Cerec - Single Appointment Custom Milled Crowns
Posted on 7/1/2026 by Singing River Dentistry - Florence |
 Getting a crown used to mean multiple trips to the dentist, temporary crowns, and a lot of waiting. Thankfully, dental technology has advanced, and now there's a way to get a beautiful, custom-fitted crown in just one visit. It's called CEREC, and it's changing how many dentists provide restorative care.
What is CEREC?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Basically, it's a high-tech system that allows dentists to design, create, and place a ceramic crown in a single appointment. No more messy impressions, temporary crowns, or waiting weeks for a lab to create your final restoration!
How Does CEREC Work?
The CEREC process is pretty amazing and involves several key steps:
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Exam and Preparation: The dentist first examines your tooth to determine if a crown is the right solution. If so, the tooth is prepared for the crown, which means removing any decay and shaping the tooth to ensure a proper fit. |
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Digital Impression: Instead of using traditional impression materials, a special camera is used to take a digital impression of your tooth. This camera captures a highly accurate 3D image of your tooth and the surrounding area. It's quick, comfortable, and much more precise than traditional impressions. |
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Crown Design: The 3D image is then loaded into a computer with sophisticated CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software. The dentist uses this software to design the perfect crown for your tooth, taking into account the shape, size, and color. The design ensures the new crown will fit precisely and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. |
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Milling: Once the design is finalized, it's sent to an on-site milling unit. This machine uses high-speed burs to precisely carve the crown from a solid block of ceramic material. The milling process typically takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the crown. |
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Placement: After the crown is milled, the dentist will try it in your mouth to ensure a perfect fit and bite. If everything looks good, the crown is then polished and bonded permanently to your prepared tooth. |
Benefits of CEREC Crowns
There are many advantages to choosing CEREC crowns:
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Single Appointment: This is the biggest advantage! You get a permanent, high-quality crown in just one visit. |
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No Temporary Crowns: Temporary crowns can be uncomfortable and prone to falling out. With CEREC, you avoid all of that. |
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Precise Fit: The digital impression and CAD/CAM technology ensure a highly accurate and comfortable fit. |
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Natural-Looking Results: CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic materials that closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth. They can be shaded to match the surrounding teeth perfectly. |
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Durable: CEREC crowns are strong and durable, providing long-lasting protection for your teeth. |
Is CEREC Right for You?
CEREC crowns are a great option for many people who need a crown. If you need a crown and want a convenient, high-quality, and natural-looking solution, talk to your dentist about CEREC. They can assess your specific needs and determine if CEREC is the right choice for you.
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