CEREC crowns don’t require the removal of as much of the natural tooth structure as lab-made crowns do.
Dental crowns are about 2mm thick and require the removal of a small amount of enamel from the top and sides of your tooth to create space for the crown.
For both lab-made and CEREC crowns, we will take detailed impressions of your teeth which will serve as the basis for your crown construction.
After the dental crown has been fabricated, we will check how it fits and looks. If it looks good, we will cement it onto your tooth.
Lab-made crowns require two separate appointments because they are fabricated by a high-quality outside dental lab and then the crown is sent to us. We will have to file down your tooth on the top and sides to fit the crown over top and prevent it from sticking out.
Digital impressions are then taken of your tooth and sent to the dental lab that will create your crown. It will take a few weeks for your crown to be ready so we will place an immediate temporary crown at your first appointment.
Once we’ve received your crown, you’ll come back for another appointment, we’ll check how it fits and looks and then bond it to your tooth. While lab-made crowns take longer and require more appointments, they are highly durable and most suitable for patients with severe damage.
CEREC technology enables us to skip the waiting period and outside dental labs involved with traditional crowns. We can take impressions of your tooth, create your CEREC crown, and bond the crown to your tooth all in the same appointment.
This is why CEREC crowns are also referred to as same-day crowns. After filing down your tooth, we use computer-aided design and manufacturing to take highly detailed images of your mouth.
The 3D image of your tooth is placed into a machine that mills a dental crown out of a block of ceramic. We can then check the fit and appearance of the crown and cement it onto your tooth right away.
CEREC crowns may not be right for everyone, due to their ceramic construction, which is more likely to chip or crack than certain types of traditional crowns.
Dental crowns, often referred to as "caps," are custom-made restorations that cover the entire tooth, from the chewing surface to the gum line. They are typically used when a tooth is damaged or decayed to a point where a filling won't be effective. Crowns can restore the tooth's shape, size, and function, preventing further damage and preserving your oral health. They can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. At Harmony Dentistry, under the expert guidance of Dr. Jessica Barton, we recommend the best type of crown based on your specific needs and preferences.
Getting a dental crown typically requires two visits to our practice. During the first visit, Dr. Barton will prepare your tooth for the crown, take impressions, and place a temporary crown to protect the tooth. The impressions are then sent to a dental lab where your custom-made crown is created. During the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is cemented in place. Dr. Barton will ensure the crown fits perfectly and matches the color of your surrounding teeth, providing a natural and aesthetically pleasing result.
Dental crowns require the same care as your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and visits to Harmony Dentistry for professional cleanings and check-ups are essential. Avoid chewing hard foods or objects that could damage the crown. With proper care, dental crowns can last between 5 to 15 years, or even longer. The lifespan of a crown depends on the material used, the location of the crown in your mouth, and your oral hygiene practices. Dr. Barton and her team at Harmony Dentistry are always available to provide advice and guidance on maintaining your dental crown and overall oral health.
Yes, you can eat normally with a dental crown. Crowns are designed to withstand the forces of biting and chewing, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods. However, it's a good idea to be mindful of very hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage the crown.
Yes, dental crowns are often used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or damaged teeth. They can provide a natural and attractive look, enhancing your smile and confidence.
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