Traditionally when you need a porcelain crown, it has required two visits to your dentist. During the first visit your teeth would be prepared for the procedure. An impression of your teeth would then be taken and sent to the lab, along with the design specifications. At that point you would be fitted with a temporary crown to protect your tooth while waiting for the lab to finish your permanent crown. Once the lab completed its work, your crown would be shipped to your dentist. During your second visit your temporary crown is removed and the permanent one bonded into place.
There are some inconveniences with this process. Some people find the process of getting impressions of their teeth unpleasant. A runny, bad tasting material is placed in your mouth. Those who have a strong gag reflex feel like they are choking. You have to miss an extra day's work, costing you both time and money. You might have to go several weeks with a temporary crown, which are rarely as comfortable as the permanent ones. Fortunately modern technology helps you avoid all the problems with traditional placement of crowns.
Advantages of CEREC crowns
New CAD-CAM technology changes everything. Once your tooth is prepared, it will be coated with a safe, tasteless powder. Then 3D images will be made of your tooth and the surrounding structure with a special intraoral camera. The CAD software allows us to take those images and customize a precise restoration to fit your mouth and smile perfectly. Not only that, but the computer mills the block of porcelain right there during your first (and only) crown appointment. There is no need to send anything away to a lab, so you will not have to take any further time out of your busy schedule for a second appointment. Nor will you have to wear a temporary crown.
To see if you are a candidate for a CEREC crown, you may request a complimentary consultation with Dr. Cha and spend about 10-15 minutes with him asking questions.