CEREC technology Archives - Coleman Dental

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.

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.