In the past, if you needed a crown (or onlay, inlay, or veneer) it would take two appointments spread out over two weeks. Thanks to our CEREC milling machine and computer, we can now make your crown in one appointment. Today we’ll let you know the benefits of a CEREC crown and how they compare to traditional lab made crowns. We’ll also walk you through what to expect at your CEREC appointment.
Benefits of CEREC Restorations
CEREC restorations are done in one visit, so you don’t have to spend time and money getting to and from the dental office twice. CERECs are also done in the office while you wait, so if the color or fit is off there is no need to send it back to the lab to fix it. This means even less appointments for you. With CEREC restorations, the impressions are taken digitally to provide for the best fit. Another benefit of digital impressions is that there is no “goop,” also known as impression material.
Using the CEREC milling machine, our doctors are able to create amazing porcelain crowns that are just as strong the porcelain/ceramic crowns produced in a lab. As lab restorations are often made by layering porcelain, this can lead to restorations cracking or chipping. CEREC restorations are milled out of a single block of porcelain which was created under ideal temperature and pressure conditions, leading to a more stable restoration.
What to Expect at Your CEREC Visit
At your CEREC visit, our Evanston dentists will begin by having their assistants take an x-ray of the tooth that is being restored. This is to facilitate communication with your insurance company, and also helps verify that there is not any additional trauma that your tooth sustained prior to your appointment. Then they will take an initial scan of your tooth using the digital impression wand. The doctors will then prepare your tooth for your restoration. Once your tooth is prepared they will take a final digital impression and begin designing your crown.
The final design is sent to the CEREC milling machine and milled out of a solid block of porcelain. The milling process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Once it is finished, the restoration is tried in to make sure it fits well. Then it is glazed, stained, and baked for about 30 minutes. After the restoration cools, it is bonded to the tooth and adjusted if necessary.
CEREC restorations are an excellent way to replace old restorations, fix a cracked tooth, repair damage due to decay, or restore your smile. Using CEREC technology to create beautiful restorations allows us to make them quicker and easier so that we are able to offer you the best that dentistry has to offer.
To find out more about CEREC restorations, visit our CEREC page or call our Evanston dental office.