Q. What’s the difference between traditional and CEREC® crowns?
A. Traditional crowns and CEREC® crowns both have the same basic purpose. They are durable tooth restorations custom-designed to reinforce a compromised tooth and prevent further deterioration, while simultaneously improving function and aesthetics. With that in mind, the process of creating a traditional dental crown is typically quite different when compared to a CEREC® crown. A traditional crown may require a putty dental impression to form the foundational blueprint for its creation and are usually sent to an outside dental laboratory to be manufactured. CEREC® same-day crowns can achieve virtually the same results as traditional crowns but at a much faster rate. With CEREC® technology, the entire process can be expedited because the crowns are made right here in the office. The dental impression, the creation of the permanent crown, and placement of the crown on the tooth can be done in a single appointment. With CEREC®, the impression is created digitally—no messy putties are necessary—which makes this part of the process much quicker and more comfortable.
Robert L. Rioseco, DMD, FAGD, AAACD
The Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
147 Underhill Ave
West Harrison
914.761.8229
www.zendentist.com
