Cerec Crowns

Dr. Kaake is pleased to offer Cerec crowns to his patients. After only one visit the permanent crown is in place. If you are coming from the twin cities to take advantage of his affordable pricing this means only one trip. A two hour drive could save you hundreds of dollars.

To help you understand the benefits of Cerec crowns here is some information about how crowns are usually made.

Normally a crown requires two visits: during the first visit, the tooth is shaved down and then an impression is taken of your teeth. An off-site laboratory then uses this impression to make your crown. While the crown is being made a temporary crown made with different types of plastic material is worn. At your next visit the dentist removes the temporary crown and places the permanent crown on your prepared tooth.

Cerec crowns are a recent advance in cosmetic dentistry made possible through the use of "Computer-assisted design-Computer-assisted manufacture" crown, or "CAD-CAM." The computer is able to mill a precisely fitting crown out of pure ceramic while you wait, without the use of a separate laboratory.

Pros and Cons of Cerec Crowns

Advantages:

• Cerec crowns require only one visit, saving time for the patient and dentist..
• Temporary crowns can be uncomfortable. Cerec eliminates the need for temporary crowns.
• Cerec crowns are made from porcelain and contain no metal. They look more natural than porcelain fused to metal crowns.
• Cerec technology and material can be used for fillings. These all porcelain fillings are more durable than white composite fillings.
• Although there is more initial expense with Cerec crowns, it can be more economical because only one appointment is necessary and there is no extra lab technician fee.

Disadvantages:

• Cerec crowns work well on back teeth.The subtle variations in color of front teeth are difficult to achieve from the single block of ceramic that Cerec uses. This may change as some companies are now making ceramic blocks with a color gradient. However, it always requires a highly skilled cosmetic dentist to achieve natural-looking results on front teeth.
• Additional training is required to use Cerec technology. For the most beautiful results a dentist should be an expert in this technology.

Before

Photographs of Cerec crown work courtesy of Dr. Craig Carlson of San Antonio, Texas.