If you need a crown to restore your tooth, you may be wondering what the differences are between chairside CEREC crowns and traditional, lab-made crowns. The team at Smillie Dental in Port Orange is knowledgeable about the pros and cons of both types of crown and will gladly answer any questions you may have. We want to ensure you get the information you need to make the right decision!
The Pros & Cons of CEREC Crowns
CEREC crowns are made by a special 3D CAD/CAM (computer-assisted design/manufacturing) machine in our office. Your crown can be made in just a few minutes. It will be sculpted from a solid block of porcelain by a computerized milling machine, based on intraoral scans taken by Dr. Smille.
PROS
- Same-day treatment – The entire crown process can be completed in just a single 2-hour appointment at Smillie Dental, saving you time.
- No need for impressions with dental putty – Dental putty can make some people gag, and it can be very uncomfortable. CEREC uses a handheld 3D scanner, rather than putty-based impressions.
- Requires no temporary crown – There’s no need to wear a temporary crown, which provides you with more comfort and convenience.
CONS
- Can’t be used on some types of broken teeth – Teeth broken below the gumline can’t be scanned properly with CEREC scanners, and will require treatment with a traditional crown.
- Slightly less durable – Traditional crowns use a design with a metal base and a porcelain tooth, which is the most durable type of crown. CEREC crowns are made entirely of porcelain, so they are slightly less durable.
- Less fine detail – This depends on the skill of your dentist, but crowns made in labs usually have more fine detail and look a bit more realistic. This is only noticeable on very close inspection, however.
The Pros & Cons of Traditional Crowns
Traditional crowns are made by a team of professionals at a dental lab. They take longer to make, but do have some unique advantages and drawbacks compared to CEREC crowns.
PROS
- Extremely detailed – Traditional crowns are ideal for front teeth because they will be very detailed and natural-looking.
- Very durable – Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns bond tightly to your remaining tooth structure, and are less likely to shift, fracture or fail prematurely.
- Often less expensive – This depends on your case, of course. But usually, traditional crowns are cheaper than CEREC crowns and are almost always covered by dental insurance.
CONS
- Takes much longer to make your crown – You’ll have to come in for a least 2 appointments over a period of 2-3 weeks, which can be hard with a busy schedule.
- You have to wear a bulky temporary crown – A resin crown will be attached to protect your tooth. These crowns can be uncomfortable and require special care to ensure they’re not dislodged or damaged before your final crown placement.
- Adjustments may require additional appointments – If your crown needs major adjustments, the lab may need to build an entirely new crown. In contrast, CEREC crowns can be adjusted and altered during a single appointment.
Need a Dental Crown in Port Orange? Come to Smillie Dental!
Ready to explore your options for dental crowns in Port Orange? Dr. Joseph Smille can help. At Smillie Dental, we offer both CEREC and lab-made crowns. The best way to find out which treatment is right for you is with a consultation with Dr. Joseph Smillie. Contact us now at (386) 317-4754, or stop by our office at 5537 South Williamson Blvd, #675, Port Orange, Florida 32128 to make an appointment.
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