CEREC® Same-day Crowns Offer Beauty and Convenience

Also called caps, dental crowns are customized dental restorations that encapsulate a tooth. If a tooth becomes damaged or decayed, a crown can restore its appearance and function, and prevent the need for extraction. With CEREC® technology, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, we can provide patients with a custom dental restoration in a single visit without sacrificing quality. Dental technology and materials have evolved tremendously in the past few decades. Leveraging CEREC® technology at our Corpus Christi, TX, dental office, Dr. Nicholas Perry Orchard can design, fabricate, and secure an all-porcelain restoration in one appointment. You won’t need to wear a temporary crown or come in for a follow-up visit. To find out if CEREC® is right for you, contact our dental office today.

A Closer Look at Dental Crowns

Over time, our teeth can suffer from cavities and cracks, which damage the teeth. Once this damage takes root, only professional dental treatment can help. In some situations, a filling can restore a tooth’s health and integrity. When a crack or fracture extends deeper into a tooth, a crown may be the best treatment option. Crowns can be made from metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), zirconia, or all-porcelain. Traditional treatment requires two appointments: one to prepare the damaged tooth and take an impression for the lab, and a second to secure the lab-made restoration permanently in place. With CEREC® technology, we are able to design, fabricate, and place all-ceramic e.max CAD (lithium disilicate) restorations in a single appointment.

CEREC® Technology

CEREC® is a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system that uses 3-D imaging, digital design, and a self-contained milling unit to craft custom dental restorations. This technology provides us with the ability to design and precisely fabricate a dental crown made from high quality porcelain in about a single visit. With CEREC®, you won’t need a temporary crown or a follow-up visit. Your permanent, custom dental crown will be securely in place before you leave our office.

The day of your visit, Dr. Orchard will prepare your tooth for the crown by removing a small amount of enamel. He will then take a 3D digital picture of your teeth instead of a regular impression. Dr. Orchard will use computer software to digitally design your crown and then submit the blueprint to our CEREC® milling unit. Using a CEREC® e.max block that matches the color of your teeth, he will fabricate a dental crown that is shaped to fit comfortably and snugly over the treated tooth. The entire visit will last about two hours.

Other Applications

CEREC® technology is primarily used for dental crowns, but we can also use it to create custom bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers. Keep in mind, CEREC® is not ideal for every situation. In some cases, the dentist may recommend a zirconia crown for optimal durability. At your appointment, a thorough clinical evaluation will allow Dr. Orchard to determine the best type of crown for you.

Schedule Your Visit Today

If you have been informed that you need a crown, contact our dental office today to schedule a checkup. We are accepting new patients and will be happy to reserve a visit that is convenient for your schedule.