Blog Post

What Is a CEREC Crown? Your Complete Guide to Same Day CEREC Crowns

Family Dentistry & Implant Center • April 10, 2020

Need a new dental crown? Here's everything you need to know about what a CEREC crown is and how it differs from traditional dental crowns.

cerec crown

Need a new dental crown? Short on time? Traditional crowns have failed you time and time again?

Well, all of this resolved by a CEREC crown. And now you're wondering what CEREC even is.

Keep reading to find everything you need to know about a CEREC crown and how it differs from a traditional dental crown.

What Is a CEREC Crown?


CEREC is an abbreviation for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It is a process that makes use of CAM/CAD design technology and computer-aided manufacturing to develop a perfectly sized and fitting crown for your damaged tooth.

The CAM/CAD technology will be used to record an image of your teeth and scan them. The data set is used to create a 3D model of the teeth, and then the CEREC crown is milled based on the model from a ceramic block.

After this, it has to be perfectly shaded to match your teeth color, following the standard bonding process to the tooth.

And what's great? All of this is done within a single appointment.

How Does the Traditional Crown Process Differ from CEREC?

The main and most prominent difference is the number of appointments. A traditional crown has a variety of materials as it can be made with metal, ceramic, porcelain, zirconia, and combination fuses.

These are the steps a dentist will take to install a crown on your tooth:


  1. X-ray the area around the damaged tooth to determine if a crown is needed.
  2. Numb the tooth, file down edges, or use filling material to add more "tooth" for crown support.
  3. Create an impression in a putty above and below the tooth to measure the size of the crown.
  4. The impression is sent to lab, and the crown is made in 2 weeks on average. A temporary crown can be placed made of acrylic in the time being.
  5. After crown arrives, you come into cement the crown on the tooth.

A CEREC crown requires a single appointment, unlike a traditional process. They are all made of ceramic and can be used for broken, misshapen, or decayed teeth. Much like a traditional approach, and x-ray will still be taken in order to determine if you need root canal therapy.

But the process differs vastly later on:


  1. The dentist will use an intraoral scanner to create a digital data set of your teeth.
  2. The data set is used in a CAM/CAD software, which creates a digital tooth model.
  3. The model is sent to a milling machine, and it creates a physical crown from ceramic. This takes about 15 minutes.
  4. The dentist will polish and shade the crown to compliment your teeth and cement it the same day.

What Are the Advantages of CEREC Crowns?

  1. Saves time: A single appointment is all you need, and you can have everything done within a short time frame.
  2. Saves money: Appointments cost money, so does a temporary crown. Both of which are not needed in the CEREC crown process.
  3. Comfort: There are no impression pastes, no unnecessary filing, and extenuating inconveniences preventing you from having an enjoyable experience.

What About Disadvantages?

Same-day CEREC crowns are very convenient, but a traditional crown can still be a better choice in some scenarios.

For example:


  1. A metal crown is stronger and more resistant to wear and tear.
  2. If a fracture below the gum line is present, a traditional crown fits better. An intraoral camera is not able of capturing precise imagery below the gum line.
  3. In some cases, it provides a better smile, even though CEREC is very precise.

Nonetheless, a CEREC crown is still best for:


  1. Quick restoration: Your vivid smile is fresh within a few hours.
  2. Decay prevention: A temporary crown can contribute to decay.
  3. Functionality: Teeth have an effect on your smile, eating pattern, and speech. A CEREC crown returns your regular functionality.
  4. Injury prevention: CEREC crowns prevent injury by being fitted immediately, unlike traditional crowns that need a temporary crown that fits poorly and requires more drilling.

However, the benefits and cons will differ case-to-case and might sway the balance in favor of whichever crown accommodates the scenario the patient is in.

How to Care for Teeth After Having CEREC Installed?

A crowned tooth is bound to be a little sensitive for a couple of days. So it is important to care for your teeth to avoid unnecessary inconveniences and discomforts.

Avoid chewy or sticky foods after the crown has been placed. Brush teeth twice a day for two minutes both times. Floss each day. A dentist might also recommend a fluoride mouthwash to clean your teeth and alleviate cold and hot sensitivity.

Dental hygiene is as important after installment as it is before. So if you want to take care of your crown and prevent decay, take care of your mouth.

Semi-annual cleanings, exams, and preventative measures with a dentist will help prolong your healthy smile.

Your Smile - Your Choice

Now that we've covered the most potent information behind what CEREC is, how it is installed, advantages/disadvantages, and who can benefit the most, it is your choice to determine what is best for you. CEREC has a track record of great benefits and can be installed within a single session. However, there are certain scenarios that might benefit from a traditional crown.

