You’re in need of a dental crown, but you’re not sure what’s the best way to go about it. Two available methods are traditional crowns and CEREC (chairside economical restoration of esthetics ceramics). So you can get an idea of which is better-suited to restore your tooth, a local dentist explains both processes!
How the Traditional Crown Process Works
Typically, a crown placement takes two visits to complete. At the first appointment, any necessary restorative care will be provided. When it’s done, bite impressions will be taken, and a temporary crown will be placed.
When the permanent fixture is ready, you’ll return to the dentist to have it cemented in place.
The Pros and Cons of a Traditional Crown
A traditional crown will often consist of a mixture of porcelain and metal. The combination provides a strong fixture and natural look. However, if the crown begins to fail, it’s not uncommon for a noticeable black line to appear.
The average lifespan of a traditional crown can range from five to 15 years. It ultimately depends on subtle things like maintaining a healthier diet, practicing consistent and proper oral hygiene and visiting your dentist every six months for preventive care.
CEREC – A Better Option?
An alternative to the traditional crown is the CEREC in-office milling method. The process is made possible by two technological marvels: CAD (computer aided design) and CAM (computer aided manufacture). The combination of the two processes allows your dentist to complete your restoration completely in-office.
Here are some of the other benefits of CEREC:
- No putty – With the traditional method, after bite impressions are taken, dental putty is used to create a mold. You won’t have to worry about any messy substances, though, when you receive CEREC dental crowns, as everything is done digitally.
- A time saver – An obvious benefit still worth mentioning is the time saved by only having to visit your dentist once. If you’re constantly juggling a busy schedule, this is a great way to alleviate some stress.
- Quality control – By the entire process being done in-office, the dentist has more input, which translates into the highest-quality restoration possible.
What to Expect from a CEREC Crown
Another attractive feature of the CEREC method is the conservative approach taken to maintaining your natural tooth material. Then, with the all-ceramic application, you’ll have a strong restoration that won’t release harmful toxins in your mouth.
If you’re in need of a new crown, reach out to your dentist in Gorham to schedule a visit. With your tooth fully restored, you can once again have a fully-functional and aesthetically-pleasing smile!
About the Author
A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Dr. Ted Morgan has been caring for patients in the Gorham area for over 45 years. Still, he remains just as passionate about providing care as he was when he first entered the dental field. Dr. Morgan maintains professional affiliation with the Academy of General Dentistry, which allows him to stay abreast of the latest breakthroughs in dental care. He practices at Morgan-Hill Dental Care, and he can be reached for more information through his website.