If you are in need of a crown, but haven’t considered a CEREC crown, or are unsure of what they are, it’s important to take time to understand the science behind them, and why they are exceptional.
What is a CEREC Crown?
Many dental offices have technology which enables them to provide “computer-assisted design-computer-assisted manufacture”, or CAD-CAM crowns. CEREC is the company that is most known for this technology. This type of crown is created by a computer to perfectly fit your tooth, which prevents the need for the lab involvement in manufacturing the crown.
This technology allows the all-ceramic crown to be made while you wait, thus there is no need for a second appointment or temporary crown.
Facts About CEREC Crowns
- No single brand of same-day crowns. Though many people ask for same-day crowns by asking for CEREC crowns, this is an brand of same-day crowns, similar to Zoom Whitening, which is a brand of teeth whitening, but there is not a single brand of teeth whitening. CEREC means “Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics”, but is not the only brand of same-day crowns. Often, the brand will use the phrase “same-day crowns”, or “crowns-in-day,” but these phrases are part of the marketing for the brand. However, the overall idea is the same with all restorations which take place in one dental visit. The office uses CAD/CAM technology to create it.
- CEREC crowns are billed the same as traditional crowns. Many people think the CEREC crown costs more than a traditional one. However, the opposite is true. For billing purposes, all dental procedures have billing codes. The billing code is the same for a CEREC crown and a traditional crown, therefore they cannot be billed any differently.
- They’re high-tech. CAD/CAM means a computer assists in the design. The program takes a picture of your mouth and plots out every detail. The measurements are exact. Then, the crowns are carved out by a machine in the office, with each new tooth starting out as a piece of material, oftentimes composite, zirconia, ceramic, or acrylic polymer, which is the same base for traditional crowns.
When operated and placed by an experienced cosmetic dentist, CAD/CAM crowns are a quick and efficient way to improve your smile, while maintaining a natural look and feel.
This article is provided by the office of Gilbert CEREC Crown provider, Dr. Matthew Roper.\