Nonetheless, there really is no wrong choice. However, there are always rooms for the right choice. And that choice is behind you.

Whichever crown you choose to install, it will be right for you at that moment. So choose wisely.

If you would like to install CEREC crowns, get in touch with us (Simply Smiles DDS), and we will happily accommodate.

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National Institutes of Health reports that around 50% of kids aged 7 to 11 are afraid of going to the dentist. A child's smile is a reflection of their overall health, making children's dental care an essential part of their early development. Establishing solid oral habits at a young age sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Parents play a crucial role in teaching kids how to care for their teeth and ensuring they feel comfortable with dental visits. From proper brushing techniques to choosing a supportive dentist, every step matters. Below, we'll explore key pediatric dental advice that can help you maintain your child's oral health without issue. Creating a Daily Brushing Routine Brushing every morning and night is one of the most important habits kids can develop. Parents should start early by guiding their children through the process and ensuring consistency. A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste help protect the enamel and remove plaque effectively. Keeping the experience fun and engaging encourages kids to brush without resistance. Making brushing a positive experience builds a strong foundation for healthy teeth for kids. Ways to make brushing enjoyable include: Letting kids pick their own toothbrush with bright colors or fun designs Using a two-minute timer or a song to make brushing feel like a game Brushing together as a family to create a shared routine Offering small rewards for consistent brushing habits Teaching kids to use gentle circular motions for effective cleaning Making oral care fun helps children develop habits that last a lifetime. Choosing the Right Toothpaste and Tools One of the most important kids' oral care tips is choosing the right products. A mild-flavored fluoride toothpaste is ideal for cavity prevention without overwhelming sensitive taste buds. Soft-bristled brushes are gentle on young gums while effectively cleaning teeth. Some children may prefer electric toothbrushes, which can make brushing easier and more enjoyable. Replacing toothbrushes every few months ensures they remain effective at keeping teeth clean. The Importance of Flossing Early Flossing is just as important as brushing, but many kids resist it at first. Parents should introduce flossing as soon as teeth begin touching, helping to remove food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Using child-friendly floss picks makes the process simpler and more comfortable. Developing this habit early helps prevent gum disease and cavities. Encouraging flossing in a fun way ensures kids stick with it. Fun ways to introduce flossing: Use colorful flossers designed for small hands Turn flossing into a game where kids "find hidden food" between their teeth Let kids practice flossing on their dolls or stuffed animals Show them how to floss properly by demonstrating on yourself When flossing feels like a normal part of their routine, kids will be more likely to do it consistently. Encouraging Healthy Eating for Strong Teeth Diet has a major impact on dental hygiene for children . Crunchy fruits and vegetables help clean teeth naturally and keep gums healthy. Dairy products provide essential calcium for strong enamel. Sugary snacks and drinks should be limited to prevent cavities . Drinking water instead of juice rinses away food particles and helps maintain hydration. Teaching kids the effects of their meal choices empowers them to protect their teeth. Building Confidence at the Dentist A child's experience at the dentist shapes their attitude toward oral care. Parents should speak positively about dental visits and avoid using words that may cause fear. A child-friendly dental practice can make checkups feel comfortable and inviting. Scheduling visits when kids are well-rested and relaxed helps prevent anxiety. Allowing children to ask questions and participate in their care makes them feel more at ease. Positive first experiences encourage lifelong confidence in dental care. Making Dental Care a Fun Experience Turning oral hygiene into an exciting activity encourages consistency. Educational videos and interactive apps can teach proper brushing and flossing in an entertaining way. A reward system helps reinforce positive habits without making dental care feel like a chore. Letting kids take ownership of their routine gives them a sense of independence. Fun and engaging approaches create habits that stick. 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They should provide guidance on: Brushing Flossing Diet choices A practice that offers kid-friendly amenities, like colorful décor or small rewards after checkups, can make visits more enjoyable. Parents should also look for a dentist with flexible scheduling, making it easier to book appointments that fit their routine. Reading reviews (while avoiding fake ones ) and getting recommendations from other parents can provide insight into the best options in the area. Building a positive relationship with a dental provider helps children feel confident about their oral care, reducing anxiety and ensuring they grow up with strong, healthy teeth. Never Neglect Children's Dental Care Prioritizing children's dental care helps ensure your kids grow up with strong, healthy teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and smart dietary choices contribute to lifelong oral health. Simply Smiles in Ashburn offers expert family and implant dentistry with a compassionate touch. 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