Teeth become damaged in a variety of ways. From injury to decay, there may become a time where you need a dental crown to restore your smile. Crowns are small, tooth-shaped caps that fit over your tooth. They are designed to conceal a misshapen or discolored tooth, or a tooth implant. They can also be used to restore or protect a broken, damaged, or worn tooth, as well as to hold a dental bridge in place. With traditional crowns, you first have to be fitted for a crown. Molds/impressions are sent to a lab, created, then sent back to your dental office. At that time, you have to return for a second visit so the crown can be placed. But thanks to the latest advancements in technology, there’s a faster and gentler way to restore damaged or decayed teeth in just one appointment: CEREC restorations.

CEREC crowns are comprised of a strong ceramic material, and are designed, created, and placed via computer-assisted technology. This allows dentists to treat problems sooner, with less invasive techniques, and in one appointment rather than several. With same-day crowns, the team at Hudson Family Dental can provide a color-matched ceramic tooth restoration (filling, inlay/onlay, or crown) in just one visit right here in our Hudson office.

What is a CEREC restoration?

CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, can be done within a same-day procedure that gets you in and out of the dentist’s chair in just one afternoon. This is comfortable, convenient dentistry at its best. CEREC® restorations involves the use of a special scanning wand that makes it easier and faster to complete a color-matched ceramic tooth restoration using CAD software.

Milling of the tooth-colored ceramic restoration takes place on-site for your convenience, all done while you wait. In fact, the whole appointment lasts about two hours. With an extremely precise and durable process, your crown is crafted with bio-compatible tooth-colored material. No need to wear a temporary crown or come back for another appointment at a later date.

It’s now possible to preserve more of the healthy tooth structure for a strong, natural result, thanks to the modern bonding techniques used and the precision restoration design.

CEREC®, backed by nearly four decades of clinical research and documentation, is proven to be precise, safe and effective. To date, more than 30 million dental restorations have been performed worldwide, and counting.

How does CEREC work?

Crowns and other restorations rations are designed and created using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing). Essentially, the design is made from impressions via the latest in computer software, then passed to a unit that is responsible for fabricating ceramic restoration.

While a traditional crown procedure takes a minimum of two visits, a CEREC restoration only takes about two hours from start to finish – in just one visit. That’s because there is no temporary crown involved.

Here’s a quick look at the process:

• The first step of the procedure involves preparing the tooth. Your dentist will remove the decay and shape it so it can properly hold the crown.
• Next, digital impressions are taken with a small camera that provides 3D images of the tooth being treated. With traditional impressions, trays of a putty-like substance are placed in the mouth, which can be uncomfortable and cause gagging. Most patients prefer this as it is a more comfortable and less-invasive approach.
• The digital impressions are then transferred to a computer where your dentist views them and creates a model to resemble your natural tooth. Your dentist will also consult a shade chart to choose the perfect color for your crown so it blends in seamlessly into your smile.
• The CEREC milling machine will then accurately create your crown out of blocks of ceramic; this takes about 25 minutes. Your dentist will verify the fit and cement the crown in place.
• Your dentist will then provide you with maintenance tips to care for the crown going forward (brush twice a day, floss once a day, don’t chew on hard candy or ice, and continue with regular dental checkups).

What restorations can be created with CEREC?

Crowns aren’t the only restoration that can be designed and created with CEREC. Here’s a look at the variety of restorations that can be fabricated with this machine:

• Crowns
• Inlays and onlays
• Dentures
• Other orthodontic appliances

Benefits of CEREC restorations

From quick creation and placement to accuracy and precision, there are many advantages that come with CEREC restorations. Traditional methods would require creating an impression that is then sent out to a laboratory. In the meantime, this would require placing a temporary crown, with the patient having to wait days or weeks, and attending multiple dental visits.

CEREC restorations offer the following benefits:

• Dental work that would usually require multiple visits can be done in a single appointment. This offers a high level of convenience for the patient who can enjoy minimal disruption to their schedule. This in turn lowers stress about facing multiple dental visits.
• The fabrication created by the CEREC unit is highly accurate and precise, giving your dentist more control over the process.
• Completion of the permanent restoration in one appointment prevents the need for temporary solutions. Not only is it stressful to care for temporary crowns and other restorations, the patient is at a higher risk for dental problems during this waiting period.

As you can see, there are many advantages of cutting-edge digital dentistry solutions with CEREC® Restorations. Here at Hudson Family Dental, we specialize in these same-day crown procedures for your peace of mind, all within a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Contact Hudson Family Dental For a Free CEREC Consultation

To book your appointment for a CEREC consultation, please contact us at (978) 562-2782, complete our online form or use the portal or mobile app. We would be happy to discuss the many benefits of CEREC restorations for your dental needs.