CEREC Vs. Traditional Crowns: Understanding The Pros & Cons Of Each Treatment
Need to restore a damaged tooth in Point Loma, San Diego or Ocean Beach? At Harbor Family Dental, we offer both CEREC and traditional crowns, which can be used to restore your bite and your smile. Not sure which option is right for you? Get all the details you need about the pros and cons of CEREC vs. traditional crowns now.
The Pros & Cons Of CEREC Crowns
CEREC crowns are made in a single appointment using advanced CAD/CAM technology at Harbor Family Dental. Wondering if they’re a good option for you? Here are the pros and cons you need to consider.
Pros
Requires only one appointment – CEREC is the most convenient way to restore your smile, even if you have a busy schedule. You can get a crown in a single 1-2 hour appointment.
No need to wear a temporary crown – Your crown will be built and placed immediately, so you won’t have to wear a bulky temporary crown.
Does not require goopy dental impressions – Dental impressions using putty and trays are uncomfortable for most patients, particularly those with a strong gag reflex. CEREC uses a specialized 3D scanner, so you don’t need to have impressions taken.
Cons
Not suitable for every patient – Not every patient can get a CEREC crown. If your tooth is broken below the gumline, for example, it can’t be scanned with a CEREC scanner, so you will need to have a traditional crown.
Usually more expensive – CEREC crowns are typically slightly more expensive than a traditional crown, so they may not be the best option if you are on a tight budget.
Porcelain must be used – CEREC can’t be used to make metal crowns, such as gold crowns. While most patients do prefer porcelain, gold and other metals are extremely durable and long lasting, and are particularly well-suited to restoring rear molars that undergo a lot of chewing pressure and stress.
The Pros & Cons Of Traditional Crowns
Traditional crowns are made with the assistance of an outside dental lab. Dr. Wallrich will take images and impressions of your teeth and send this information to the lab. Then, your crown will be built and sent back to our office. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this process now.
Pros
Finer level of detail – The technicians who make crowns can add fine details that will make the tooth look more natural, compared to CEREC crowns.
Enhanced durability – Lab-made crowns usually use a metal-fused-to-porcelain design, which is more long-lasting and durable than a CEREC crown made completely of porcelain.
More affordable – You will usually pay less for a traditional crown than you would for a CEREC crown.
Cons
Takes two appointments over 2-3 weeks – Because your crown must be made and sent by mail, the treatment time is a lot longer compared to CEREC.
Must wear a temporary crown – You’ll have to wear a temporary crown until your permanent crown arrives at our office. Temporary crowns are usually made of plastic, and are not very comfortable and don’t look natural.
Takes longer to adjust – If changes need to be made to your crown, it must be sent back to the lab, which means it will take a longer time to adjust it and ensure that your new tooth fits perfectly.
Not Sure Which Option Is Right For You? Find Out At Harbor Family Dental!
Dr. Ryan Wallrich provides both traditional and CEREC crowns at Harbor Family Dental. If you’re still not sure which option is right for you, we’re here to help. Contact us for an appointment online or give us a call at (619) 786-2939. You can discuss your options with Dr. Wallrich, and choose the crown that’s right for your particular needs.