CEREC Same-Day Crowns & Restorations
Cracked, worn, or decayed tooth? With CEREC, you can walk in with a problem tooth and walk out with a durable, natural-looking ceramic restoration—often in a single visit.
What is CEREC?
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is a digital dentistry system that lets us design, mill, and place high-quality ceramic crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers in-house. Instead of taking messy impressions and waiting weeks for a lab, we scan your teeth with a small camera, design your restoration on a computer, and craft it right here in our office.
Why patients love CEREC
- One visit, start to finish
Most crowns and onlays are planned, made, and placed in a single appointment—no second numbing shot or schedule juggling. - No temporary crown
Skip the fragile temporary that can crack, come loose, or feel uncomfortable. - Digital, goop-free impressions
Quick 3D imaging replaces trays of impression material and reduces gagging. - Precise, custom fit
Computer-guided design means excellent margins and bite alignment for long-term comfort. - Strong, lifelike ceramics
Shade-matched materials blend with your smile and hold up to everyday chewing. - Less drilling
Conservative designs (like inlays/onlays) preserve more healthy tooth structure when appropriate. - Fewer variables
Since everything happens in our office, we control quality at every step.
What CEREC can fix
- Large cavities or fractures that can’t be repaired with a simple filling
- Worn or cracked teeth from grinding or old restorations
- Teeth needing full coverage after root canal treatment
- Replacement of failing metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
- Cosmetic improvements to shape and color (case-dependent)
Not every situation is right for same-day care—complex bites, implants, or certain cosmetic cases may still benefit from a lab-made restoration. We’ll let you know your best option.
Your visit, step by step
- Exam & numbing
We assess the tooth, discuss options, and keep you comfortable from the start. - Conservative prep
We remove decay and shape the tooth for a secure fit. - 3D scan
A handheld camera maps your teeth in seconds—no molds. - Design
Using CAD/CAM software, we craft a restoration that matches your bite and smile. - Milling
Our in-office unit carves your crown or onlay from a ceramic block in minutes. - Try-in & custom tinting
We fine-tune the fit and shade so it looks and feels natural. - Bonding
The restoration is permanently bonded and polished. You’re done.
Typical appointment time: about 90–120 minutes, depending on the case.
FAQs
How long do CEREC crowns last?
With good care, many last as long as high-quality lab crowns. Daily brushing and flossing plus regular cleanings are key.
Are they as strong as lab crowns?
Modern ceramics are engineered for strength and wear. For heavy grinders, we may recommend a night guard to protect any crown.
Will it match my other teeth?
Yes—we select and customize the shade to blend with your smile.
Is CEREC more expensive?
Fees are comparable to traditional crowns, and many plans offer similar coverage. You also save time and avoid the cost/risks of a temporary.
Does insurance cover it?
Coverage varies by plan and diagnosis. We’re happy to check your benefits and provide an estimate.
