Introducing Same‑Day Crown Technology
Patients love same‑day crowns for speed, comfort, and fit; our digital CEREC workflow at Best Choice Dental ensures family‑focused, care.
Understanding CEREC: The Technology Behind Same‑Day Crowns
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) uses a fully digital workflow that begins with a 3‑D intra‑oral scan. The scanner captures a precise digital impression of the prepared tooth, eliminating messy impression trays and providing a comfortable experience for patients.
The CAD/CAM process then takes over: the scanned data are imported into CEREC software where the dentist designs the restoration’s shape, size, and shade. Once approved, the design is sent to an on‑site milling unit that carves the crown from a single block of high‑strength ceramic—most commonly lithium disilicate or zirconia—within 15‑20 minutes. After staining, glazing, and polishing, the permanent crown is bonded directly to the tooth, so no temporary crown is needed.
All CEREC materials are FDA‑cleared, biocompatible, and designed to last 10‑15 years with proper oral hygiene.
Q: What does the acronym CEREC stand for?
A: CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, highlighting its chairside, cost‑effective, and natural‑looking restorative capabilities.
Q: What is CAD/CAM used for in dentistry?
A: CAD/CAM captures 3‑D images, allows computer‑aided design of crowns, bridges, veneers, etc., and manufactures them on‑site, enabling same‑day placement and eliminating temporary restorations.
Q: Which crown material is best for patients with bruxism?
A: High‑strength zirconia (or porcelain‑fused‑to‑metal) crowns are preferred for bruxism because they resist heavy grinding forces.
Same‑Day Crown Procedure at Best Choice Dental
At Best Choice Dental in Totowa, NJ, we use the CEREC® chair‑side CAD/CAM system to deliver permanent crowns in a single appointment. Digital scan of the prepared tooth – An intra‑oral scanner captures a precise 3‑D image of the tooth and surrounding dentition, eliminating messy putty trays and providing an exact digital impression. Computer‑aided design and shade matching – The scan is imported into CEREC design software where the dentist custom‑shapes the crown, adjusts occlusion, and selects a shade that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. In‑office milling (15‑20 minutes) – Once approved, the design is sent to an on‑site milling unit that carves the restoration from a high‑quality ceramic block (lithium disilicate or zirconia) in about 15‑20 minutes. Polishing, glazing, and bonding – The milled crown is stained, glazed, and polished to achieve natural translucency before being permanently bonded with a resin‑based cement. Total appointment time (90 minutes to 2 hours) – From scan to final cementation, the entire workflow typically takes 90 minutes to two hours, depending on case complexity.
Can I get a tooth crown in one day at Best Choice Dental in Totowa, NJ? Yes. Our CEREC system lets us scan, design, mill, polish, and place a permanent ceramic crown in one visit, eliminating temporary restorations and multiple trips.
Can a crown be placed on the same day at Best Choice Dental? Absolutely. The digital workflow ensures precise fit and shade, so the crown is ready for immediate bonding after milling.
What is the typical procedure for a temporary crown? Traditionally, after tooth preparation an impression (or scan) is taken, a provisional crown is fabricated from acrylic or composite, and cemented with temporary cement while the permanent restoration is lab‑made. This temporary phase is avoided with our same‑day CEREC crowns.
Durability and Longevity of CEREC Crowns
CEREC same‑day crowns are milled from high‑strength ceramic blocks such as lithium disilicate or zirconia. These materials combine natural translucency with fracture‑resistant properties, allowing the restoration to withstand normal biting forces for many years. Clinical studies consistently report survival rates of 94‑98% at five years and comparable long‑term performance to laboratory‑fabricated crowns, with many restorations lasting 10‑15 years or more when patients practice good oral hygiene.
How long do CEREC crowns typically last? With proper care—regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check‑ups—CEREC crowns usually last 10‑15 years. Some patients enjoy 20‑year lifespans, and research shows well‑maintained ceramic crowns can endure 10‑30 years. The single‑block, high‑strength ceramic and precise digital fit reduce gaps and stress, supporting this durability.
