Preventive, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

Using CEREC
Technology to Offer One-day Crowns

Crowns are a great way to restore a tooth to a stronger, more natural and healthy shape and size. A crown can also strengthen and protect a damaged tooth as well as provide a more esthetic appearance.
Happy Family after dental visit
Preventive, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

Using CEREC
Technology to Offer One-day Crowns

Crowns are a great way to restore a tooth to a stronger, more natural and healthy shape and size. A crown can also strengthen and protect a damaged tooth as well as provide a more esthetic appearance.
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A Comprehensive Look
at CEREC Crowns.

When faced with a tooth that is cracked or weakened, you may worry that you are looking at multiple appointments to have the tooth restored. However, with CEREC technology, our office is able to offer one-visit crowns.
A CEREC crown is a ceramic ‘cap’ that is used to restore your tooth. It will be customized to match the shape and color of your existing teeth. CEREC technology can provide inlays, onlays, veneers, bridges, dental implants and crowns for full restorative procedures and to cut back on wait time for these traditional procedures.

CEREC Technology

Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, otherwise known as CEREC, is technology that allows the dentist to produce evermore natural and functional ceramic crowns in order to give the patient a better, lifelike smile.
Rather than needing to make an impression of your teeth, CEREC technology allows the doctor to use a handheld scanner to visualize where the crown will be placed. This software then allows the doctor to create a 3D model of your new tooth. This model acts as the blueprint for the restoration. We then use an in-office milling machine to create your new crown from a block of high-quality ceramic. There are many different types of ceramic and the doctor will choose the one that best matches your teeth.

Comparing CEREC Crowns to Traditional Crowns
– Cost and Convenience

You may be wondering how much a CEREC crown will cost, and might be surprised to find that they are comparable in price to traditional crowns. Yes, you read that right, despite the added convenience of being made in one visit plus restoring a tooth with a natural look and feel, CEREC crowns are not that much more expensive than traditional crowns.

What other conveniences can you look forward to with CEREC crowns?

01

No need for a physical impression

Traditional crowns require a physical impression to be taken. This means having to bite down on gooey alginate for a lengthy period of time. This can lead to a messy, uncomfortable and downright unpleasant experience. However, with CEREC crowns, any impression is taken digitally. During a quick and comfortable process, the doctor takes a 3D image of the area which is then fed into a computer program. From there, a 3D milling machine located in our office uses that image to cut out or ‘mill’ an exact replica of your dentition.

02

Pinpoint Accuracy

The production of a traditional crown leaves much room for error. First powder and water combined and poured into the impression mold to create a stone-like cast. Then hot wax is melted onto this cast of the model to create the crown. With CEREC crowns, the element of human error is removed. Digital scans are accurate to within one-tenth of a millimeter and from there, the images are simply fed into a computer program and the CEREC crown is replicated in as little as 15 minutes.

03

One Visit Versus Multiple Appointments

Anyone who has had a standard crown fitted will know that it can be a time-consuming process that may take several or more weeks to complete. This is because a lab-fabricated crown must be sent off-site to be made. CEREC technology allows us to be in control of the process from start to finish and, because we can mill the crown out as soon as you are scanned, we are able to deliver the crown to you in the same visit. The whole process takes just about two hours!

CEREC Crowns Step by Step

Once the doctor has determined that a CEREC crown is right for you, it is time to get started.
Here is what to expect:

01

The doctor will prepare your tooth by removing any decayed portions and shaping it to hold a crown.

02

Occasionally, if the current structure of your tooth is not sufficient to support a crown, the doctor will need to ‘build it up’. This is called a core buildup and it involves a special material often used in composite fillings. In some cases where the missing tooth structure is quite extensive, as in the case of a deep cavity or a root canal, the doctor may need to use threaded pins or posts to help retain the composite buildup. The doctor will then restore the missing tooth structure with the composite filling and use a curing light to harden the filling. He will then shape the filling at the top of the tooth so it is prepared to support the crown.

03

Next we will use a small camera to take a 3D image of your tooth.

04

This image is then transferred to a computer where the dentist views the digital impressions and uses them to make a model. The doctor will also use a shade chart to select the right color for the crown.
05
Once the doctor has perfected the crown on the computer, the specifications are sent to our in-office milling machine. This machine uses two diamond drill bits to mill out a ceramic block to the exact specifications entered by the doctor. This process takes about 15 minutes.
06
The crown will then be taken from the machine to polish, glaze and bake. The crown is then compared to your existing teeth to ensure it is a match. The crown is then cemented into place and your bite is checked to make sure it is a perfect fit.

Aftercare of A CEREC Crown

Your CEREC crown should be treated like any natural tooth. Brush your teeth twice daily, remember to floss and try to avoid drinking too many dark beverages without the ability to immediately rinse off any potentially staining coatings. Your new crown will not protect against gum disease, so it is important to continue visiting us regularly for your cleanings and exams.
Before
procedure
After
procedure

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

How do I know if I need a CEREC crown?

The doctor may tell you that a CEREC crown is needed for several reasons:
-If you have a tooth that is not strong enough to hold a filling
-If you have a tooth that is not strong enough to support a bridge
-If you have teeth that are damaged, discolored, or have lost shape and size over time due to wear and tear
FAQ

Are CEREC crowns painful?

Before your procedure the doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth that will be getting the crown. You may be a little sore for a few days after your procedure, to relieve this the doctor may recommend warm saltwater rinses.
FAQ

How long will my CEREC crown last?

CEREC crowns typically last 10-15 years. To help extend the life of your CEREC crown we recommend maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping up with your visits to have professional cleanings and exams done.
FAQ

How much will a CEREC crown cost me?

Your out-of-pocket cost for a CEREC crown will depend on several factors including dental coverage and whether you require a crown buildup. However, our front desk staff will be more than happy to work with you to review your dental coverage, as well as payment options that will work best for you.
FAQ

I think I need a CEREC crown, how do I get started?

Give our office a call today and schedule a complimentary consultation!

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Contact Us

Contact

Dr. Gary Vander Vliet

Preventive, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

office@gvdental.com

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Call us

908-852-8858

Address

Hastings Commons, Building 2B;
486 Schooley’s Mountain Road;
Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840

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Office hours

Monday 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Tuesday 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Wednesday 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Thursday 8:00AM – 5:00PM