Do you wish to fix your damaged tooth in just one visit? Thanks to the CEREC crown, the modern dental technology in restorative dentistry, that wish is now a reality!

What is a Cerec Dental Crown?

CEREC same-day crowns​ are types of dental crowns that are created and placed using CEREC technology, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.

It’s a modern method for restoring damaged teeth with a custom-made ceramic crown in a single dental visit.

It’s revolutionary technology that enhances same-day dentistry, including dental digital design and simulation, as well as the CAD/CAM system utilizing CAD/CAM block materials such as ceramic blocks and zirconia blocks.

The usage of CEREC technology 

This technology is used to fabricate any dental restoration made of ceramic, such as: 

• Single dental crowns that cover severely damaged teeth, teeth with root canal treatment, and teeth with post and core.
• Dental bridges, which are used to restore missing teeth by capping the adjacent ones and covering the missing areas with pontic crowns.
• Dental inlays and onlays that cover portions of the decayed tooth to restore its shape and functionality, as they provide superior strength and durability than simple dental filling restorations
• Dental veneers for full mouth makeover are also made of ceramics and can easily be chairside-made with CEREC technology.
• Dental Implants’ crowns can also be made with CEREC technology, whether the crown is direct to implant or fitted on an abutment. 

What’s Special About CEREC Crowns?

Those are the key features of CEREC crowns:

• Same-day crowns

Traditional dental crowns usually take multiple visits (impressions, temporary crowns, lab work), while CEREC crowns are designed, milled, and placed in one appointment.

• Material

Typically made from high-quality ceramic, which closely matches the color and texture of natural teeth.

• Durability

CEREC crowns are strong and can last many years with proper care, though in some cases, lab-made crowns may be slightly more durable.

Benefits Of CEREC Crowns

• Fast (no temporary crowns or second visit needed)
  One Visit, One Tooth.  Traditional crowns take days or even weeks
• Comfortable
  100% digital, clean, and no messy impressions.
• Natural appearance
  The ceramic blends beautifully with your real teeth.
• Custom fit and precision
  Designed just for your teeth for a natural look and feel
• Durability
  CEREC crowns are tough and long-lasting.

Same-Day Dental Crown Procedure

Step 1 – Exam & Prep:

Your dentist checks the tooth, removes any damage, and preps it for the crown.

Step 2 – Scan & Plan:

Your dentist scans your mouth with a special camera. A 3D digital scan of your tooth is taken using a small camera, eliminating the need for messy impression material.

Step 3 – Design:

A 3D model of your new crown is created on a computer. Interoral scanning, 3D imaging, and CAD/CAM Technology; Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are used to design and mill the crown on-site.

Step 4 – Create & Place:

The design goes to a machine that crafts your restoration from ceramic. Your crown is carved from a ceramic block in about 15 minutes.

Step 5 – Fit & Finish:

The crown is polished, adjusted for a perfect bite, and bonded to your tooth. Then it’s placed and polished — all in one visit.

CEREC Crowns are a Long-Lasting Solution

CEREC crowns are designed for durability and precision. Crafted from high-quality ceramic, they offer strength comparable to traditional crowns, lasting anywhere from 10 to 15 years, and often much longer with proper care.

Good oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods, and protecting your teeth from grinding can help extend the life of your crown for decades.

Possible Disadvantages Of Cerec Crowns

• Not ideal for all cases (e.g., some complex restorations or anterior esthetics may benefit from lab-crafted crowns). Depending on your situation, your dentist might recommend a different approach.
• Not all dental offices offer CEREC, as it requires high-tech equipment and training, so it’s not available everywhere. 
• Slightly Higher Cost: Although it’s extremely convenient, CEREC may incur a slightly higher cost compared to traditional methods. Convenience and technology can come with a higher price tag.

The Difference between Traditional Dental Crown and CEREC Crown

CEREC vs Customized Crown Material 

Traditional crowns might use metal, porcelain, ceramic like Emax crowns, or zirconia crowns, which are incredibly strong and are often used for back teeth. 

While CEREC crowns can match zirconia’s strength when they are made of zirconia-ceramic blocks, they are mainly made of ceramic ingots like glass-ceramic lithium disilicate blocks and zirconium oxide blocks. These blocks offer superior aesthetics and a much simpler process, as it made only of ceramic blocks.

The choice among all depends on the specific needs and preferences of the patient.

The Number of Visits between CEREC and Traditional Crown

Traditional crowns usually take several visits and rely on uncomfortable plaster molds, and require a temporary crown between visits while you wait for the final one to be made in a lab. 

On the other hand, CEREC offers a faster, more comfortable experience with a crown that fits beautifully and blends naturally with your smile, in one visit. 

CEREC uses digital scans and in-office designs to create a perfectly fit ceramic crown the same day, saving your time and effort. 

The Precision in Manufacturing CEREC and Traditional Crowns

The fitness is incredibly precise, the process is convenient, and although insurance coverage may vary, many patients find the time saved and comfort gained well worth the difference in the cost.

Its high dental technology makes it a simple, perfect choice for busy patients who want quality without the wait.

How much does a CEREC Crown Cost?

While prices vary based on location, dental needs, and insurance, most CEREC crowns cost between $500 and $1,500 per tooth.

Many patients find the time saved, long-term quality, comfort gained, and natural appearance well worth the investment in their smile.

CEREC Crown Aftercare Instructions 

Have you already had your CEREC crown?! It is time to keep it in great shape and long-lasting. Taking care of your new CEREC crown is easy, and it helps keep your smile looking and feeling its best for years to come. Just treat it like a natural tooth:

• Brush gently twice a day (a sensitive toothpaste can make it more comfortable)
• Don’t forget to floss — daily is best!
• Avoid crunching hard food like ice or hard candy

With an effective care routine, your crown will stay strong, beautiful, and be a part of your smile.

CEREC Crowns FAQs