As a basic staple in the repertoire of the dental profession for many years are dental crowns. They are perhaps one of the most well-known and commonly performed procedures.
As you’re probably aware, a conventional dental crown (to put it simply) is a method of restoration in which a tooth-shaped cap is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. It effectively covers the entire tooth that is exposed above the gum line. The purpose of this crown is not only to improve the patient’s overall oral health by restoring and strengthening the tooth, but to provide the patient with a smile that is aesthetically pleasing and functional as well. While the conventional dental crown remains a popular and sought-after solution, the process of receiving a crown has not always been the most desirable experience.
When receiving a standard dental crown, the process requires at least two separate appointments. During these appointments the patient would likely have to take time off work or adjust their schedules to accommodate. Additionally, in waiting for the conventional crown to be made in the dental lab, the patient would be given a temporary crown to wear between appointments. While certainly necessary in preventing future damage and providing a quick fix, the cumbersome temporary crown has been unpopular with patients in the past. They have been known to break easily, or sometimes to even fall out. Tedious as the process may be, the end product would typically be a sturdy and dependable dental crown to serve as a long-term replacement.
Although the standard crown will certainly prove its worth over time, it’s important to remember that the average lifespan of a regular dental crown is approximately ten years; however, this may certainly vary depending on both lifestyle habits and the routine practice of proper oral hygiene. That said, the conventional crown despite its flaws, is a tried and true solution that has helped patients for many years.
Alright … you might want to pay attention, because we’ve got quite the doozy for you!
Now imagine, if you can, a picture-perfect crown that can be both created and fitted in your mouth with just one single appointment!
Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t in?
What you may be surprised to find out is that this mythical and seemingly flawless crown is in fact no myth at all. The “Chairside Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics” or “CEREC Crown” is both very real and currently very in demand among both dentists and patients alike.
Originally developed back in 1980, the “Chairside Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics” or “CEREC Crown” technology has taken modern dentistry by storm and has proven itself as a powerful new tool within the field. The CEREC Crown is a specially customized dental crown, created specifically for you through digital imaging as opposed to simply using goopy dental impressions.
This cutting edge digital imagining allows Dr. Roberts to scan the inside of your mouth to accurately pinpoint the precise dimensions of your new crown, and thereby create a near perfect replica of your natural tooth. Once placed over a rotten or broken natural tooth, this masterpiece of modern dentistry provides a permanent replacement that is virtually unnoticeable and can even be customized to match the exact shade of your teeth! Although considerably stronger, presenting an exponentially improved appearance, many patients consider the convenient process in receiving the CEREC to be among their favorite improvements over the conventional dental crown.
Unlike the before-mentioned conventional crown, the CEREC Crown requires only a single appointment in which you may receive a fully complete, permanent replacement. This new technology spares you the hassle of making multiple appointments and managing a temporary crown.
While such a straight forward question may typically warrant a simple answer, the truth of the matter (as it so often is) is a bit more complicated than that.
For the vast majority of patients needing a crown, (approximately 90%) yes, the cutting edge CEREC Crown is an absolutely fantastic solution and the most efficient option available.
However, perhaps the only true exception to this would be in patients who may suffer from bruxism. Bruxism is a chronic condition, in which a patient may excessively (and sometimes unconsciously) clench their jaw, thereby gritting or grinding their teeth. Although enormously popular and highly sought after, the only real issue presented by the CEREC Crown is the fact that due to its excess strength, it may present a bit more of a hazard when grinding against other teeth than that of its predecessor. Fortunately, if this is something you find yourself concerned with or suffer from chronic clenching, there are several types of mouth guards available for both day-time and night-time use that can be created by our Team here at Adams Dental Group specifically for you!
Although it’s not often that you see an old dog learn new tricks, in the case of the dental crown this is certainly true. Thanks to the crisp new CEREC technology, the common dental crown has now received a major upgrade! The CEREC Crown has in many ways revolutionized the field of professional dentistry by ushering in a new era of 21st Century technology and presenting patients with a level of quality that previously could not be provided.
But don’t take our word for it, if you are in need of a crown then come see us and find out for yourself!
Travis A. Roberts and his experienced, friendly team at Adams Dental Group offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the Kansas City, KS area. We have two locations that are conveniently located and offer appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At Adams Dental Group, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to specialty procedures, including dental implants, dentures, endodontic or root canal treatment, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at our West location (913) 296-8030 or our East location (913) 621-3113 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Travis A. Roberts, DDS December 12th, 2017
Posted In: Services | Procedures, Uncategorized
Tags: cerec crown