CEREC crowns Archives - Coleman Dental

Crowns keep falling off!

September 13, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have a couple crowns and have never had any problems with them. Well, I feel really bad for my husband because his dental crowns keep falling off. The dentist re-cements them and then in a week or so, they pop right off. The dentist seems like he’s at a loss at this point. I’m wondering what is going on? Is there a super-strong cement we can try first? Or I have heard of CEREC. Is that a better option?

– Jeffrey in Missouri

Jeffrey,

Sadly, it sounds like it’s time for a second opinion. There shouldn’t be an issue with the porcelain crowns not staying cemented. This is not a common occurrence. Once they are permanently cemented, they should stay in place if they were done properly. Something must be breaking the bond.

The life of a crown is typically dependent upon the tooth preparation that was done by the dentist. If the tooth is in any way tapered, the crown will not have a good fit. It sounds like it may be time for some new crowns or better yet, a new cosmetic dentist. In order to successfully place crowns, the dentist must have had extensive training in the bonding technologies and materials. There really is no excuse for your husband’s crowns not to stay on. It’s time to move on.

Lastly, CEREC crowns really aren’t the answer here. This sounds like it’s an issue with the dentist, not the product. CEREC is a technology enables the tooth to be prepared and placed all in one visit.

Why do I have a black line around my crown?

September 11, 2021 by Brian Sartin

So I had a crown done awhile ago now. My regular family dentist did the work. I was using a bright flashlight the other night to get a good look at my teeth. And when I shined the light on my crown it appeared transparent. I noticed a little bit of black right around my gums. What is that? Should I have gone to a cosmetic dentist to have the crown done in the first place? I don’t like the way it looks.

– Michelle in Nebraska

Michelle,

Based on what you have described, the crown you have in your mouth sounds like it is a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. It doesn’t mean that your dentist did anything wrong or that anything is wrong with the functionality of the tooth. That said, a cosmetic dentist places a much higher emphasis on the aesthetics of dentistry. So an excellent cosmetic dentist may have recommended an all porcelain crown.

Some dentists still prefer to use porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns on back molars because the metal structure provides a strong foundation for back teeth. These types of crowns hold up well from a structural standpoint and can withstand extreme biting force. But with the advances in bonding technologies today, many cosmetic dentists are confident that all porcelain crowns will hold up just find on molars. Anyway, the black that is beginning to appear at your gumline is the metal showing through the porcelain. Or if you had a root canal on the tooth, the tooth can appear darker than normal because there is no longer blood circulating to that tooth.

For future reference, you may be interested in learning more about CEREC crowns. These days are also known as same day crowns, because all of the work is done in one visit. That means you don’t have to wear an uncomfortable temporary.

It is still not a bad idea to get into your dentist to have it looked out so the possibility of any tooth decay can be ruled out. Again, it sounds like the metal that is visible, but better to be safe than sorry. Lastly, if this is a indeed a front tooth that you are referring to, then a cosmetic dentist may be the way to go. They care much more about how the end result will look. And all porcelain will look so beautiful that no one will no you had any work done. Good luck!

Is a CEREC crown worth the extra cost?

September 1, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My job has me traveling a lot which means I am constantly on the run. Since I haven’t seen my family that much I have been putting off getting another crown. It just takes too long and I hate the time between where you have to wear a temporary. I am especially concerned with having to wear the temporary while I’m away from home. I have heard about CEREC same day crowns. They sound great, but I feel like they are too good to be true. My sister had one done and I think the color looks off. Is this one of the trade-offs with having it done all at once? Also, is it really worth the extra cost?

– Bill in New Jersey

Bill,

Thank you for your question. You bring up a lot of excellent points about CEREC same-day crowns. They offer many benefits over traditional crowns because they completely eliminate wearing a temporary which means convenience for the patient. Many patients are willing to pay the extra cost because their time is more important and that is a huge value.

As for the mismatching of your sister’s CEREC crown, this isn’t specific to CEREC crowns only. The bottom line is that some dentists just aren’t skilled at selecting the proper shade to giving a beautiful result. It would be wise to find a cosmetic dentist that truly cares about the aesthetics that go into cosmetic dentistry in order to get the best possible match. Cosmetic dentistry takes a lot of training beyond dental school and not just any dentist can do the work well, even if they offer the service. Feel free to ask your dentist about cases similar to yours, ask to see a portfolio of his or her work, and check out the dentist’s credentials. It is also good to inquire how long the dentist has been using the CEREC technology.

Most cosmetic dentists that are worth it will consider their work a failure, unless you absolutely love the end result. You should also have the opportunity to see exactly what your new crown will look like before it is permanently cemented into place. Hopefully this helps you in your decision.

Will My CEREC Crown Hold Up to Nighttime Grinding?

August 26, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I need to have my first ever crown done and my dentist has me scheduled to have a CEREC crown done in two weeks. Obviously, I’m a little anxious about the procedure, but I also grind my teeth at night. Is this going to be an issue with the CEREC crown or will it hold up as well as my regular teeth?