Are same‑day crowns as durable as traditional laboratory crowns? Yes. When fabricated from premium lithium disilicate or zirconia and bonded with a resin‑based cement, same‑day CEREC crowns match the strength and wear resistance of lab‑made crowns. Studies show comparable longevity of 5‑10 years or more, and in straightforward single‑tooth cases the performance is essentially identical. Complex multi‑unit bridges may still benefit from lab customization, but for most restorations the digital workflow provides equal long‑term reliability.
Factors influencing lifespan include material selection, preparation design, bite forces, and patient maintenance. At Best Choice Dental in Totowa, NJ, we combine CEREC’s advanced CAD/CAM technology with personalized care to ensure each crown fits perfectly and lasts as long as possible.
Benefits for Patients: Comfort, Convenience, and Aesthetics
CEREC same‑day crowns dramatically improve the patient experience. First, they eliminate the need for a temporary crown; because the permanent ceramic restoration is milled and bonded in the office, there is no fragile provisional that can loosen, cause sensitivity, or restrict diet. Second, the entire workflow—from digital scan to final cementation—fits into a single 60‑90‑minute appointment, cutting the usual two‑visit schedule in half and freeing patients from multiple trips and days of dietary restrictions. Third, CEREC replaces traditional goopy impression trays with an intra‑oral scanner that captures a precise 3‑D model in seconds, providing a more comfortable experience and a more accurate fit. Fourth, the CAD software allows the dentist to match the crown’s shade, translucency, and anatomy to the surrounding teeth, resulting in a natural‑looking restoration that blends seamlessly. Finally, studies consistently report higher patient‑satisfaction scores for CEREC crowns, citing reduced treatment time, lack of provisional crowns, and the immediate, aesthetic result as key drivers of satisfaction.
Integrating CEREC into a Family‑Oriented Practice at Best Choice Dental
At Best Choice Dental in Totowa, New Jersey, CEREC technology is woven into our family‑oriented care model to give every patient—from toddlers needing a stainless‑steel crown to adults seeking a seamless all‑ceramic restoration—a fast, comfortable experience.
Digital storage of scans and designs – Each tooth preparation is captured with a high‑resolution intra‑oral scanner, creating a 3‑D model that is automatically saved in the practice’s electronic health record. This digital file can be accessed for future touch‑ups, remake cases, or orthodontic planning, eliminating the need for physical impressions and ensuring consistent fit across visits.
Training and certification for the dental team – Our dentists and hygienists complete Dentsply Sirona’s CEREC certification program and attend regular continuing‑education workshops. This ensures they are proficient in the CAD design, milling, and shade‑matching tools, and can confidently troubleshoot the system chair‑side.
Cost considerations and practice investment – While the upfront cost of a CEREC scanner, software license, and milling unit can exceed $100,000, the practice offsets this through reduced laboratory fees, higher case acceptance, and the ability to complete restorations in a single visit. Patients benefit from fewer appointments and no temporary crowns, which often translates into lower overall out‑of‑pocket expenses.
How CEREC fits into comprehensive care for all ages – CEREC crowns, onlays, veneers, and even implant abutments are designed in‑office, allowing us to restore function and aesthetics immediately after procedures such as root‑canal therapy or extensive decay. The technology’s precision preserves more natural tooth structure, making it ideal for children and teens who need durable yet conservative restorations, as well as seniors seeking long‑lasting, biocompatible ceramics.
By integrating CEREC, Best Choice Dental delivers the speed and accuracy of digital dentistry while maintaining the personalized, gentle care that families expect.
CEROC Crowns: A Modern Solution for Busy Families
Same‑day permanent crowns use durable, aesthetic ceramic, eliminating temporaries and fitting seamlessly into Best Choice Dental’s family‑focused care.