CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is an exciting innovation in dentistry that uses novel dental techniques to provide patients with functional and natural-looking ceramic crowns.
While traditional and CEREC crowns restore heavily decayed or damaged teeth, a standard crown fitting can be time-consuming, typically requiring several weeks and multiple visits. CEREC technology can shorten this process significantly.
If your dentist has prescribed a dental crown, you may be wondering how long do CEREC crowns last and if there are ways to prolong the longevity of your new restoration. Learn what the CEREC crown procedure entails and use the following tips to keep dental crowns clean and functional so you can keep smiling.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is an artificial tooth-coloured cap that a dentist fits over a damaged tooth. Your dentist may prescribe a crown if too much of your natural tooth is broken or missing. They may also recommend a crown if you have a cavity too large for a filling.
Traditional dental crowns are made by taking an impression of your tooth and then sending the impression to a lab. The lab fabricates your custom dental crown from porcelain, composite resin, metal, or ceramic from the impression and then sends it back to your dentist. You then revisit your dentist to have your temporary dental crown removed, and your customised one applied to repair your smile.
In addition to traditional dental crowns, No Gaps Dental uses computer-assisted technology to create CEREC crowns, allowing you to restore your smile in 90 minutes. CEREC crowns are made of a single block of tooth-coloured ceramic, making them stronger and longer-lasting than porcelain and more aesthetically pleasing than metal crowns.
Who is a Candidate for a CEREC crown?
CEREC crowns are strong and long-lasting but may not be ideal for every situation. Crowns made from all metal and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) may be better for those who clench their teeth.
If the position of your crown falls outside the immediate smile line, your dentist may recommend an all-metal crown which may be less likely to fracture or chip. These metal crowns generally contain gold alloy, chromium, nickel or palladium but lack aesthetics because they are visible in the mouth. CEREC crowns are ideally suited for locations along the smile line.
The CEREC Crown Procedure
Typically, to create dental crowns, your dentist takes an impression of your teeth and sends the cast to a centralised dental laboratory. Some may find the cast-making process uncomfortable and time-consuming. Luckily, CEREC technology offers a faster and more comfortable process.
To create CEREC crowns, dentists take digital impressions using a scanner. Scanning technology quickly photographs the problem area and feeds this information into a computer program. From there, an in-house 3D milling machine creates a replica of your dentition with pinpoint accuracy on the same day.
Your dentist then fits and polishes the crown to match your existing teeth, so you leave the practice with a fully restored smile in just one appointment.
How Long Do CEREC Crowns Last?
CEREC crowns can be replicated in as little as five minutes but can last years. If you engage in good oral hygiene habits like daily brushing and flossing, your dental crown will likely last you between 10 and 15 years.
How to Make CEREC Crowns Last Longer
An important factor in determining how long do CEREC crowns last is how well you care for the restoration. You can maintain and even increase the lifespan of dental crowns if you commit to following healthy dental routines daily.
Patients should get into the habit of brushing their teeth at least twice daily and flossing at least once. Neglecting oral hygiene can increase the speed of wear and tear on your dental crowns and may lead to more serious dental issues such as periodontitis (gum disease). Routine six-month check-ups with your No Gaps Dental dentist can help to ensure your dental crown’s longevity.
Bad habits like chewing on ice, biting your nails, or using your teeth to open packages can potentially harm your teeth and cause damage to CEREC crowns.
It may help to avoid overly hard or sticky foods like hard candies, caramels, and chewing gum when caring for dental crowns. These foods can attach to the crown and even dislodge it.
Patients who suffer from bruxism or TMJ issues such as teeth grinding and clenching may inadvertently cause damage to their teeth. An estimated 5% of Australians either grind or clench vigorously. The wear and tear accompanying grinding and clenching can cause your teeth to crack or break. If you experience symptoms of bruxism, your dentist may recommend a nightguard to protect your teeth from wear and tear.
Book a Dental Appointment Today
If you have an unhealthy or damaged tooth that needs restoring, visit your dentist to determine whether you may need a dental crown. Your dentist can help you understand how long do dental crowns last and review the benefits of a CEREC crown procedure to restore your smile.
If you are ready to make an appointment for your same-day CEREC crown, call us on (02) 8007 6727 to make an appointment or book your appointment online.
With 15 modern clinics conveniently located throughout the Sydney Metro area, we pair cutting-edge technology such as CEREC with quality, personalised treatment to help you look and feel your best.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental appliances
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-appliances
Teeth grinding
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/teeth-grinding
Dental care and teeth cleaning
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/teeth-cleaning