Charlottesville Dental · Charlottesville, VA
CEREC Same-Day Crowns
Serves Charlottesville, VA and surrounding areas
Custom ceramic crowns designed, milled, and placed in a single appointment using CEREC CAD/CAM technology.
About
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) same-day crowns allow you to restore damaged or decayed teeth in a single visit. Using advanced digital imaging and milling technology, a custom ceramic crown is designed, fabricated, and bonded in approximately 2-3 hours, eliminating the need for temporary crowns and multiple appointments.
What's Included
High-precision 3D imaging of your tooth without traditional impressions
Computer-aided design tailored to your bite and aesthetic preferences
Fabrication of your crown from a solid ceramic block in approximately 15-20 minutes
Permanent bonding and final adjustments completed in your single appointment
Ideal For
CEREC same-day crowns are ideal for patients needing a single crown restoration who prefer to complete treatment in one visit. They work well for most back teeth and many front teeth situations where strength and aesthetics are both important.
Consult First
Complex cases involving multiple crowns, significant bite reconstruction, or specific cosmetic requirements may still benefit from traditional lab-fabricated crowns. A consultation will determine if CEREC is appropriate for your situation.
What Is CEREC Technology?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. This technology combines digital imaging, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to create dental restorations in the dental office rather than sending them to an outside laboratory.
The process begins with a digital scan of your prepared tooth, eliminating the need for messy impression materials. The dentist then uses specialized software to design your crown, considering bite, aesthetics, and fit. Once approved, the design is sent to an in-office milling unit that carves your crown from a solid ceramic block in about 15-20 minutes.
The CEREC Crown Process
First, the tooth is prepared by removing decay and shaping it to receive the crown. A digital scanner captures detailed 3D images of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. The dentist uses CEREC software to design your custom crown, adjusting the shape, size, and contours for optimal fit and function.
The design is then sent to the milling unit, which precisely carves the crown from a ceramic block that matches your tooth color. After milling, the crown is polished, characterized if needed for aesthetics, and bonded permanently to your tooth using dental adhesive—all in the same appointment.
Advantages Over Traditional Crowns
Traditional crowns require at least two appointments spanning 2-3 weeks. After the initial preparation, you wear a temporary crown while a laboratory fabricates your permanent restoration. CEREC eliminates this waiting period and the potential issues associated with temporary crowns, such as sensitivity or dislodgement.
The digital design process also allows for greater precision and customization. Your dentist can make real-time adjustments to ensure optimal fit and appearance before the crown is milled, reducing the likelihood of needing adjustments or remakes.
FAQ
How long does the CEREC crown procedure take?
The entire process typically takes 2-3 hours in a single visit, including preparation, design, milling, and placement of your permanent crown.
How durable are CEREC crowns compared to lab-made crowns?
CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic blocks and have comparable strength and longevity to traditional lab-fabricated crowns, typically lasting 10-15 years with proper care.
Will my CEREC crown look natural?
Yes, CEREC crowns are made from tooth-colored ceramic material that can be precisely matched to your surrounding teeth for a natural appearance.
Does insurance cover CEREC same-day crowns?
Most dental insurance plans cover crowns at a similar rate regardless of fabrication method. Coverage typically ranges from 50% after deductible, though you should verify with your specific plan.