Getting a dental crown no longer means multiple appointments, temporary restorations, or weeks of waiting. CEREC same-day crown technology transforms the traditional crown process into a single, efficient visit where you walk in with a damaged tooth and leave with a permanent, custom-designed restoration. This innovative approach saves time, eliminates discomfort associated with temporary crowns, and delivers beautiful, lasting results in just one appointment.
At Brightworks Dentistry in Dunwoody, Dr. Patrice Robbins and Dr. Preston Shurley stay on the forefront of emerging dental technologies to provide patients with the most comfortable and convenient treatment experiences possible. Our investment in advanced technology like CEREC ensures you receive exceptional dental care without sacrificing your valuable time or comfort.
What Is CEREC Technology?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, a computer-aided design and manufacturing system that creates dental crowns right in the dental office. This revolutionary technology combines digital imaging, computer design software, and precise milling equipment to fabricate high-quality ceramic restorations while you wait.
Traditional crown procedures require at least two appointments spread over several weeks. The first visit involves tooth preparation and taking impressions, followed by wearing a temporary crown while a dental laboratory fabricates your permanent restoration. The second appointment involves removing the temporary crown and cementing the permanent one in place. CEREC eliminates this entire timeline, condensing the process into a single visit lasting just a few hours.
The technology uses a special camera to capture detailed digital images of your tooth, replacing messy impression materials with comfortable, accurate digital scans. Computer software then designs your custom crown based on these precise measurements, and an in-office milling machine carves your restoration from a solid block of ceramic material.
The CEREC Same-Day Crown Process
Understanding what happens during a CEREC crown appointment helps you feel prepared and confident about the procedure. The process begins with tooth preparation, just like traditional crowns. Your dentist removes any decay and shapes the tooth to accommodate the crown, ensuring a proper fit and optimal function.
Next comes digital scanning, where a small intraoral camera captures detailed 3D images of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. These scans are far more comfortable than traditional impressions and provide exceptional accuracy. You can even watch the images appear on a computer screen as your dentist captures them, making you an active participant in the process.
The design phase happens right before your eyes. Using specialized software, your dentist designs your crown to match the size, shape, and contours of your natural teeth. The software considers bite alignment, tooth position, and aesthetic factors to create a restoration that looks natural and functions properly. This design process typically takes just a few minutes, and your dentist can make adjustments in real time based on your input.
Once the design is finalized, the information transfers to the milling machine, which precisely carves your crown from a ceramic block. The milling process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, during which you can relax in the comfortable treatment room. After milling, your dentist polishes and refines the crown, checks the fit and bite, and permanently bonds it to your tooth. You leave the office the same day with a complete, permanent restoration.
Benefits of Choosing CEREC Same-Day Crowns
The advantages of CEREC technology extend far beyond convenience, though avoiding multiple appointments certainly appeals to busy patients. Same-day crowns eliminate the need for temporary restorations, which often feel bulky, look obvious, and can come loose or break before your final appointment. Temporary crowns also require dietary restrictions and extra care, adding stress to your daily routine.
CEREC crowns are milled from solid blocks of high-quality ceramic material, providing exceptional strength and durability. This material closely mimics natural tooth enamel in both appearance and function, creating restorations that blend seamlessly with your smile. The ceramic is biocompatible, stain-resistant, and highly durable, often lasting 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care.
Digital impressions offer significant comfort advantages over traditional impression materials. Many patients feel anxious about the gagging sensation associated with impression trays filled with putty-like material. Digital scanning eliminates this discomfort entirely while providing more accurate results. The precision of digital technology means better-fitting crowns with fewer adjustments needed.
Another often-overlooked benefit involves maintaining tooth structure. With traditional crowns, your prepared tooth remains vulnerable under a temporary crown for weeks, potentially experiencing sensitivity or sustaining damage. CEREC’s same-day process protects your tooth immediately with a permanent restoration, reducing sensitivity and preventing complications.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for CEREC Crowns?
Most patients who need dental crowns qualify as excellent candidates for CEREC same-day restorations. The technology works well for restoring teeth weakened by large fillings, decay, cracks, or root canal treatment. CEREC crowns effectively repair broken or chipped teeth and can improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
Patients with busy schedules particularly appreciate CEREC’s time-saving benefits. If coordinating multiple dental appointments challenges you due to work commitments, childcare needs, or simply a packed calendar, same-day crowns eliminate the scheduling burden. Parents who struggle to arrange multiple babysitters for separate appointments find CEREC especially convenient.
Anyone who experiences dental anxiety may prefer CEREC treatment. Dealing with dental work once instead of enduring multiple appointments reduces overall stress and anxiety. Additionally, avoiding temporary crowns eliminates the worry about these restorations coming loose or breaking between appointments.
Experience CEREC Same-Day Crowns at Brightworks Dentistry
Brightworks Dentistry brings cutting-edge CEREC technology to the Dunwoody community, offering patients a modern, efficient approach to restorative dental care. Dr. Robbins and Dr. Shurley combine extensive training and experience with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver beautiful, long-lasting results in a welcoming, comfortable environment. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of dental technology means you benefit from the most advanced treatment options available.
Whether you need to restore a damaged tooth or simply want to learn more about your options, our team provides personalized care tailored to your specific needs and schedule. We take time to explain the CEREC process, answer your questions, and ensure you feel confident about your treatment plan. Ready to experience the convenience of same-day crowns? Contact Brightworks Dentistry today to schedule your consultation and discover how CEREC technology can transform your dental care experience.
