Are CEREC Crowns Stronger than Traditional Ones?

A common question dentists receive about CEREC® crowns is whether they are as strong as traditional crowns. To answer this question, it is important to understand what CEREC® crowns and traditional crowns are made of and which material is stronger. This article is a review of which restoration option is stronger. 

Reviewing the strength of CEREC crowns

CEREC crowns are most notably known for their convenience. Dentists are able to place them in a single dental visit, which leads many to wonder if there is a catch. The good news is there is no catch, but it is still useful to understand the materials in CEREC crowns and the long-term strength and durability they offer. 

CEREC crowns explained

CEREC crowns (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is a dental restoration used to restore damaged teeth. They are commonly used to repair more severe chips, cracks and teeth that are worn down. They are sometimes also recommended after root canal therapy or serve as a replacement for a single missing tooth (dental bridge). CEREC crowns are placed in a single dental visit, whereas traditional crowns can take more than a week and require two different visits. 

The CEREC crown material

CEREC crowns are made of a strong and durable ceramic material. The material closely resembles natural teeth in both strength in appearance, offering cosmetic benefits while being strong enough to endure the long-term pressure created by chewing. Perhaps the most notable drawback is that CEREC crowns do not offer the option to use other types of crown materials. However, the ceramic material is strong and lasts for more than a decade with proper care. 

CEREC vs. traditional crowns

CEREC crowns offer one main advantage over traditional crowns, which is their ability to be placed in a single dental visit. Whereas CEREC crowns are crafted in a machine at the dental office by using 3D images made from CAD (computer-aided design) technology, traditional crowns involve a dental impression that has to be sent to the laboratory. The main drawback to CEREC crowns is that they only offer a ceramic material, which is not as strong as metal alloy, gold or porcelain-fused-to-metal options. With that said, CEREC crowns still offer great strength and typically last between 10 and 15 years. 

When to consider a CEREC crown

CEREC crowns are often recommended for repairing chips and cracks in teeth. They are also used to repair teeth that have worn-down tooth enamel, restoring the size, shape and function of teeth. Many also choose a CEREC crown to restore the structural integrity of a tooth after root canal therapy, and they are also an option for patients who are missing a single tooth or a small section of teeth. 

Contact our dental team today for more information

Here at our dentistry, we offer CEREC crowns to patients with damaged teeth. If you have damaged, decayed or missing teeth and want to learn more about CEREC crowns, contact us by phone or email today to schedule a consultation visit with our friendly team.

Request an appointment here: https://okamotoandbigleydentistry.com or call Okamoto and Bigley Dentistry at (626) 472-2178 for an appointment in our Pasadena office.

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