Dental crowns are a cosmetic dental treatment that protects or covers a weak or damaged tooth. Usually, a dentist has to take your tooth impression and send it to a dental lab for dental crown fabrication. And it may take up to 2 to 4 weeks to fabricate the crowns.
Thankfully, with CEREC crowns, you can get your crowns at the same visit to the dentist. Your dentist at Dentakay can take your natural teeth impressions using computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). The results are then printed on a 3D printer.
How Do You Get CEREC Crowns?
Before getting CEREC crowns, you must visit your dentist for a comprehensive oral examination. During the examination, your dentist will examine your teeth and oral health to know if you qualify for crowns. Then, your dentist will numb your mouth and prepare the damaged tooth if you are eligible.
Afterwards, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth using a digital camera. Next, the camera sends images of your mouth to a machine. The machine then creates a 3D model of the tooth. Afterwards, the milling machine prints out your customized dental crown in a few minutes.
Once your crown is ready, your dentist will fit it on your tooth to check the bite. If it properly fits, your dentist bonds the crown to your tooth using dental cement.
Because your dentist administers anesthesia during the procedure, getting CEREC crowns do not hurt. Although you may feel slight discomfort after your procedure, it should wear off with time.
Pros Of CEREC Crowns
CEREC crowns offer numerous benefits compared to traditional crowns. Pros of CEREC crowns include;
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Functionality
CEREC crowns immediately restore your smile and the functionality of your teeth. Consequently, you can smile, eat, and talk without any problems. Furthermore, they protect your tooth from further decay.
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Time-efficient
Because you don’t have to wait for a dental laboratory to fabricate your crowns, you can get them in a single visit to the dentist. Consequently, CEREC crowns save you time and are more convenient.
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Injury Prevention
Usually, your dentist would install temporary crowns before your crowns are fabricated. During this time, the temporary crowns may come loose and cause injuries. But with CEREC crowns, you don’t need temporary crowns, preventing injuries.
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Cost-efficient
Multiple dental visits and temporary crowns cost money. But with CEREC crowns, there is no need for temporary crowns, and you only need fewer appointments with the dentist. Consequently, you save money.
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No Need For Impressions
Dental impressions can be pretty messy. The trays are bulky and uncomfortable. But with CEREC crowns, your dentist takes impressions with a digital camera which is less invasive, more comfortable, and faster.
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Durability
CEREC crowns are made from porcelain material. This material is highly durable and easy to maintain. Moreover, they are translucent and look like natural teeth. Dentists use CEREC crowns for your molars since they can withstand biting and chewing.
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Accurate Fit
Because a digital camera takes impressions of your tooth, there is little room for inaccuracy. In addition, the camera captures the contours and curves of your teeth. Consequently, the printer prints an accurate crown that fits. Thus, these crowns require little to no adjustment for bite issues.
Furthermore, there is little room for sensitivity because of the perfect fit.
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Aesthetically Pleasing
CEREC crowns are aesthetically pleasing compared to other types of dental crowns. Because they are made from porcelain, they are translucent. In addition, your dentist can polish the tooth to match the surrounding teeth perfectly.
Cons Of CEREC Crowns
Although CEREC crowns offer numerous benefits, they also have their downsides. Some of the cons of CEREC crowns include the following;
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They are not as durable as traditional crowns.
CEREC crowns are durable since they are made from porcelain material. However, they are less durable than traditional crowns. Traditional crowns are made from several materials, including metal, ceramic, and porcelain fused to metal. Because metal bonds more to the tooth, traditional metal crowns are more fracture and wear resistant than CEREC crowns.
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They may only be suitable for some.
CEREC crowns are great for protecting fractured teeth. However, they cannot protect a tooth with fractures below the gum line. This is because the digital camera for capturing tooth impressions does not work below the gumline. Consequently, your dentist may recommend a traditional crown in this case.
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CEREC crowns may cost more
Although CEREC crowns save cost on fewer dental visits, and no use of temporary crowns or dental laboratory, the treatment still costs more. This is because the technology for making CEREC crowns is cutting-edge and is costly. Consequently, the cost of CEREC crowns may be slightly more than traditional crowns. Learn all cerec crowns https://dentakay.com/cerec-crowns-learn-all-about-it/.
How To Protect CEREC Crowns
Usually, CEREC crowns can last between 10 and 15 years. Although CEREC crowns are durable, you still have to maintain them to prolong their lifespan. Fortunately, protecting your CEREC crowns is straightforward. You can protect your crowns by;
- Observing proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth carefully with a soft-bristled toothbrush. It is also ideal to floss your teeth daily. Flossing ensures there is no food particle sucking under your crown.
- Avoiding hard foods like candy and ice. Although strong, crowns are susceptible to chips and cracks if you eat hard foods. Furthermore, avoid biting your nails or chewing anything other than food.
- Using a mouthguard. Grinding your teeth, especially while sleeping, can wear down your crowns. You can get a nighttime mouthguard to prevent teeth from grinding. Your dentist can also make a custom mouthguard for you.
- Visiting your dentist regularly. During routine visits, your dentist can quickly identify and treat problems with your CEREC crowns.
Can You Whiten CEREC Crowns?
No. You cannot whiten dental restorations like CEREC crowns. That is why your dentist chooses a color that matches your smile during the installation.
Conclusion
You don’t have to get temporary crowns pending when your dental crowns are fabricated in the dental laboratory. CEREC crowns are comfortable and convenient; you can get them in a single visit to your dentist.
