What Are CEREC Crowns?
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) crowns are cap-like restorations fitted over a tooth to restore its form and function. Unlike dental crowns of the past, CEREC crowns are manufactured in-office, so you can enjoy a restored smile the same day.
CEREC technology uses Computer Assisted Designing and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to create an array of dental restorations such as:
- Crowns
- Fillings
- Veneers
- Inlays and onlays
- Bridges
Using CEREC technology, Dr. Nishime can design and manufacture your CEREC crown or any other CEREC restoration in less than twenty minutes, allowing for a much faster treatment.
Benefits of CEREC Crowns
Beyond allowing your restoration to be manufactured the same day as your appointment, CEREC technology offers numerous benefits to you and Dr. Nishime. Some of those benefits include
- Allows for easily customizable restorations
- Eliminates costly and time-consuming appointments
- Eliminates the need for low quality temporary restorations
- Eliminates the need for messy impressions
- Doesn’t contain potentially harmful materials, such as Bis-GMA
- Cures almost instantly
- Stain resistant
CEREC Crown Treatment Process
CEREC technology will allow for easier treatment and greater customization of your crown and many other restorations you may need. The process of receiving your CEREC restorations takes a few simple steps.
Initial Consultation
Before receiving your CEREC crown, you’ll have an initial consultation with Dr. Nishime where he’ll thoroughly examine your mouth, review your medical history, and discuss your oral health goals and budget with you. The information Dr. Nishime gathers during your initial consultation will help him determine if treatment with CEREC restorations are right for you.
Impression And Design
Dr. Nishime will use a digital camera to take a 3D image of the tooth and form an impression, which will serve as the blueprint for your CEREC crown.
Making Your CEREC Crown
To make your CEREC crown, the CAD/CAM software will analyze and refine the 3D impression of your tooth stored in our computers. Using this refined 3D impression, the CEREC milling machine will carve your crown out of a block of ceramic material. This process should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete.
Fitting Your CEREC Crown
Once your CEREC crown has been crafted, we’ll apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth. Dr. Nishime will then remove a small portion of your tooth’s enamel so the crown will fit snugly over your natural tooth.
Once Dr. Nishime has checked the fit of the crown, he’ll adhere the crown to your natural tooth using a special dental adhesive. Once your CEREC crown is attached, you can leave our Honolulu office and start enjoying the benefits of your new restoration the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
CEREC crowns are designed to last ten to 15 years, but they can last up to 30 years with proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing twice each day along with rinsing with mouthwash between meals. It’s also strongly recommended that you schedule biannual visits to our Honolulu office for routine cleanings and exams.
The cost of CEREC crowns is impacted by factors such as how many you need, your level of oral health, and your insurance. We encourage you to call your insurance provider beforehand and ask them if they can cover some or all of the cost of your procedure and restoration.
We also offer a membership program for our patients who lack insurance, so they can save money and receive the care they need.
Choose CEREC Crowns for Faster Treatment & Better Quality
Thanks to the versatility of CEREC technology, your dental crowns and many other dental restorations you may need can be installed and enjoyed the same day as your appointment.
To learn more about the benefits of same-day CEREC crowns, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nishime at Advanced Restorative Dentistry, call our Honolulu office by dialing (808) 732-0291, or click the button below to submit a request form.