Do you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth or have you recently undergone a root canal procedure? If so, your dentist will likely provide you with a beautiful, customized dental crown to protect it while restoring your smile’s appearance and functionality.
Historically, your dentist would have needed at least two appointments over several weeks to fit you with one of these prosthetics, but that’s not the case today. Many providers utilize CEREC technology to provide on the same day as your initial visit. Continue reading to learn more about how long it usually takes to make them!
What is a CEREC Dental Crown?
The traditional method of making dental crowns consists of taking impressions of your teeth and sending them to a dental lab to build. This process often takes a few weeks to finish. Once completed, the crown is delivered to your dentist’s office so they can schedule another appointment to cement it in place.
Meanwhile, CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) prosthetics can be designed and created in a single day, so you can receive your new tooth in the same visit as your consultation.
How Long Do CEREC Dental Crowns Take to Make?
It can vary somewhat based on your individual circumstances, but typically, you can expect to wait no longer than an hour or two for your CEREC same-day dental crown.
First, your provider will take X-rays and digital impressions of your teeth. These are loaded into special computer software that builds a 3D model of your mouth to ensure your new tooth fits like a glove. Once it designs your prosthetic, an on-site milling machine carves it out of a block of durable ceramic that’s color-matched to your natural hue.
The printing process can take 15 to 45+ minutes. Then, your dentist will polish the tooth-shaped cap and test the fit over your injured pearly white before permanently cementing it in place.
Do CEREC Crowns Last as Long?
If you’re concerned that you’re exchanging resilience for convenience by choosing this method, you can safely set your fears aside. Traditional dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15+ years if they’re maintained correctly because of the durable material. However, CEREC restorations are also known to last 10 to 15+ years or longer based on how well you care for them.
Fortunately, keeping your same-day dental crown in great shape is as easy as brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning every six months!
About the Practice
At Southwest Dental Arts, you and your family benefit from two dentists dedicated to helping people of all ages enhance their lives by improving their dental health. Dr. Harless and Dr. Travelle provide a comprehensive menu of services under one roof, including CEREC same-day dental crowns. They combine art and science to create truly lifelike prosthetics to safeguard your smile while boosting your confidence in your appearance, all in a single visit. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (208) 322-5655.