World Class Dental Spa

CEREC® Same-Day Dental Crowns and Bridges

Advances in dental technology have made it possible to provide a variety of treatments in a faster, more convenient, and more comfortable way. The in-office CEREC milling system allows our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Jimmy Wu, and his experienced team here at Sutra Dental spa to create customized dental restorations in a single appointment. This means that many patients can have crowns, dental bridges, and other restorations produced and placed on the same day, without having to wait weeks for them to be created at an outside lab.

What are dental crowns and bridges?

crowns

Crown and bridge procedures are some of the most frequently performed treatments available. A dental crown is designed to fully cover a tooth that is affected by extensive decay or damage. It is also the final step in root canal and dental implant procedures. Dental crowns are customized, permanent restorations that are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They can provide damaged teeth with durable reinforcement and protection, saving them from weakening further and possibly resulting in tooth loss. Crowns are made of a strong ceramic material and are color-tinted to blend in with surrounding teeth.

bridges

A dental bridge offers an effective way for patients to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth that are right next to each other. A bridge is composed of two dental crowns – one for each natural tooth that is adjacent to the missing tooth – and an artificial tooth (or teeth) in-between. This technique literally “bridges” the gap created by missing teeth, giving the new teeth a durable support system with results that can yield a comfortable fit and natural appearance. Dental bridges can often serve as a good alternative for patients who may not be candidates for dental implants.

What is CEREC?®

Cerec LogoThe CEREC in-office milling system is an advanced technology that basically brings the dental laboratory right here to our office. CEREC involves state-of-the-art 3-D imaging software combined with on-site manufacturing capabilities that allow Dr. Wu to create custom dental crowns, bridges, porcelain veneers, and other restorations in a single appointment.

Cerec displayCerec machine

What are the pros and cons of CEREC® crowns and bridges?

CEREC offers numerous benefits for patients who are in need of common dental restorations such as crowns or bridges. Advantages of CEREC include:

  • Customized restorations made of high-quality ceramic
  • Creation and placement of the permanent restoration in the same appointment (no temporary restoration necessary)
  • The dental impression required to create the restoration is digital – no messy and uncomfortable putties are necessary
  • The restoration is custom-designed to provide the best possible fit and results that look natural

Same-Day CEREC® Crowns and Bridges Vs. Traditional Laboratory Crowns and Bridges

CEREC crowns and bridges offer a lot of advantages over lab-made restorations. One of the biggest differences between the two techniques is the time necessary to produce the restoration – CEREC crowns and bridges can often be created and placed at our office in a single day, whereas the laboratory process can take weeks. In addition, CEREC restorations do not require patients to sit through a cumbersome putty dental impression; instead, dental impressions for CEREC are taken digitally, which can provide an extremely precise image that you can view on a monitor before the restoration is made. Dr. Wu has found CEREC restorations to be considerably more accurate than those developed in a dental laboratory, mainly because the 3-Dimensional digital impression eliminates many of the drawbacks associated with putty impressions and modeling processes that can cause imprecise restoration results. Ultimately, CEREC can create accurate crowns and other restorations in a matter of minutes with exceptional outcomes.

Who is a good candidate for CEREC® same-day crowns and bridges

Most patients who are in need of a dental crown or bridge are candidates for CEREC same-day restorations. Individuals who require custom crowns for heavily damaged teeth, a dental bridge, or as the final step for a dental implant or root canal procedure often qualify. After you have been evaluated during the initial consultation, Dr. Wu will determine whether a CEREC restoration is right for your unique needs.

How does the CEREC® process work?

With high-tech 3-D imaging software, Dr. Wu will take a digital impression of your teeth. Then, the impression will be fed to the CEREC machine here at our practice, which will use the information to create a precise plan for the customized restoration. This design will then be fed into our in-office CEREC milling unit, and the restoration is created. Once the milling process is complete, Dr. Wu will make any necessary final adjustments and place the restoration.

That’s it! CEREC technology makes it possible for Dr. Wu to provide natural-looking restorations in a single appointment, saving you the time and inconvenience of having to wait for them to be produced by an off-site dental laboratory.

What do the results typically look like?

Just like restorations that are created at an outside lab, CEREC restorations will be designed to provide results that both look and feel natural. The restoration will be meticulously and precisely crafted to blend in as seamlessly as possible with your original teeth. It will be color-matched to surrounding teeth, and the advanced computer program used to design it takes into account the fine details ascertained by your digital impression and utilizes state-of-the-art software to create a truly customized restoration. However, even with all these technological bells and whistles, the process must be guided by a skilled cosmetic dentist. Dr. Wu has been extensively trained in the CEREC technique and will combine his experience in cosmetic dentistry with an artistic eye to create the best restoration possible.

How long do CEREC® crowns and bridges last?

CEREC® crowns and bridges can last decades as long as they are properly cared for over time. Good brushing and flossing habits can help prevent bacteria from building up around the restorations, and regular check-ups along with professional cleanings are also important for long-term maintenance. For patients who grind/clench their teeth while they sleep, a nightguard may be recommended to protect the crown or bridge from excessive wear-and-tear. Ultimately, taking good care of your CEREC restorations can help you maintain the results long into the future!

