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.