Traditional Crowns vs. CEREC: Which Is Right for You?

If your dentist has told you recently that you need a dental crown, don’t worry. You’re not alone. In fact, as many as 15 million Americans have crowns or bridges. The good news is that these days, you have more than one option for this treatment. You have traditional crowns, and CEREC same-day crowns in Memorial. This means you have the ability to choose the option that best fits your preferences. But how can you make that choice? Read this guide on the differences between CEREC and traditional crowns.

How Do the Treatment Processes Differ?

As the name implies, getting a same-day crown involves just one appointment with your dentist. They will use an intraoral camera and computer-aided design to craft a 3-D image of your tooth. From there, the CEREC machine will press a block of ceramic and create your crown in just under an hour. Finally, your dentist will bond the crown to your tooth and you’re good to go!

Traditional crowns, on the other hand, take two appointments. They usually involve taking an impression of your tooth using a putty-like material, and then sending those impressions off to a dental lab. Your dentist will then affix you with a plastic temporary crown to wear while you wait for your permanent one to be ready. Finally, you’ll return to your dentist’s office after a few weeks to have your permanent crown bonded to your tooth.

Benefits of Traditional Crowns

Because traditional crowns are crafted more carefully in a dental lab, they tend to be more durable. This extra time spent constructing the crown also means they typically look more like natural teeth than CEREC crowns.

Drawbacks of Traditional Crowns

One of the biggest downsides of traditional crowns is having to wait a few weeks between getting impressions taken and receiving your permanent restoration. Additionally, wearing a temporary crown is often not as comfortable and it can become easily dislodged.

Advantages of CEREC Crowns

The main benefit of CEREC same-day crowns is right there in the name: you can get your crown in one appointment. There is also no need for a temporary. Furthermore, your impressions will be taken digitally and will not involve any uncomfortable putty.

Disadvantages of CEREC Crowns

Unfortunately, CEREC crowns tend to be weaker and therefore are more subject to daily wear and tear. As a result, they need to be replaced more often than traditional crowns. They also might require more time to match the shade to the rest of your surrounding teeth.

As you can see, there are pros and cons to both types of crowns. Ask your dentist which type would best benefit you.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Gray graduated in 1983 from the University of Texas Dental School. He wishes to supply his patients with not only functional but aesthetically pleasing smiles. He is also a mentor at cerecdoctors.com and leads the Memorial chapter of the CEREC Study Club. If you’re interested in getting a dental crown, whether traditional or CEREC, contact his practice by visiting his website.