Are there any risks associated with CEREC® restorations?

With proper oral care and maintaining good dental health, CEREC restorations are generally considered to be an effective way to protect decaying or damaged teeth. Daily brushing and flossing, professional cleanings, and routine exams can help reduce the risk of bacteria and infection developing within the restoration. Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures immediately after a restoration is placed, but that sensation should fade over time.

Are CEREC® crowns used with any other treatments?

CEREC crowns may be used on their own as a single dental restoration or as part of another restorative or cosmetic dentistry treatment, including:

  • Dental Implants – To replace a missing tooth from root to tip, dental implants serve as a reliable option for a more permanent solution. CEREC crowns can be used as the final step of dental implants, serving as a durable and remarkably beautiful dental enhancement. 
  • Dental Bridges – An alternative to dental implants is a dental bridge, which affixes two dental crowns to each side of an area affected by missing teeth to help support the artificial replacement teeth between them. 
  • Smile Makeovers – The natural look and feel of CEREC crowns make them an easy addition to a Smile Makeover to address significantly chipped, damaged, or stained teeth. With the custom-tint shading, crowns blend in with surrounding teeth to create a more uniform and refreshed smile. 

During a consultation, Dr. Wu will complete an evaluation of your dental concerns to determine if CEREC crowns are the appropriate treatment for your needs.

Is there aftercare necessary after getting CEREC® restorations?

Generally, brushing and flossing daily, along with routine professional dental appointments, should be all that is necessary to effectively maintain the function of your CEREC restorations. With that in mind, although CEREC restorations are designed to provide long-term strength and reinforcement of the teeth, there is still the chance that trauma or excessive force can cause damage to the restoration. To ensure proper aftercare and longevity of your restorations, be cautious of biting down on hard or overly crunchy foods and ice, wear a mouthguard during sporting activities or a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth during sleep, and never use your natural teeth or restorations to open items like packages or bottles. Taking these precautions may help to prevent chips, cracks, or fractures of the restoration.

How much do CEREC® crowns and bridges cost?

Since each patient has different needs and goals, the total cost of CEREC crowns and bridges will ultimately depend on your customized treatment plan. With that in mind, CEREC restorations can often be less than the cost of lab-made restorations because lab fees and temporary restorations are not necessary. A variety of components are taken into account when determining the total price, including the materials used, the complexity of the procedure, whether the crown/bridge is being placed as part of another treatment (such as a dental implant or a root canal), and other factors. Once Dr. Wu meets with you for an initial evaluation and creates your personalized treatment plan, a member of our staff will provide you with an estimate of the total cost. Sutra Dental Spa accepts a full range of payment options, and we work with CareCredit®, a dental treatment financing company that offers qualified applicants an array of low-interest and interest-free monthly payment plans. We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality dental care, regardless of their financial situation. Our team will be happy to talk with you about the many payment options available at our practice.

How do I choose the right CEREC® doctor?

A genuinely qualified CEREC® dentist is one who has obtained the additional training and education necessary to be proficient and skilled with the state-of-the-art CEREC® technology. Choosing the right CEREC® doctor involves taking a good look at the prospective dentist’s educational background to ensure he or she has had CEREC® training. It’s also a good idea to find out how much experience the dentist has had with the technique.Dr. Wu completed his CEREC® training in 2002 and has been utilizing the system at his practice for many years. In fact, Dr. Wu has placed more than a thousand CEREC® restorations and has helped many patients attain precise, customized, and long-lasting results. Dr. Wu’s expertise with CEREC® technology has allowed him to create beautiful restorations right here at our practice, making the entire process more convenient and efficient for patients.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions About CEREC® Crowns

What can I eat after getting a CEREC® crown or bridge?

After receiving CEREC® crowns or bridges, your diet will likely not be limited and you should be able to continue to enjoy your favorite foods. With that in mind, it is typically best to bite down on hard or chewy foods with your natural teeth when possible, rather than those affixed with crowns. This is just another precautionary measure to lessen the potential for damaging or loosening the restorations.

Can CEREC® crowns and bridges be whitened?

CEREC® crowns and bridges are designed to look as natural as possible and are color-tinted during the placement process to match the color of your surrounding teeth. It is important to note that, once your crowns or bridges are in place, the porcelain material will not respond to traditional teeth whitening measures. This is why our dentist may recommend a teeth whitening treatment prior to getting the crown or bridge placed so the permanent color of the restoration can be matched to whiter, healthier-looking teeth that surround it.

Will my teeth be sensitive after the CEREC® process?

As with most dental procedures, there will likely be a brief adjustment period after you receive your crowns or bridges. Some patients have reported initial sensitivity where the crown was placed, but this sensation should dissipate relatively quickly.

If you would like more information on CEREC dental restorations, or if you would like to schedule a consultation here at Sutra Dental Spa, please contact us today.

Schedule a Consultation Email UsEmail Us (619) 828-5779(619) 828-5779