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How Does the CEREC Crown Process Work?

Posted: Aug 11, 2025
If you’ve been told you need a dental crown, you might be imagining multiple visits, messy impressions, and weeks of waiting for your restoration. But thanks to CEREC technology, the process has been revolutionized. At Smile Designs 101, we can design, create, and place your crown in just one appointment—saving you time without sacrificing quality.
Whether you’re an athlete with a packed training schedule or a busy professional balancing work and family, CEREC crowns make restoring your smile easier than ever. Let’s break down how the process works and why it’s a game-changer.
What Is CEREC?CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. In simpler terms, it’s an advanced dental system that allows us to create high-quality ceramic crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers in a single visit.
Instead of sending impressions to an off-site dental lab (which takes 1–2 weeks), CEREC dentists use 3D imaging and milling technology to craft your restoration right here in our office.
The Benefits of Choosing CEREC CrownsBefore we dive into the step-by-step process, it’s worth understanding why CEREC crowns are so popular.
1. Same-Day ConvenienceNo temporary crowns, no waiting weeks—your permanent crown is ready in just one visit.
2. Precision FitDigital impressions eliminate human error from traditional molds, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit.
3. Natural AppearanceCEREC crowns are made from strong, tooth-colored ceramic that blends seamlessly with your smile.
4. Durability for Active LifestylesPerfect for athletes and active individuals, these crowns are designed to handle the pressures of chewing, sports mouthguards, and daily use.
5. Comfortable ProcessSay goodbye to the goopy impression trays—CEREC uses a quick, painless digital scan.
Step-by-Step: How the CEREC Crown Process WorksAt Smile Designs 101, we follow a streamlined approach to ensure your crown is both functional and beautiful.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and AssessmentYour visit starts with a thorough exam. Our dentist will:
- Review your dental history
- Take X-rays if needed
- Assess the damaged tooth to determine if a crown is the best solution
If you’ve been searching for a "CEREC dentist near me", this is the step where you’ll see just how personalized our care is.
Step 2: Digital ImpressionsInstead of the messy putty molds, we use a small intraoral scanner to take a 3D digital image of your teeth.
- Quick: Takes just minutes
- Accurate: Captures exact tooth dimensions
- Comfortable: No gagging or discomfort
This high-resolution image is then transferred to the CEREC software.
Step 3: Designing Your CrownUsing the 3D scan, our dentist digitally designs your crown.
- The software ensures perfect bite alignment
- The color is matched to your natural teeth
- We can make real-time adjustments to shape and fit
For athletes and busy individuals, this precision means less risk of adjustments later.
Step 4: Milling the Crown On-SiteOnce the design is ready, the CEREC milling machine gets to work.
- Uses a ceramic block chosen to match your tooth shade
- Takes about 15–20 minutes to craft your crown
- Produces a restoration with exceptional strength and beauty
You can even watch your crown being made—it’s like watching a 3D printer for teeth.
Step 5: Fitting and BondingWhen the crown is ready, we’ll:
- Test the fit and bite
- Make any small adjustments
- Permanently bond the crown with dental adhesive
The result? A seamless, functional, and natural-looking tooth—all in the same appointment.
Why Athletes Love CEREC CrownsFor athletes, dental health isn’t just about appearance—it’s about performance and safety. A damaged tooth can affect nutrition, speech, and confidence during competition.
CEREC crowns:- Restore full chewing function quickly so that you can get back to your diet and training
- Reduce the need for multiple dental visits that could interfere with practice schedules
- Provide durable protection against further damage—especially important for contact sports
With proper care—regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups—CEREC crowns can last 10–15 years or longer. For athletes, wearing a mouthguard during sports can extend the crown’s lifespan.
Caring for Your New CEREC Crown
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to keep gums healthy
- Avoid chewing complex objects like ice or pens
- Schedule regular cleanings at Smile Designs 101
The cost is comparable to traditional crowns, but you save time and avoid extra visits. Insurance may cover part of the treatment if it’s medically necessary.
If you’re searching "CEREC near me", remember that pricing can vary based on your location and the complexity of your case.
FAQs about the CEREC Crown Process Q1: How long does the entire appointment take?Most CEREC crown appointments take about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish.
Q2: Are CEREC crowns as strong as traditional crowns?Yes—CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic that’s both durable and esthetic.
Q3: Can I get a CEREC crown if I’ve had a root canal?CEREC is an excellent option for protecting and restoring root canal-treated teeth.
Q4: Do I need special care for my CEREC crown?No special care is required beyond good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
Q5: Is CEREC suitable for front teeth?Yes, the ceramic material is highly aesthetic, making it perfect for visible teeth.
The CEREC crown process is one of the most patient-friendly innovations in modern dentistry. Whether you’re an athlete needing a quick return to competition or a busy professional looking to minimize dental visits, Smile Designs 101 makes restoring your smile fast, precise, and comfortable.
Ready for your same-day crown?
About the Author
Nothing is more unpleasant than hiding mouth frequently while laughing and talking. It is quite an awkward experience.
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