CEREC® Same-Day Dental Crowns and Bridges

The CEREC in-office milling system is an advanced technology that basically brings the dental laboratory right here to our office. CEREC involves state-of-the-art 3-D imaging software combined with on-site manufacturing capabilities that allow Dr. Wu to create custom dental crowns, bridges, porcelain veneers, and other restorations in a single appointment.

CEREC offers numerous benefits for patients who are in need of common dental restorations such as crowns or bridges. Advantages of CEREC include:

• Customized restorations made of high-quality ceramic
• Creation and placement of the permanent restoration in the same appointment (no temporary restoration necessary)
• The dental impression required to create the restoration is digital – no messy and uncomfortable putties are necessary
• The restoration is custom-designed to provide the best possible fit and results that look natural

With high-tech 3-D imaging software, Dr. Wu will take a digital impression of your teeth. Then, the impression will be fed to the CEREC machine here at our practice, which will use the information to create a precise plan for the customized restoration. This design will then be fed into our in-office CEREC milling unit, and the restoration is created. Once the milling process is complete, Dr. Wu will make any necessary final adjustments and place the restoration.

That’s it! CEREC technology makes it possible for Dr. Wu to provide natural-looking restorations in a single appointment, saving you the time and inconvenience of having to wait for them to be produced by an off-site dental laboratory.

Just like restorations that are created at an outside lab, CEREC restorations will be designed to provide results that both look and feel natural. The restoration will be meticulously and precisely crafted to blend in as seamlessly as possible with your original teeth. It will be color-matched to surrounding teeth, and the advanced computer program used to design it takes into account the fine details ascertained by your digital impression and utilizes state-of-the-art software to create a truly customized restoration. However, even with all these technological bells and whistles, the process must be guided by a skilled cosmetic dentist. Dr. Wu has been extensively trained in the CEREC technique and will combine his experience in cosmetic dentistry with an artistic eye to create the best restoration possible.

With proper oral care and maintaining good dental health, CEREC restorations are generally considered to be an effective way to protect decaying or damaged teeth. Daily brushing and flossing, professional cleanings, and routine exams can help reduce the risk of bacteria and infection developing within the restoration. Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures immediately after a restoration is placed, but that sensation should fade over time.

CEREC crowns may be used on their own as a single dental restoration or as part of another restorative or cosmetic dentistry treatment, including:

• Dental Implants – To replace a missing tooth from root to tip, dental implants serve as a reliable option for a more permanent solution. CEREC crowns can be used as the final step of dental implants, serving as a durable and remarkably beautiful dental enhancement. 
• Dental Bridges – An alternative to dental implants is a dental bridge, which affixes two dental crowns to each side of an area affected by missing teeth to help support the artificial replacement teeth between them. 
• Smile Makeovers – The natural look and feel of CEREC crowns make them an easy addition to a Smile Makeover to address significantly chipped, damaged, or stained teeth. With the custom-tint shading, crowns blend in with surrounding teeth to create a more uniform and refreshed smile. 

During a consultation, Dr. Wu will complete an evaluation of your dental concerns to determine if CEREC crowns are the appropriate treatment for your needs.

Generally, brushing and flossing daily, along with routine professional dental appointments, should be all that is necessary to effectively maintain the function of your CEREC restorations. With that in mind, although CEREC restorations are designed to provide long-term strength and reinforcement of the teeth, there is still the chance that trauma or excessive force can cause damage to the restoration. To ensure proper aftercare and longevity of your restorations, be cautious of biting down on hard or overly crunchy foods and ice, wear a mouthguard during sporting activities or a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth during sleep, and never use your natural teeth or restorations to open items like packages or bottles. Taking these precautions may help to prevent chips, cracks, or fractures of the restoration.

Since each patient has different needs and goals, the total cost of CEREC crowns and bridges will ultimately depend on your customized treatment plan. With that in mind, CEREC restorations can often be less than the cost of lab-made restorations because lab fees and temporary restorations are not necessary. A variety of components are taken into account when determining the total price, including the materials used, the complexity of the procedure, whether the crown/bridge is being placed as part of another treatment (such as a dental implant or a root canal), and other factors. Once Dr. Wu meets with you for an initial evaluation and creates your personalized treatment plan, a member of our staff will provide you with an estimate of the total cost. Sutra Dental Spa accepts a full range of payment options, and we work with CareCredit®, a dental treatment financing company that offers qualified applicants an array of low-interest and interest-free monthly payment plans. We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality dental care, regardless of their financial situation. Our team will be happy to talk with you about the many payment options available at our practice.

What can I eat after getting a CEREC® crown or bridge?

After receiving CEREC® crowns or bridges, your diet will likely not be limited and you should be able to continue to enjoy your favorite foods. With that in mind, it is typically best to bite down on hard or chewy foods with your natural teeth when possible, rather than those affixed with crowns. This is just another precautionary measure to lessen the potential for damaging or loosening the restorations.

Can CEREC® crowns and bridges be whitened?

CEREC® crowns and bridges are designed to look as natural as possible and are color-tinted during the placement process to match the color of your surrounding teeth. It is important to note that, once your crowns or bridges are in place, the porcelain material will not respond to traditional teeth whitening measures. This is why our dentist may recommend a teeth whitening treatment prior to getting the crown or bridge placed so the permanent color of the restoration can be matched to whiter, healthier-looking teeth that surround it.

Will my teeth be sensitive after the CEREC® process?

As with most dental procedures, there will likely be a brief adjustment period after you receive your crowns or bridges. Some patients have reported initial sensitivity where the crown was placed, but this sensation should dissipate relatively quickly.

If you would like more information on CEREC dental restorations, or if you would like to schedule a consultation here at Sutra Dental Spa, please contact us today.