Crowns are incredibly versatile, making them one of the most common restorative dentistry procedures. Crowns can strengthen weakened or decayed teeth, build up worn teeth, fortify cracked teeth, and even save severely infected teeth. Occasionally, they can be used for cosmetic purposes. For instance, a crown can conceal internal discoloration or an irregularly shaped tooth.
At Designing Smiles in Roseville, MN, Dr. Deborah Fung proudly offers same-day crowns, crafted with CEREC technology. CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic, uses digital design to model and fabricate your crown in just one appointment!
As with any crown, Dr. Fung will begin by prepping and reshaping your tooth. She will remove damaged tissue and also reshape the outside to create a stable foundation for the restoration. Then she will take digital images of your tooth. The images will upload to our CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) system. There she can design your new crown and create a digital model. Working much like a 3-D printer, the CEREC system will then mill your new crown from porcelain.
Once the crown is finished, Dr. Fung will make sure that it fits correctly and does not affect your bite. She will make any needed adjustments before attaching the crown.
The number one benefit of same-day crowns is that it makes treatment very convenient! In the past, you would have attended at least two dental appointments to receive a crown. At the first one, your dentist would reshape your tooth and take impressions. For several weeks, while the lab fabricated your crown, you would need to wear a temporary restoration, which could often be uncomfortable and unrealistic. Finally, at your second appointment, your dentist could attach your crown.
In contrast, the CEREC system can manufacture an entire restoration in about fifteen minutes. Instead of waiting several weeks to enjoy a renewed smile, you will only need to wait several hours, start to finish.
Another advantage of CEREC crowns is that they are very lifelike. The digital imaging ensures the best possible fit. The porcelain comes in a range of natural shades and has a uniquely realistic sparkle.
Finally, CEREC crowns are just as durable as traditional lab-fabricated crowns. 94.7% survive for five years, and 85.7% last for a decade. Of course, with proper care, many crowns last much longer.
Same-day crowns can sometimes cost more than traditional crowns. While insurance will typically cover the cost of a lab-made crown, they may not cover the full cost of a CEREC restoration. We work hard to make our advanced treatments affordable for everyone. If your insurance does pay all of your expenses, our office team can explain our financing options, including CareCredit®.
Learn more about the advantages of same-day crowns and find out if they are right for you. Contact Designing Smiles online to schedule your consultation. You can also call us at (651) 636-2143.
We provide state-of-the-art dentistry to patients in Roseville, St. Paul, Minneapolis, New Brighton, Arden Hills, Shoreview, and other area communities.
