CEREC® makes getting a crown easier and more efficient. Dr. LeSage has CEREC technology in his office to produce natural-looking restorations in a single visit.
What Is a CEREC Crown?
CEREC® Technology
CEREC uses CAD/CAM technology to produce ceramic dental restorations. While we speak of CEREC crowns, CEREC can be used to craft any ceramic restoration in our office. Dr. LeSage prefers to avoid complete crowns and save healthy tooth structure whenever possible. This technology is well suited to those partial coverage restorations, called onlays.
How Do They Compare with Traditional Crowns and Onlays?
- Digital technology – We scan your teeth with a handheld digital camera to take impressions of them. No messy manual impressions are needed. The scans are synthesized by technology to create a virtual 3-D model of your new teeth, which will be used to make a precisely fitting crown or onlay.
- No temporary restoration – You won’t need to wear a temporary crown because your restoration is made in our office—not in a lab.
- In-office milling machine – The 3-D model of your new teeth is transferred to our in-office ceramic milling machine. We use high-quality ceramic blocks—manufactured by Ivoclar, Vita, GC, 3M, and others—to craft crowns that capture natural tooth color. Dr. LeSage will add the finishing esthetic touches to your restoration.
- One visit – We’ll make your CEREC onlay or crown while you have a relaxing wait. Dr. LeSage will place it on your tooth and check it for fit and bite. Unlike a lab-made restoration, you won’t need a follow-up appointment to receive it. The entire visit takes about two hours.
How to Care for Your Onlay or Crown
Your restoration will look, fit, and feel like a natural tooth, and it needs the same care.
- Brush twice daily, and thoroughly floss daily.
- Don’t bite or chew hard objects or hard food.
- Keep your regularly scheduled appointments for dental cleanings and exams.
Other Benefits of CEREC Technology
Dr. LeSage mills CEREC Blocs to craft onlays and inlays
If you have an existing crown that needs replacing, Dr. LeSage will use CEREC technology to replace it with a new crown. But if you don’t already have a crown, he will most likely restore your tooth with a CEREC ceramic inlay or onlay. These restorations preserve more of your natural tooth structure because unlike a crown, they only require removing and restoring the damaged portions of your tooth. Read more details on our porcelain onlays page.
If you’re interested in having a tooth beautifully restored in just one visit, call us to schedule an appointment or complete our online Appointment Request form.