CEREC Same-Day Crowns – Alexandria, IN
Beautiful Crowns Without The Hassle
Whether you’re a parent, student, or you just have a packed schedule, it can be difficult to find the time to schedule multiple dental appointments over the course of several weeks to receive a dental crown. At Martinez Dentistry, we take pride in making our patients’ visits convenient, fast, and thorough, which is why we equip our office with the latest technology that the dental world has to offer, including CEREC technology. This modern system allows us to craft beautiful and customized crowns in-office. That way, you won’t have to visit us multiple times for a single procedure! To learn more about our CEREC technology or whether you can benefit from same-day dentistry, contact our office today.
Why Choose Martinez Dentistry For CEREC Same-Day Crowns?
- State-of-the-Art Technology
- Sedation Dentistry Available
- High-Quality Materials
What is CEREC Technology?
CEREC stands for chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics. There are several components which goes into providing same-day crowns to our patients, including high-tech imaging equipment, software, and even a machine built to carve your restoration to our specifications. Within a single appointment, we’re able to build restorations that fit amazingly, last longer, and are stronger than the average quality you would receive from a dental laboratory. Here is a breakdown of the three major pieces of our CEREC process and how they work:
- Acquisition Device: This is a high-quality camera and computer that we use to photograph your prepared tooth. With it, we’re able to make 3D models of your tooth to transfer to the computer screen and alter your restorations digitally for a precise and accurate fit.
- CAD/CAM Software: Computer-aided design and manufacturing technology allows us to use the 3D images we made to create an accurate blueprint that we will use to craft your new restoration.
- In-House Milling Machine: Our in-house unit allows us to create your customized restoration from a block of dental porcelain within 15 minutes while you wait.
How Can You Benefit From CEREC Crowns?
CEREC technology is incredibly efficient, allowing our patients to minimize the time that spend at our office without sacrificing the quality of the restoration. Some other benefits that our patients are able to enjoy include:
- No need for a flimsy temporary restoration.
- Made from durable and natural-looking ceramic.
- Minimally invasive procedure.
- Conveniently completed in a single office visit.
- Cost-effective restorative solution that lasts for years.
- Leaves more of your natural tooth structure intact.
- Made from biocompatible materials.
What is the Procedure Like?
We’ll begin the procedure by preparing your damaged or affected tooth by removing decay and shaping it. Using our acquisition device, we’ll capture images and take digital impressions of your mouth. With the images that we’ve collected, we will design your new restoration digitally and transmit the blueprint to the milling unit, which we will have prepared with a block of porcelain that precisely matches the color of your natural enamel.
Within 15 minutes, the milling machine will have crafted your new dental crown and we will be ready to permanently place it on your tooth. However, before we do that, we’ll double-check the fit and color to ensure that it meets our standards. We’ll polish the restoration and cement it to your natural tooth, completing your restored smile without needing another visit!
CEREC Same-Day Crown FAQs
How Durable are CEREC Crowns?
Don’t worry – you won’t have to compromise durability for convenience. In fact, same-day dental crowns offer similar protection and strength as lab-made ones of the same material (like ceramic). The key to keeping yours in pristine condition is prioritizing preventive care and breaking bad habits that could lead to dental damage, like chewing on ice cubes.
Are Same-Day Dental Crowns More Expensive Than Lab-Made Ones?
You might assume that CEREC same-day dental crowns are significantly more expensive, but that’s usually not the case! Although cutting-edge technology is used to make them, there is no longer a need for temporary restorations and multiple visits. So, the price often ends up being quite comparable.
As always, if you have any questions about the cost of your care, don’t hesitate to let us know! Once we have an in-depth understanding of your dental needs, we can review all of your treatment options, create your custom treatment plan, and provide you with an estimate of the cost.
Will I Have Dietary Restrictions with a Same-Day Crown?
One of the many benefits of same-day restorations is that you don’t have to worry about temporary ones. In other words, the answer is “no!” Just make sure not to over-indulge on sugary treats or snack on extremely crunchy or sugary foods. After all, your dental crown, like your natural teeth, is not indestructible.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. The lifespan of yours will largely boil down to one thing: proper care and maintenance. That starts with brushing and flossing consistently and extends to coming to our office twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. Of course, it’s equally as important to avoid doing anything that increases your risk of dental damage, like smoking.
Important note: If you start to experience abnormal dental symptoms, like pain when biting down, tender gums, or instability, call our Alexandria office to schedule an exam.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
Dental crowns cannot get cavities because – although they look like the real thing – they are artificial. That said, it is possible for new decay to form on the underlying tooth. Plus, your gums will develop an infection if you don’t take good care of your smile. So, make sure to continue implementing healthy habits into your routine, like eating well-balanced meals and flossing every night before bed.
Can Dental Crowns Be Whitened?
No, dental crowns cannot be whitened like your teeth can. That’s one of the reasons we dedicate time to selecting the ideal shade; we want you to love the final result in the short and long term! With all of that said, if there does come a time when you are no longer happy with the color of yours, you can always give us a call. Then, we can learn more about your smile goals and determine what the next best steps are.