One-day CEREC dental crowns are a type of dental restoration that can be designed, created, and placed in just one visit, typically within a couple hours. CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, and the system uses advanced 3D imaging, CAD (Computer-Aided Design), and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology to craft the crown on-site.
Here’s how the process typically works:
1.Initial Assessment:
The dentist examines the tooth needing the crown, possibly taking X-rays to assess the underlying structure.
2.Digital Impressions:
Instead of traditional molds, the dentist uses a small digital camera to take detailed, 3D images of your tooth. This is a comfortable process and more accurate than traditional impressions.
3.Designing the Crown:
Using specialized software, the dentist designs the crown based on the digital images. The software helps to ensure that the crown will fit perfectly and blend naturally with the rest of your teeth.
4.Milling the Crown:
Once the design is approved, the system sends the data to a milling machine, which uses a block of ceramic material to carve out the crown. This typically takes 15–30 minutes. After the crown is finished milling and tried in, it goes in a firing oven for about 15 minutes.
5.Fitting and Final Adjustments:
Once the crown is finished firing, the dentist checks the fit, color, and shape. They may make some adjustments to ensure it looks and feels natural.
6.Cementing the Crown:
Once everything is perfect, the dentist permanently bonds the crown to your tooth.
The major advantage of CEREC crowns is that the entire process is completed in a single visit, so you don’t need to wait for weeks or make multiple trips. They’re made from durable, esthetically pleasing materials that resemble natural tooth enamel, and they can be a great solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth.