Dentists who use the latest, most advanced technology in their practices may use a CEREC system to model and craft dental crowns in-practice. This allows patients to only need to come in for a single appointment instead of two, saving you time, effort, and money. If you’re looking into getting a CEREC crown, here’s how long you can expect the process to take.
How is a CEREC Crown Made?
CEREC crowns are made using CAD/CAM technology and an in-office milling machine. They’re customized restorations, but instead of being sent off to a dental laboratory to be made, your dentist in Gorham makes them themselves according to their specifications.
First, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth and craft a digital blueprint of the tooth that needs to have a crown placed on it. Once this process is complete, they’ll transfer the measurements over to their in-office milling machine, which will then sculpt your crown from a block of dental porcelain, a durable and stain-resistant material. The entire process from start-to-finish takes about two hours to complete, allowing you to go on with the rest of your day as you normally would following your visit.
How Long Does it Take to Make a Traditional Crown?
Traditional crowns typically take anywhere from two to three weeks to make and may require you to visit your dentist’s office up to three times. After your tooth is prepared and your dentist takes an impression to send off to your dental laboratory, you’ll need to wear a temporary crown until your permanent one arrives. This means that you’ll need to be careful when you eat certain foods, brush, and floss. These are typically more expensive than CEREC crowns because of the additional labor, time, and resources required to make them.
What are the Benefits of CEREC Crowns?
CEREC dental crowns in Gorham offer several benefits for patients, especially those who have busier schedules and don’t want to undergo the stress of having to visit their dentist several times. Some of these advantages include:
- Just as durable as traditional crowns
- Crafted from natural-looking, stain-resistant dental porcelain
- Only visit your dentist once
- No need for a flimsy temporary restoration
- Preserve more of your natural tooth’s structure
- No need for an uncomfortable and messy dental impression
- Can last for several years with the proper maintenance
Restoring damaged or decayed teeth with a long-lasting and durable crown is important, but that doesn’t mean that the process always has to take a long time. You can enjoy all of these benefits when you invest in the fast, simple, and trusted process of receiving a CEREC restoration.
About the Author
Dr. Kelsey Hill is an experienced and dedicated dentist who truly cares about the wellbeing of her patients. She has completed advanced education in a variety of specialized services, including CEREC restorations and Osteoready dental implants. She is also a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Maine Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. For questions or to schedule a consultation to learn more about getting a CEREC dental crown, visit Morgan-Hill Dental Care’s website or call 207-839-2655.