How Does a CEREC Same-Day Crown Compare to Traditional Lab-Created Crowns

Dental crowns are a tried-and-true dental restoration that has been used to restore weakened teeth for many years. In recent years, CEREC technology has made the process of getting a dental crown more convenient than ever. Patients in the Aliso Viejo, California area who visit Claire Cho, DDS, often ask if these benefits come at the cost of quality. Let’s look at how CEREC same-day crowns compare with traditional dental crowns.

Time

You may be getting a crown to complete a dental implant or to restore a damaged tooth. Regardless of the reason, what remains the same is that a lab-created crown will require multiple (usually two) appointments to complete. During your first visit, impressions of your mouth will be taken and sent to an offsite lab, where your dental crown will be created. You will then be fitted for a temporary crown, which you will wear until your permanent crown is created. This can take two to three weeks. You will then return to your dentist, have the temporary removed, and your permanent crown placed.

When you elect for a CEREC same-day crown, digital images are taken of your teeth, which are then sent to an on-site manufacturing machine that will craft your dental crown right then and there. Within a single appointment, you will walk away with your permanent crown.

Quality

When it comes to the quality of a dental crown, lab-created crowns are often crafted from a metallic base which has proven to be quite strong and durable, although with an undesirable appearance. Porcelain crowns crafted in a lab are also strong, although they can chip, break, and wear out the teeth opposite of it.

CEREC same-day crowns are crafted from a block of dental porcelain which can last over a decade with proper care. They are every bit as dependable as a lab-crafted dental crown.

Cost

Comparing the cost difference between a lab-crafted dental crown and a CEREC crown, both are comparable. CEREC crowns can be more affordable in some cases as they require fewer appointments. The convenience of not having to make multiple appointments should also be considered when considering the non-monetary cost.

To learn more about CEREC crowns, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Claire Cho at (949) 541-2529 today.