In the hands of a trained and artistic cosmetic dentist, CEREC crowns beautifully restore broken or worn teeth. The dentists at Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry provide high-quality, long-lasting restorations with CEREC technology.
Below is a question from a patient of another dental practice about the durability of CEREC crowns.
I have some questions about the durability of CEREC crowns. In September, my dentist told me that I had a cavity that was too big for a filling. He said he could fix it in one visit now that he has an in-office machine that makes crowns. So, I went in and had a CEREC crown placed. The appointment was nothing out of the ordinary. This was my fifth crown, but it’s the only one done by this particular dentist and my only CEREC crown. Everything seemed okay at the end of the appointment.
Less than two weeks later, I was eating dinner and I felt something loosen in the back of my mouth. Sure enough, the crown had broken in half. The dentist offered to fix it at no charge. My dentist gave me a new crown, and I was happy. Now this crown feels strange when I chew. It doesn’t feel snug either. Is this an error the dentist is making, an unfortunate coincidence, or a known issue with this particular brand? How can I tell? Thanks. Lyman,
Response:
Lyman,
CEREC crowns have an excellent reputation. Skilled cosmetic dentists use them for several reasons:
- High-quality ceramic makes them durable.
- They can be crafted and placed in a single visit.
- Their lifelike appearance will match your natural teeth.
The experience you have had with CEREC crowns is very rare, especially so soon after receiving them. You’ve had similar restorations placed before, so it’s quite likely you would notice if anything was unusual. Factors that may indicate a crown was incorrectly made or placed include:
- Swelling around the gumline
- Tooth or jaw pain
- An uncomfortable bite (the way your teeth meet when you chew)
It’s unlikely that your crown would have reached a threshold that would cause it to crack. There are other factors to consider that can impact the condition of dental crowns.
Quality of crown placement
It’s possible that the restoration wasn’t seated or bonded correctly. If your first CEREC crown broke and your second one feels loose, the problem might be with how the crown is being made or placed. It’s good that your dentist was willing to replace the broken crown, but you should let him know that your new crown is loose. You should also ask your dentist why he thinks the problem is recurring.
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
If you clench or grind your teeth, it can put excessive pressure on crowns and cause them to crack. The position of a tooth determines the type and amount of force it can bear. Molar teeth receive more pressure than side or front teeth. If you grind your teeth, practicing relaxation techniques can help. You can also receive a customized mouthguard if nighttime bruxism is the issue.
Work along with your dentist to determine the cause of the problem, as well as a solution that will last. If you’re interested in a second opinion, one of our dentists would be happy to examine your CEREC crown and identity the cause of the problems you’re experiencing with it. Your options for correcting the issue will also be explained. Call us at 404-994-6996.