What Are CEREC Same Day Dental Crowns and Restorations?
When a tooth needs a little extra help to be strong and healthy, a dental crown is often a great solution. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits right over your natural tooth, helping to restore its shape and function. In the past, this process sometimes required a couple of trips to the dental office, which can be tricky to fit into a busy family schedule.
Today, technology helps make it possible to get a custom-fit crown in just 1 visit. A CEREC same-day crown is a quality, long-term cap for your tooth that we can design, create, and place in a single appointment. It’s a convenient option to help you get back to your day with a healthy smile.
How the CEREC 1-Visit Process Works
CEREC (chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics) uses innovative technology to create your crown right in our office. Your dentist uses a computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system, which simplifies the entire process. It all happens in 4 simple steps during your visit.
- Digital scan: First, we take a 3D digital image of your tooth using an intraoral scanner. This scan is a key part of the dental examination process. The quick scan creates a precise model of your tooth on our screen.
- Custom crown design: We use that 3D model to design your new crown right on the computer. We can adjust the shape and size to fit your bite perfectly. We also select a ceramic shade that matches your other teeth for a natural look.
- In-office creation: Once the design is ready, we send it to our in-office milling machine. This machine carefully carves your new crown from a solid block of tooth-coloured ceramic.
- Placement and polish: Finally, we polish your new crown and bond it securely to your tooth. We check the fit and your bite to make sure it’s comfortable. You can leave the office with your crown in place.
CEREC for Inlays & Onlays
CEREC technology can also create inlays and onlays using the same efficient process. These are tooth-preserving alternatives for different levels of tooth damage.
An inlay is used when your tooth needs more than a regular filling can provide, but the damage is contained within the cusps (the raised points) of your tooth. An onlay is for when you need more coverage than an inlay but don't require a full crown, it covers one or more cusps to provide extra strength and protection.
Both options preserve more of your natural tooth structure while providing a strong, custom-fit restoration. The same-day process works identically for all three options: we scan your tooth, design the restoration, mill it in our office, and place it during your single visit.
Key Benefits for Your Smile & Schedule
CEREC crowns and restorations are a popular choice in family dentistry because they help restore smiles quickly and comfortably. This approach focuses on both quality and convenience.
Save Time with a Single Visit
A significant benefit is how much time you save. You can get your long-term, custom-fit crown, inlay, or onlay in just 1 appointment. This same-day crown or restoration means no need to schedule a follow-up visit, which is helpful for managing work and school schedules.
Skip the Temporary Crown
With traditional crowns, you wear a temporary crown for 1–3 weeks while a lab creates the final crown. CEREC eliminates this step, so you don't have to worry about a temporary one coming loose.
A Natural Look & Feel
CEREC crowns and restorations are made from a strong, tooth-coloured ceramic material. They can blend seamlessly with your other teeth thanks to their design. The result is a restoration that looks and feels like a part of your natural smile.
Strong & Durable Restorations
The quality ceramic material used in these dental restorations is sturdy and built to handle the pressures of daily chewing. This durability means your restoration can last for years with proper care.
What to Consider with CEREC Crowns and Restorations
While 1-visit crowns and restorations are a great option for many, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
Availability & Technology
Not every dental office has CEREC technology, as it requires specific equipment and training. It represents an approach to dental care that combines convenience with quality results. We're proud to bring this option to the families we see.
The Cost of a Same-Day Crown
The cost of a CEREC crown can differ from that of a traditional lab-made crown. Many factors influence the price, including your specific dental needs.
Other Types of Dental Crowns
CEREC is an excellent choice for many people, but it’s helpful to know about other options as well. Traditional lab-made crowns require 2 visits and can be made from different materials to suit various needs.
- Porcelain or ceramic: These match your natural tooth colour well and are often used for front teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal: This type combines the strength of a metal base with the natural look of porcelain.
- Zirconia: A strong and durable material that also looks natural, making it suitable for both front and back teeth.
- Metal: Gold or other alloys are strong and long-lasting, often used for molars in the back of the mouth.
Care for Your New CEREC Crown, Inlay, or Onlay
Once your new CEREC crown or restoration is in place, it’s important to take good care of it. The great news is that caring for a crown is very similar to caring for your natural teeth. A consistent routine can help keep your smile healthy for a long time.
Your Daily Routine
Your daily routine is the foundation of good care. Continue with your regular oral hygiene habits by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. It’s important to clean around the crown or restoration just as you would any other tooth to keep your gums healthy.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular check-ups are an essential part of any oral health plan. These visits allow us to check on your crown or restoration and your overall dental wellness. It’s a key part of proactive family dentistry that helps everyone maintain a bright smile.
Discuss CEREC Dental Crowns and Restorations with Our Team
CEREC same-day crowns and restorations offer a fast and effective way to restore a tooth. By combining digital scans with in-office creation, you can get a durable, natural-looking crown in a single visit.
Contact our team at Dentistes REMA to discuss the options if you or a family member may benefit from a CEREC dental crown or restoration. We have 5 locations in Quebec to help bring a smile to your face.