CEREC crowns, also known as Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics crowns, are a revolutionary dental technology that enables the fabrication and placement of custom-designed ceramic crowns in a single dental appointment. Using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, CEREC crowns are milled from high-quality ceramic materials to fit the patient's tooth shape and color precisely, eliminating the need for messy impressions and temporary crowns. At Hendricks Family Dentistry, this innovative process streamlines the crown restoration process, allowing patients to receive durable, aesthetically pleasing crowns in just one visit to the dentist, saving time and providing immediate restoration of tooth structure and function.

How Are CEREC Crowns Fabricated? 

Digital Impressions 

The fabrication of CEREC crowns begins with the acquisition of digital impressions of the patient's tooth or teeth. Unlike traditional impressions involving messy impression materials, CEREC technology utilizes intraoral scanners to capture highly accurate 3D images of the tooth's surface and surrounding structures. These digital impressions provide a detailed blueprint for the design and fabrication of the crown, ensuring a precise fit and optimal aesthetic outcome. 

Computerized Design 

Once the digital impressions are obtained, they are imported into specialized CAD software, where crown design begins. Using the digital images as a guide, the dentist in Strongsville, OH, meticulously designs the crown's shape, size, and contours to match the patient's natural dentition. CAD software offers a range of tools and features that allow for precise customization and manipulation of the crown design, ensuring an optimal fit and aesthetic result. 

Virtual Modeling 

The dentist can visualize the proposed crown in a virtual 3D model during the design phase. This virtual modeling allows for comprehensive evaluation and refinement of the crown design, ensuring it meets the patient's functional and aesthetic requirements. Visualizing the crown in a digital environment provides valuable insights into its form and function, enabling adjustments to achieve the desired outcome. 

On-Site Milling 

Once the crown design is finalized, the digital file is sent to a milling machine in the dental office. The milling machine uses CAM technology to fabricate the crown from a solid block of ceramic material. The milling process is highly precise, with the machine following the exact specifications of the digital design to carve out the crown with exceptional accuracy. Within minutes, the crown is milled to completion, ready for placement in the patient's mouth. 

Finishing and Polishing 

Following milling, the newly fabricated crown finishes and polishes to enhance aesthetics and ensure a smooth, natural-looking surface. The crown may be hand-finished by the dentist in Strongsville, OH, to refine its contours and remove any rough edges. Specialized polishing tools and techniques are then used to achieve a high-gloss finish resembling natural tooth enamel. 

Final Placement 

With the crown fabricated and polished to perfection, it is ready for placement in the patient's mouth. The dentist carefully checks the fit and occlusion of the crown to ensure that it aligns properly with the surrounding teeth and functions harmoniously with the bite. Once necessary adjustments are made, the crown is bonded securely to the tooth using dental cement, completing the restoration process. 

The Benefits of CEREC Crowns 

Single-Visit Convenience 

One of the most significant advantages of CEREC crowns in Strongsville, OH, is their ability to be designed, fabricated, and placed in a single dental appointment. Unlike traditional crowns, which typically require two or more visits to the dentist over several weeks, CEREC technology allows for same-day treatment, minimizing disruptions to patients' busy schedules and eliminating the need for temporary restorations. 

Time-Efficient Process 

CEREC crowns leverage advanced CAD/CAM technology to streamline the restoration process from start to finish. With digital impressions and computerized design software, the entire treatment workflow is optimized for efficiency, reducing chair time and allowing patients to leave the dental office with their permanent crowns in place in hours. Visit Us to learn more about our other dental services.

No Need for Temporary Crowns 

Traditional crown procedures often involve the placement of temporary crowns while the permanent restoration is being fabricated in a dental laboratory. These temporary crowns can be prone to dislodgement, discomfort, and aesthetic discrepancies. With CEREC crowns, there's no need for temporary restorations, as the final crown is milled on-site and bonded directly to the tooth during the same appointment. 

Precise and Customized Fit 

CEREC crowns are designed using advanced digital technology, allowing unparalleled precision and customization. Digital impressions capture the exact contours of the tooth, while computerized design software enables the dentist to create a crown that fits seamlessly with the patient's natural dentition. The result is a precise, well-fitting restoration that enhances oral function and aesthetics. 

Natural-Looking Aesthetics 

CEREC crowns are crafted from high-quality ceramic materials that closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth. The crown's color, translucency, and texture can be customized to blend seamlessly with the surrounding dentition, creating a lifelike restoration that enhances the patient's smile and facial aesthetics. Unlike metal-based crowns, which may detract from the smile's natural beauty, CEREC crowns offer exceptional aesthetic results that are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. 

Whether restoring a single tooth or undergoing a full-mouth reconstruction, CEREC crowns offer a convenient, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution for transforming your smile and restoring your confidence. Visit Hendricks Family Dentistry at 4181 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212, or call (330) 460-4264 for more information.