5 Things Dentists Might Not Tell You about CEREC Crowns
CEREC crowns are a great option for restoring broken or worn teeth in a single visit. They don’t require you to wear a temporary crown for two weeks while you wait for a lab to make the permanent crown. CEREC crowns look and function just like traditional lab-made crowns, so your restoration will look natural and last for many years. What should you know about these innovative crowns?
1. Cost of Same-Day Crowns Is Similar to Traditional Crowns
CEREC crowns are made in the office using a ceramic milling machine. Although the technology is costly, dentists who have it don’t have to pay a lab fee to make a same-day crown for you. Most dentists do so many restorations that the technology pays for itself. You won’t experience any significant costs for receiving faster care.
2. Anterior Teeth Are Challenging
Same-day restorations are great for a variety of circumstances. A solid block of tooth-colored material is automatically trimmed in the milling machine into the ideal shape and size for your crown. Your dentist will choose a shade that’s a good match for the adjacent teeth. However, it is difficult for most dentists to make same-day crowns look natural on front teeth. In many cases, a lab-made porcelain crown is better for anterior teeth. At the Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, our accredited cosmetic dentists are highly skilled at providing lifelike crowns. Dr. King, Dr. Cooper, or Dr. Reeve will explain your options for a dental crown, as well as the results you can expect.
3. Special Skill Is Required
Although CEREC technology produces crowns quickly, a dentist still needs to have a solid understanding of the mechanics of the mouth and the artistry required to create a beautiful natural-looking smile. Because of this, it’s better to work with a cosmetic dentist who uses both CEREC crowns and traditional lab-made ones. At the Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, our cosmetic dentists are highly skilled in the use of various types of crowns.
4. Longevity of Dental Crowns
If a skilled dentist provides your crown and you are diligent about home care and regular checkups, it can last 15 to 20 years or more. Most people find that their crowns last 7 to 15 years.
5. You Should Consider Whitening First
Restorations are made to match the shade of your teeth. Dental crowns are colorfast. So if you’ve been thinking about teeth whitening, it should be completed before the restorative work is done. The restoration will be made to match the bright shade of your newly whitened teeth.