Thanks,

Jill in California

Dear Jill,

CEREC crowns are very durable. In fact, you might not even notice any difference between the strength of your restoration and your natural teeth. However, there’s a larger issue at play here.

The fact that you grind your teeth is concerning. If you’re continually putting that kind of pressure on them, you’re not only wearing down the enamel, but also setting yourself up for jaw pain and other issues. You didn’t say whether your CEREC crown was needed due to decay or a broken tooth, but it wouldn’t be surprising at all to hear it was a result of damage caused by grinding. Once you wear down the enamel through grinding, it’s gone for good. This leaves your tooth weak and more susceptible to cracks, breaks and decay.

The good news is that you’re aware of what you’re doing and that there’s an easy fix. Call your dentist before the procedure and let him know you grind your teeth at night. He will probably recommend a night guard to shield you from additional wear and damage. A night guard is a simple plastic device that you pop in before bed and it provides a cushion of protection so you don’t wind up with more issues caused by your grinding. Your dentist may even be able to take the impressions for your night guard on the same day you have your new restoration done if you let him know what’s happening ahead of time.

So, yes, your new restoration will hold up well to normal daily stresses, however, neither your natural teeth, nor a CEREC same-day crown can withstand the pressures of grinding forever. Get the night guard, ask your dentist if he has any additional techniques to reduce grinding, and all of your teeth, natural or restored, will be well on their way to having the longest lifespan possible.

CEREC for crowns on front teeth.

August 21, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I fell and broke my two front teeth in a mountain biking accident. My family dentist is telling me I need to get crowns. A friend told me about CEREC crowns and how they can be done in one day. That is super appealing to me right now because I’m so ready to move on after this accident. But my dentist doesn’t do them. Do I need a referral to go to another dentist? How do I find CEREC dentist in my area?

– Mike in North Carolina

Mike,

CEREC crowns are very popular among busy professionals and anyone that doesn’t want to deal with the inconvenience of wearing a temporary crown. But same day crowns aren’t always the answer. You need to consider the artistic nature of the work that will be required in order to replace your two front teeth.

Consider this – is convenience more important or a beautiful, natural-looking result? When it comes to your two front teeth, they are highly visible. With traditional porcelain crowns, if you find an excellent cosmetic dentist you will never regret the attention to detail and level of effort he or she will put into your crowns on such high profile cosmetic dentistry. These teeth show everyday, with every smile.

For example, the coloration present in a normal tooth fades throughout the surface, the gloss and translucency, as well as the layers of gradation is hard to get right with CEREC. An expert cosmetic will use a master ceramist that they trust. And for such aesthetically-demanding results as is required on front teeth, you don’t want to cut yourself short.

CEREC crowns are milled on-site out of a single block of ceramic. CEREC makes sense for crowns on back teeth or any other teeth that don’t show when you smile. They look nice, but aren’t always the best fit. Simply put, a machine doesn’t have the artistic ability and training that a cosmetic dentist does. Now, that isn’t to say that there aren’t some cosmetic dentists that will paint on additional layers to make a CEREC crown appear more lifelike. Although, you may want to shift your thinking from convenience to avoiding front teeth that may potentially look fake in appearance.

In closing, you don’t need a referral to find a dentist that offers CEREC. Just google the term “CEREC crowns” in your city. But you may want to do yourself a favor and consult with a skilled cosmetic dentist and put your trust in their ability versus finding the first CEREC dentist that comes up in your search bar.

Best of luck!

Is CEREC as good as porcelain veneers?

August 19, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I’m about to turn the big 5-0! I’ve always told myself that I should get my smile redone for my birthday because my teeth aren’t so great. They have chips and cracks, and all around look lackluster. So I have been talking to my dentist about getting porcelain veneers done. He is telling me that CEREC is the way to go because he has the machine in-house. I have had a CEREC crown by him and it is okay, but I want my smile to be beautiful. I am wondering the difference between using CEREC or getting porcelain veneers done by a cosmetic dentist. I don’t want to spend a ton of money and just feel like they look okay. Do you think I should see someone else?

-Janie in Minnesota

Janie,

Some dentists swear by CEREC machines. They are convinced that the CEREC technology delivers results that are just as great as sending them out to a master ceramist. You need to understand something about cosmetic dentistry. It is an art. But it is not considered a specialty area within dentistry so any general dentist can do porcelain veneers. But the result may not be what you are after. A cosmetic dentist is passionate about creating beauty and less than 2% of dentists actually possess the high skill level required to give amazing results. It takes extensive training beyond dental school and a real passion for creating beauty.

Try this. Google CEREC veneers. See what comes up. Look closely at the gumline and examine the shape of the teeth. Do they look natural? The before and after comparison may show an improved smile, but it’s unlikely it is breath-taking.

