CEREC crowns

Extensive tooth damage can not only cause physical pain, but it can do a number on a person’s self-esteem too. To help with this, dentists implant crowns to strengthen the damaged tooth and boost their patient’s self-esteem back to normal.

You’ve heard of crowns and you know their purpose, but did you know that there’s an alternative to the traditional porcelain crown? CEREC crowns are gaining popularity among dentists and patients for their convenience and aesthetic. In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about CEREC crowns.

This specific crown technology has gone through decades of testing and research to rightfully become the top choice among dentists and patients alike.

What Are CEREC Crowns?

CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. As you can see, CEREC is far less of a mouthful and much more pleasant to say. Getting a CEREC crown is a very quick process and can be implanted the same day one is ordered for you.

The ceramic composition of this type of crown is 3D made to match as close to your natural mouth color and composition as possible. This means it will fit your gum and bite line more accurately than any other crown type.

CEREC Vs. Traditional

Generally, crowns come in a variety of materials including porcelain, metal, and a hybrid. However, CEREC has become the top dog in the world of dental crowns. There are pros and cons to both options, but you’ll find that CEREC greatly outweighs other options in a measurement of benefits.

CEREC Pros

  • They can be implanted on the same day as your appointment. With other crown types, you have to wait for them to be made. However, CEREC crowns are readily available.
  • They fit better than their counterparts. Because these crowns are made with 3D scans of your mouth in mind, the fit is more precise than any other crown type.
  • Cost isn’t an issue. CEREC crowns cost roughly the same as a traditional crown and they can be done much quicker too.
  • The material is strong. CEREC is very durable and made to withstand wear and tear. As long as you take regular care of it, your crown will last years.

CEREC Cons

  • This procedure isn’t available everywhere. You may need to shop around for a dentist who will implant CEREC and it’s possible you’ll have to travel a further distance to get to one who will.
  • It may not be an option depending on the amount of damage. If your tooth damage is too close to the gum line, the 3D scanner will have too hard of a time getting correct measurements.
  • These crowns are better for molars than front teeth. Because the color can’t get matched exactly to your teeth, there will always be a little bit of a color difference between the crown and the rest of your mouth.

Traditional Pros

  • They’re typically stronger than CEREC. CEREC is made entirely of porcelain, so they’re more susceptible to break as opposed to, say, a metal crown.
  • Traditional crowns are very detailed. Because they take longer to make in a lab, more effort is put into making the crown look as realistic as possible.

Traditional Cons

  • Multiple appointments are necessary. You can’t get a traditional crown on the same day like you can with CEREC. You’ll be required to come to at least one more appointment before getting your permanent crown put on.
  • There’s more risk for tooth sensitivity. Since these use metal, there’s a higher chance you’ll deal with sensitivity in the area.
  • The porcelain can chip/crack near the metal fuse point. This can weaken the integrity of the crown and make it look cheap too.

How Do I Care for My Teeth Post-CEREC?

It’s natural to think you need to take special care of the area after you get a CEREC crown. However, regular maintenance only requires you to treat it just like you would a natural tooth. By brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing once, your crown should last a fairly long time.

You should also visit your dentist regularly to check the crown and get your teeth cleaned. Doing so will prevent gum disease and plaque build-up, two things that can ruin your crown and your overall dental health.

Following your crown placement, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

1. You’ll likely feel numb for a few hours. This procedure normally uses a local anesthetic to numb the area. This can make your tongue and mouth feel weird, but it isn’t any cause for concern. Until you get full range of motion back, you should avoid eating food that requires chewing or drinking hot liquids.

2. Avoid the sticky stuff for 1-2 days. All sticky foods should be avoided so you don’t damage the newly placed crown. Cement is used to put the crown in place and it takes time to dry. Eating something like caramel can cause the crown to come out if the cement hasn’t dried completely.

3. You may feel sensitivity for a while. It’s normal to feel pain or sensitivity near the area for a few weeks after your procedure. To combat this, any over-the-counter pain medication will help.

CEREC Crown FAQ

1. What if the dried cement comes off when I brush my teeth?

When you see dried cement flaking during tooth brushing, it isn’t typically any cause for concern. However, if you notice sharp points of the crown sticking out, you’ll want to consult with your doctor on the next steps.

2. Will flossing mess up my crown placement?

This is a common misconception. Flossing won’t mess up the crown placement and is even recommended to help keep the area clean. If you want your crown to last as long as possible, flossing is a must-do on your list of oral hygiene.

3. How long do CEREC crowns last?

CEREC crowns can last anywhere between 10-15 years. The more care you give to your oral health, the longer your crown will last.

4. Can I use a Waterpik if I have a crown?

The Waterpik works even in areas where a tooth has sustained damage. It has the ability to clean right at the gum line, which is something floss can’t necessarily do.

5. What if food gets stuck in my crown?

If your crown is well-fitted. This shouldn’t be an issue. Try brushing and flossing/using a Waterpik to clean the area. If the food is still stuck in your crown, it may not be set correctly. It’s important to reach out to your doctor and get an appointment right away. Failure to do so may cause gum disease.