One Visit Crown

Depending on the type of treatment you have received for your dental problem, it might be necessary to:

Have your tooth restored to its original size and shape
Supply additional physical support for the treated tooth
Get a complete “makeover” on the affected teeth

For cases like these, a crown is the most logical option.

While inlays and onlays cover the chewing surface of the tooth and fillings fill in the empty interior space of the tooth, crowns completely cover every visible part of the tooth – which is why they are sometimes referred to as “caps.” A part of your tooth remains but is essentially “rebuilt” to resemble the tooth at its exterior best.

While porcelain crowns certainly can improve the look of a tooth or multiple teeth, today we have many more options in crown materials. Not only do these materials offer superior esthetics but increased flexural strength in function. We have invested in 21st century technology through CEREC®, that allows are patients to access the latest choices of these materials in the most customized natural shades.

What is the CEREC® system?

The CEREC® system is also referred to as a CAD-CAM system. Simply put, CAD stands for “Computer Assisted Design” and CAM stands for “Computer Assisted Milling.” Therefore, CEREC® uses computer design and a milling device to create custom-made restorations.

Below you will find information on the three major components of the CEREC® system:

Acquisition device – This device uses a high-quality camera and a medical grade computer. The unit works together to photograph the tooth you want restored. The device creates three-dimensional images of the tooth on the computer screen. The dentist uses that image to design your custom-made restoration.
Three-dimensional CAD software – This provides the dentist with the ability to look at the tooth from every angle. Using this technology, the dentist comes as close as possible to examining the tooth in his/her hands while rotating it on the screen.
Milling device – This unit makes the custom restoration based on the specifications from the computer. Your dentist chooses a ceramic block that provides the closest match to your existing tooth color. That block is then placed into the unit. After a few minutes, the milling device produces the restoration designed by your dentist.

Is the CEREC® restoration procedure complex?

CEREC® makes it easy for your dentist to customize your new restoration. Below you will find detailed steps about the procedure:

Our Dentist prepares the tooth by removing all decay and creating a divergent occlusal axial wall. The dentist creates that wall to make the opening of the tooth wider than the actual base.
Our Dentist scans the teeth. There is no physical impression The image becomes transposed on the computer screen. Our Dentist then views the tooth from all angles so he/she has the needed visuals to design the restoration.
Our Dentist completes the design and transmits it to the milling unit.
Dr. Haque and her Associates choose a shade with the patient. This creates natural looking and virtually invisible results.

Within 15 minutes, the milling unit creates the crown, onlay, overlay or veneer using compressed porcelain instead of laboratory-layered porcelain. Compressed porcelain makes stronger and more durable restorations and saves patients time and money. Our Dentist then places the dry restoration to ensure fit. Once your dentist determines the fit, he/she will polish the restoration and affix it to the tooth using dental cement.

That completes the process and you do not have to go back for a second fitting!

Will CEREC® benefit me?

CEREC® benefits many patients looking for a ceramic restoration device. Some advantages include:

Permanent (no temporary ones) and long-lasting restorations
High-quality devices that save more natural tooth
Less-invasive procedures for patients
Fewer injections resulting in less discomfort for patients
Fewer dental visits means fewer costs to patients
Biocompatible solutions that do not harm the body
No horrible-tasting impressions
No time-consuming transfers to and from a lab