Porcelain veneers are probably the best solution for your situation. And it sounds like you may want to explore your options beyond your dentist if he is swearing by the CEREC machine. Ask to see examples of his work, especially for cases similar to yours. Ask about his or her credentials, training, and if they have any kind of satisfaction guarantee.

You may discuss porcelain veneers with your dentist now, but don’t force him to do them. You never want to force a dentist to do something out of their comfort zone. If you don’t like his gallery, then it is confirming what is sounds like you may already know. Talk to an expert cosmetic dentist in your area to see for yourself. Don’t settle with such a life-changing treatment. You deserve it!

Should I Switch Dentists if Mine Won’t Provide a CEREC Crown?

August 19, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My dentist told me I need to get a crown done. A friend of mine said her CEREC crown is the best thing since sliced bread and suggested I ask my dentist to make me one of those. He didn’t say it was an option though. What’s the difference between a CEREC crown and whatever type is normally done? Is it worth going to a new dentist if mine won’t offer it as an option?

Sincerely,

Jamie in New Mexico

Dear Jamie,

CEREC crowns can be a great option in some cases, but a lot of that is dependent on the tooth that needs treatment, as well as the preferences and skills of the cosmetic dentist providing it.

Historically, porcelain crowns have been made in a dental lab by a master ceramist. This is someone the dentist works with closely and has experience making sure it will fit just right while looking natural and beautiful. CEREC crowns are made in your dentist’s office by a machine. In fact, there are several companies who make these machines and each operates a bit differently and produces slightly different results.

Your dentist may use another type of machine, he may only do CEREC crowns (in which case he may not have mentioned it by name if it’s all he does), he might prefer to use a master ceramist for various reasons, or perhaps an in-office crown isn’t a good fit for this particular tooth this time around.

The best feature of CEREC crowns is the turn-around time. These are same-day crowns which means they allow you to have your restoration made in a day versus waiting about two weeks for the ceramist to complete it by hand. Some dentists think the quality of the restoration suffers because of this and some believe the quality does not suffer, provided the dentist is skilled and knowledgeable.

The best thing you can do is have a discussion with your dentist and see if a CEREC crown is an option for you.

Do CEREC Crowns Fall Off Because They’re Cheap?

August 17, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My dentist recommended me that I should get crowns on a few of my teeth. I did some googling and thought CEREC crowns are the best choice for me. However, I did have a few questions about it. I never have had crowns before, and I remember a lot of my friends were complaining how their crowns keep falling off and how they have to go and get it installed, sometimes even having to pay a hefty bill. Are CEREC crowns less prone to falling off than regular crowns? Also, one of my friends was constantly talking how he can’t eat certain foods because he’s scared that they will fall off again. Will that happen to me if I use CEREC? I assume I’m going to be wearing them for a long time and don’t want to be restricted from certain foods because of it. This certainly can all be just because my friend, who complained the most about crowns, was having a really cheap dentist and wasn’t spending a lot of money on his teeth. I am willing to pay the price so that my teeth look pretty while wearing the crowns, meaning I don’t want them to be seen, and that I basically don’t even know about them while wearing them. I am in a particular line of business where smile and looks are very important and, as I said, the price is not the problem. However, if you think something else is better for me, I’m willing to listen to your suggestion?

Thank you,

Patrice in Arizona

Dear Patrice,

CEREC crowns, when done by an expert cosmetic dentist, can be an excellent choice. Many people love the convenience of CEREC, because they can be done in only one appointment. This also means that you do not need a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being fabricated. CEREC technology enables the dentist to prepare, fit and place the crown all in one day. They are very popular for busy professionals or anyone that doesn’t want to be inconvenienced by a temporary crown that may be at risk for falling off.

To go into more details about the mechanics of a crown, there are several factors in whether a crown stays on or not. Whether the dentist shapes them right or not is the primary concern. When one has the proper shape, it can literally stay in place based on suction alone, though this wouldn’t be enough to withstand “extreme” pressures, like eating a caramel apple. In that case, the caramel would adhere to the restoration and would pull it off regardless. It really doesn’t matter what dental material it’s made of. The science behind it and the hold would be the same. Obviously, restorations aren’t just left in the mouth. They are permanently cemented, which adds another layer of protection and seals the edges. This can sometimes be problematic, though. If, for instance, the dentist doesn’t do a good job of mixing the cement or doesn’t dry the tooth all the way, the dental bonding is not going to be strong. Using cheap, old, or poorly-kept cement will weaken the bond as well. These issues are universal for all types of crowns, no matter what brand they are or what material they’re made of. To be clear, this is talking about new porcelain crowns. In other words, the dentist is the problem if your friend is losing new restorations.

If they’re older, it’s probably due to “natural” causes. They won’t last forever. You may have even a well-made restoration last as few as seven years, though some people manage to hold onto them for 20 years or more with proper care. Usually, receding gums and recurrent decay are the culprits for older ones.

The shortened version is that you shouldn’t feel like you’re restricting yourself, but you’ll need to find a reputable cosmetic dentist to do the work, so you get the longest lifespan possible from it.