Same day crowns and veneers
Instead of waiting 2 weeks for your new crown, you can walk into our dentist’s office and walk out with your new CEREC crown the same day.
The dentist will use computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) to capture digital images of your tooth and jaw, design a crown, and then create that crown for installation — all right there in the office.
In the realm of dental restoration, traditional procedures for fitting crowns have typically required multiple appointments. This often involves an initial visit for tooth preparation and impression taking, followed by a period of wearing a temporary crown, and a subsequent appointment for the placement of the permanent crown. However, with the advent of CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Aesthetic Ceramics) technology, the landscape of dental treatments is undergoing a significant transformation. This innovative approach enables the complete design and fabrication of ceramic crowns within a single visit, dramatically enhancing the patient experience and treatment outcomes.
What is CEREC?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Aesthetic Ceramics. It is a sophisticated system that integrates digital imaging, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) right in the dental clinic. This technology allows dentists to prepare and fit ceramic dental crowns in just one appointment. At the heart of the CEREC system is a digital scanner, which captures a precise image of the damaged tooth, eliminating the need for uncomfortable traditional dental impressions. This image is then used to create a digital model of the crown using CAD software. Once the design is finalised, the information is sent to an on-site milling machine, which carves the crown out of a ceramic block. Introduced in the 1980s in Switzerland, CEREC has undergone extensive advancements and has been adopted by thousands of dental professionals worldwide, including many in Australia.
Benefits of CEREC Same-Day Crowns
The introduction of CEREC technology has brought several pivotal benefits to patients and dental professionals alike:
Time Efficiency: The most significant advantage is the reduction in the time required to complete the crown. What traditionally took weeks can now be accomplished in about two hours. This efficiency is not only convenient for patients but also reduces the stress associated with dental visits.
Accuracy and Fit: Digital impressions are known for their precise accuracy. This reduces the margin of error associated with manual impressions and results in a better fit of the crown, which is crucial for the comfort and health of the patient.
Aesthetic Quality: CEREC uses high-quality ceramic material that can be matched to the natural colour of the patient’s teeth. This results in a more natural-looking restoration that is also metal-free, appealing to patients who are concerned about aesthetics and potential allergies.
The CEREC Procedure: Step-by-Step
The process of getting a CEREC crown is streamlined and patient-friendly:
Examination and Preparation: The dentist examines the tooth and prepares it for the crown. This involves removing any decay and shaping the tooth for the crown.
Digital Impressions: Using the CEREC’s oral scanner, the dentist takes a digital image of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. This image serves as the basis for designing the crown.
Crown Design: The digital image is transferred to the CAD software, where the dentist designs the crown. Adjustments can be made in real-time, ensuring the crown will fit perfectly within the patient’s mouth.
Milling the Crown: Once the design is finalised, it is sent to the on-site milling machine. A ceramic block that matches the tooth’s colour is selected, and the crown is carved out in a matter of minutes.
Placement: The newly milled crown is then tried on to ensure a perfect fit. Once confirmed, it is polished and bonded to the tooth.
Unlike crowns, veneers are thin shells that only cover the front of the teeth, so they may not be appropriate for teeth that are broken or damaged. They are typically made of porcelain or a resin composite. We use the computer-assisted design (CAD) tools that are part of the CEREC process to create ceramic veneers for your teeth.
