As we get a little older, our teeth begin to change, making them prone to fracture and decay. There are many possible reasons for this change, including bruxism (teeth grinding), cavities, cracked fillings, root canals, and many others. If your tooth is beyond repair with a filling material, we may recommend that the best viable option to save the tooth is a full crown. This type of restoration is durable, protects the tooth and helps preserve chewing function.
Types of Crowns
If your tooth need a full crown, there are several options available to you. These options include a full porcelain crown, a porcelain fused to metal crown, or a full gold crown. We will help you make the determination as to which of these options is the most appropriate for your situation. You can be comfortable in knowing that your new tooth will be virtually unnoticeable and will flawlessly complement the rest of your smile.
Same-Day (CEREC) Crowns
Same-day crowns, or CEREC crowns (named from the technology that creates them), differ from a traditional crown because the can be made in the dentist’s office within a few hours using an advanced imaging and manufacturing technology. As the title suggests these crowns can be imaged, created, and fitted in the patient during a single appointment.
During the appointment, the tooth is reshaped and prepared for the crown, and a digital scan is taken of the tooth with a special camera. Dr. Shore or her assistants will design the crown so it will fit perfectly in your mouth and blend with you adjacent teeth using computerized 3-D modeling. Once finalized, the design is sent to a machine that will cut and glaze the porcelain crown precisely for your size and color needs. The entire process takes between 2 and 2.5 hours from when the patient walks into the office until they leave.
The traditional crown process takes place across 2 or more appointments. The reason for multiple appointments is the need to use a special outside laboratory to create the crown. These crowns can be made from porcelain or gold.