a follow-up visit for a more permanent placement. The CEREC crown is true to its nickname – you’ll be able to enjoy it the same day as your appointment.
Crowns: The Multi-Tool of Dentistry
Root canals are the most common reason for needing a dental crown, making it easy to forget that this treatment has multiple uses. Same-day crowns can provide convenience for patients looking for tooth repair, dental implant caps, cosmetic coverage, and more!
That said, depending on your smile goals, it might be better to stick to traditional crown-crafting methods. Typically, only one dental crown can be milled at a time in-office, meaning that if you need multiple crowns, two hours could quickly become six! That’s why even though CEREC might seem like the ultimate crown solution, you should still check in with your dentist. They can go into the finer details of your specific treatment and let you know if a same-day crown is right for you.
About the Practice
Our team at Morgan-Hill Dental Care emphasizes patient-first care. We do everything we can to make your visit as comfortable and convenient as possible, including keeping up with the latest dental technology – like same-day crowns! Dr. Kelsey Hill is our resident specialist when it comes to CEREC. With her advanced training, you can rest assured that your same-day crown will look and feel fantastic! To contact our office for an appointment, call 207-839-2655.