Traditionally, dental crowns require temporary crowns, several weeks of lab time, and multiple visits to the dentist’s office until a patient could finally have a new crown. But did you know that with the help of CEREC technology, you can now have a crown in a single visit? CEREC same-day crowns do not require temporary crowns, lab time, or other nuisances.

During your initial consultation at Gallery Dental of Oakbrook, Dr. Peter L. Noto will go over your options to help you decide what can provide you with years of satisfaction. Schedule an appointment today.

In this article, we encourage you to look closer at CEREC crowns and lab-created crowns. Understanding the differences between these two options can help you make the best possible choice that fits your needs.

Technology

Once a symbol of wealth in ancient civilizations, dental crowns have come a long way in terms of technology. Today, dentists use crowns to protect a single tooth which is a critical component of restorative dentistry—but as we know, there’s more than one way to create a crown.

Generally, traditional crowns are made in an off-site dental lab. After your dentist takes dental impressions, he sends them off to a lab to be made. Here, lab technicians create a mold of the area that needs to be crowned. Then, create the crown with molten metal or porcelain. After the crown is formed, a finishing coat is applied. Finally, it is sent back to the dentist’s office for placement.

Although CEREC Crowns are created in a greener system than traditional crowns, CEREC technology has left patients smiling and satisfied for about thirty years. CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) empowers dentists and patients by giving a sustainable option to restore teeth in just one day.

Dr. Noto applies computer-aided design to capture digital impressions of your mouth and then generates a tailored blueprint for your crown. Next, he uses digital impressions and computer-aided manufacturing to create a crown from a color-matched block of porcelain. After the crown is created, Dr. Noto cements it in place right away so that you can leave with a brand new smile.

Timeline

Because there are so many steps involved and multiple appointments in creating a traditional crown, the treatment timeline for traditional crowns is weeks longer than a CEREC crown. A traditional crown takes about two weeks to complete from start to finish. Again, a CEREC crown only takes a single appointment.

Aesthetics

Ceramic, PFM, amalgam, oh my! Patients can decide which lab-created material they want for their crowns. Conversely, CEREC crowns are made of porcelain, which boasts superior style, durability, and biocompatibility. It’s difficult to tell the difference between CEREC crowns and natural teeth.

Longevity

Depending on the type of dental material utilized, the average lifespan of a crown is around 10-15 years. However, some crowns may last much longer with excellent dental hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and gentle care.

Affordability

While you might assume that CEREC crowns are more expensive because they are made with a high-tech computer program and premium materials, that’s not true. The cost of a CEREC crown is comparable (if not more affordable) than a traditional crown. Also, insurance typically covers some or all costs associated with both types of crowns if used for restorative purposes.

Book a Consultation for CEREC Crowns in Oakbrook Terrace, IL

A dental crown could serve as a solution if you’ve been dealing with cavities, cracks, or wear and tear. Although both CEREC crowns and lab-created crowns have their advantages and disadvantages, Dr. Noto can help you make a choice and decide which type of crown is most suitable for you. If you have questions or concerns about dental crowns in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, call (630) 620-8300 or message us online to schedule a consultation.