Perhaps you’re considering a CEREC dental crown instead of a normal one. That’d be a fine choice – the treatment will quickly restore your tooth to working order. Even so, you likely have concerns about this option you want to address first. Going ahead with it could seem too risky if you didn’t. Well, your Boise dentist will gladly ease your concerns for you. Just keep reading to learn four common questions about CEREC dental crowns and their answers.
What Does CEREC Stand for?
For those new to CEREC dental crowns, the acronym ‘CEREC’ is often unfamiliar. You could thus find yourself wondering what it stands for.
Ultimately, CEREC stands for ‘Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.’ This mouthful of a phrase refers to technology that can design and mill crowns on-site. Such machines use digital images and X-rays to create restorations instead of standard molds. Through that process, dentists make more precisely designed crowns.
What are the Upsides to CEREC Crowns?
Any patient will want to know the benefits of their treatment. As you may expect, the same applies to CEREC dental crowns. You probably want to know their upsides compared to regular ones.
CEREC crowns have many perks for their patients. The most notable is that they can be made and fitted in a day, taking far less time than a standard crown. Another benefit is how toothlike they look due to their ceramic material. Lastly, CEREC crowns reduce the risk of damage by skipping the temporary crown. You don’t need a short-term fill-in since they’re made in one visit.
Is CEREC Technology Safe for Your Mouth?
Once you know CEREC crowns rely on digital systems, it’s easy to feel iffy about them. You may want to know if their technology is safe for your mouth.
Luckily, you can rest easy – CEREC technology is safe and offers strong results. Its in-office machine carves your crown from ceramic, which is harmless. You don’t need to worry about side effects, allergic reactions, etc. Plus, the milled crown will fit your tooth perfectly and not feel out of place. It shouldn’t poke, prod, or cut anything in your mouth.
Do CEREC Crowns Last Forever?
Given the answers above, CEREC dental crowns can sound too good to be true. It’s to the point that some patients ask whether the restorations can last forever.
Sadly, the truth is that CEREC crowns can’t last forever. Their lifespans are similar to the regular kinds – about 10-15 years on average. They can even wear down early if you have an accident. However, you can take steps to help them last as long as possible. Simply look after them with daily oral care; they may stick around for 20 years or more.
Hopefully, these common questions about CEREC dental crowns gave you the facts you wanted. That said, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist if you have other concerns.
About the Practice
Southwest Dental Arts is based in Boise, ID, and is led by Dr. Helen Harless. Through our holistic approach to dentistry, our practice improves both oral health and total body health. We ensure that much by offering various preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental services. Of course, such offerings also include excellent CEREC dental crowns for your smile. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (208)-322-5655.