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Crowns are a great way to strengthen weak teeth, which can prevent the need for extraction. While traditional crowns are still a popular option, more and more dentists are offering CEREC technology, which provides same-day crowns. If you would like to know more about same-day crowns, keep reading.

How Is the Crown Made?

For a dentist to make same-day crowns, they need a CEREC machine. This machine can make ceramic crowns, but it can also make veneers, inlays, and onlays. The process begins with taking a 3D image of the damaged tooth. This is entered into the CEREC machine to create the customized crown.

Once the crown is finished, the damaged tooth must be prepped. To prep the tooth, the dentist will remove most of the tooth's enamel. The permanent CEREC crown is then bonded to the tooth, and the process is complete.

What Are the Benefits of Same-Day Crowns?

The leading benefit of same-day crowns is the shortened treatment time. With traditional crowns, the dentist takes molds of your teeth and sends them to the lab. The lab creates a lot of different crowns, veneers, etc. so it can take some time until your permanent crown is completed. While you wait for the permanent crown, you'll have to have a temporary crown, which is weak and usually fits poorly.

You may also save some money with a same-day crown. The exact cost of traditional crowns vs same-day crowns is negligible. However, since you'll only need one visit for a same-day crown, and there is no lab involved, you may be able to save some money overall.

Are CEREC Crowns Less Durable?

CEREC crowns are made from ceramic, but traditional crowns can be made of metal and porcelain-fused-to-metal. These are both incredibly strong options, making them more durable than CEREC crowns. As long as you care for your CEREC crown, it can last as long as a traditional crown.

Regardless of the type of crown, you need to keep the gumline clean. The crown creates a tight fit, but if the gums become irritated and tartar begins to build, decay can form along the gumline. If this happens, there is a good chance of the crown failing.

CEREC crowns can save you time and money because they only require a single appointment. By preventing the need for a temporary crown, you ensure your tooth is protected faster, which reduces the risk of the tooth breaking. If you would like to know more, contact a dentist in your area today.