What Is CEREC® Technology?
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is an advanced CAD/CAM technology that allows us to design, create, and place custom ceramic crowns right here in our office, often in just one visit.
Unlike traditional crowns, which typically require multiple appointments, temporary crowns, and a waiting period while a dental laboratory fabricates the final restoration, CEREC allows us to complete the entire process in a single appointment.
Using a digital scanner, we capture precise impressions of your teeth without traditional messy impression materials. Your crown is then digitally designed, crafted from high-quality ceramic, and carefully fitted and bonded—all during the same visit.
One visit. One crown. No temporary crown. No waiting weeks for your final restoration.
With CEREC, you can leave our office with a beautiful, natural-looking permanent crown the very same day.
Traditional Crowns vs. CEREC® Same-Day Crowns
| Feature | Traditional Lab-Fabricated Crowns | CEREC® Same-Day Crowns |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Appointments | 2 to 3 appointments | Single appointment (90–120 minutes) |
| Impression Method | Uncomfortable, gooey putty trays | 100% Digital optical 3D scan |
| Temporary Crown | Worn for 2–3 weeks (frequently dislodges) | Never required |
| Material Quality | Variable laboratory blend | Monolithic high-grade ceramic (e.max or Zirconia) |
| Fit & Margin Precision | Subject to mold shrinkage and stone expansion | Micron-level computerized diamond milling |
| Anesthesia Sessions | Required at least twice | Single local numbing session |
Step-by-Step: Your Same-Day Crown Journey
- 01
Preparation
The damaged or decayed tooth structure is gently removed under local anesthesia, shaping the tooth to receive the ceramic restoration.
- 02
Digital Optical Scan
Instead of impression trays, a slender intraoral scanner captures thousands of high-definition 3D color images of your prepared tooth and opposing bite in seconds.
- 03
Chairside CAD Custom Design
Using intelligent biogeneric design software, our clinician designs the crown on-screen, customizing contact points, chewing surface anatomy, and emergence profile to match your natural smile.
- 04
Precision Milling
The finalized 3D design is sent wirelessly to our on-site 4-axis or 5-axis robotic milling chamber. Diamond-coated burs carve the crown from a solid, pre-formed block of high-grade ceramic in approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
- 05
Custom Characterization & Sintering
The crown is customized with natural stains and glaze, then fired in a specialized high-temperature ceramic furnace to achieve maximum structural hardness and lifelike translucency.
- 06
Permanent Bonding
The finished crown is bonded securely to your tooth using advanced resin adhesive protocols, checked for bite precision, and polished. You can eat and drink normally the same day.
Are Same-Day Crowns as Strong as Lab-Made Crowns?
Yes. Modern CEREC same-day crowns are made from high-quality ceramic materials that offer excellent strength, durability, and aesthetics. With proper care, they can provide long-lasting results comparable to traditional lab-made crowns.
IPS e.max (Lithium Disilicate): Known for its natural translucency and lifelike appearance, e.max offers an excellent balance of strength and aesthetics. It is often an ideal choice for front teeth and other highly visible areas.
Zirconia: Known for its exceptional strength and durability, zirconia is often preferred for back teeth that experience greater chewing forces. Modern high-translucency zirconia can also provide beautiful, natural-looking results.
Both materials are excellent options. The best choice depends on the location of the tooth, your bite, aesthetic preferences, and individual dental needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Take My Insurance?
We believe treatment decisions should be guided by your individual needs, not insurance restrictions. Our team is happy to assist with questions about treatment fees, insurance claims, and financing options.
- Fee-for-service, out-of-network practice
- Insurance claims submitted on your behalf as a courtesy
- Flexible financing through Cherry, subject to approval
- We do not accept Denti-Cal or HMO plans
Thank you. Our team will reply by email within one business day.
Book Your Appointment Today!
Discover a new approach to
luxury dental care
We will be in touch shortly
Thank you for starting your journey with us. Our front desk will confirm your time within one business day.