When you need a dental crown, it’s important to know how your restoration is created. In recent years, in-office CEREC technology has provided an alternative option to lab manufactured dental crowns. With this advancement, many patients have become curious about what makes a CEREC crown different and how they are created.
How CEREC Crowns are Manufactured
During in-office crown fabrication, CAD-CAM technology maps the patient’s smile and creates a 3D model of the crown. Placement is also designed with an exactness that is not achievable by any traditional means. After the tooth is created in the specialized computer software, the information is processed through the CEREC machine, where the crown is milled from a single block of ceramic. The restoration is then placed on the same day, allowing the patient to leave the office with a repaired smile after only a few hours.
How CEREC Crowns are Different than Lab Crowns
While both CEREC and traditional crowns are used to restore decayed or damaged teeth, they may not be recommended for the same purposes. Ultimately, patients should consider budget and time constraints when weighing the differences between the two, as well as:
Precision– CEREC crowns use advanced digital technology to accurately measure the treatment area and provide the most secure fit. The 3D scan often provides a better fit than the traditional, lab-created crown, which is made from unreliable putty impressions.
Efficiency – Lab manufactured crowns take a series of weeks for complete fabrication. After impressions are made and sent to the lab, multiple fittings may be required, depending upon how clear the initial impressions were. CEREC crowns can be manufactured, fit, and placed within a single appointment, making the procedure much more efficient and convenient.
Structure – The type of lab-manufactured crown dictates the way the restoration is structured. CEREC crowns are milled from a single block of material. Lab crowns are often made of a metal base and overlaid in porcelain. This can create a weak point in the design and reduce aesthetic quality.
If you’re interested in obtaining a CEREC crown or replacing an older restoration with a CEREC prosthetic, the team at Dynamic Dental Work is happy to help you achieve the smile you desire. Give our team a call today to schedule your consultation.