Understanding the Difference: CEREC vs. Traditional Crowns
Both CEREC and traditional crowns serve the same purpose. They are intended to restore and protect damaged teeth. However, the process used to design, manufacture, and place them is quite different. Here’s what you need to know about both options and how they differ:
CEREC Crowns
- Same-day treatment: One of the most appealing features of CEREC is that it can be completed in a single visit. No need for a temporary crown or follow-up appointment.
- Digital impressions: CEREC uses digital scanning technology to create a highly accurate 3D model of your tooth, eliminating the need for traditional, often uncomfortable, molds.
- In-office milling: The crown is crafted from a solid block of ceramic right in our office using advanced milling equipment.
- Natural aesthetics: The ceramic material closely matches the color and translucency of your natural teeth for a seamless look.
- Precision fit: Digital design and production ensure a high level of accuracy and comfort.
Traditional Crowns
- Multiple appointments: The process usually requires two visits. The first one is for preparing your tooth and taking impressions, with a second appointment scheduled to place the permanent crown.
- Lab fabrication: Traditional crowns are made in an external dental lab, which can take 2-3 weeks or longer depending on the provider.
- Temporary crown needed: While waiting for the final restoration, patients typically wear a temporary crown.
- Material versatility: Traditional crowns are available in a wider range of materials, including porcelain-fused-to-metal, full gold, zirconia, and more.
- Complex customization: May be a better choice for more complex dental cases or when special materials are needed for strength or aesthetics.
At Lush Dental Heights, Dr. Pasha Noorian uses state-of-the-art tools such as the iTero scanner to ensure that whether you choose a CEREC or traditional crown, the process is accurate, efficient, and comfortable from start to finish.
Benefits of CEREC Crowns
Many of our patients choose CEREC crowns primarily for their convenience. Beyond convenience alone, this modern method of crown placement offers several compelling advantages that make it a preferred choice for a wide range of patients. The benefits include:
- Same-day restoration: There’s no need to take additional time off work or school. Your tooth is prepared, scanned, milled, and restored in just one visit.
- No temporary crowns: Temporary crowns can sometimes come loose or cause discomfort. With CEREC, they’re not necessary.
- Digital impressions: Say goodbye to messy, gag-inducing impression trays. CEREC uses a small digital scanner to create a precise model of your tooth in minutes.
- Natural look and feel: The high-quality ceramic used in CEREC crowns is designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
- Durability: With proper care and maintenance, CEREC crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer depending on factors like oral hygiene, bite pressure, and lifestyle habits.
When Traditional Crowns Might Be the Better Option
While CEREC crowns are an excellent solution for many patients, they are not ideal in every situation. In some cases, a traditional crown may be the better or even necessary option. At Lush Dental Heights, we believe in a fully personalized and transparent approach, helping you make the choice that best suits your needs. Traditional crowns may be recommended when:
- There is extensive damage below the gumline: If the tooth has structural damage that is hard to scan digitally, or if it requires a post-and-core build-up, traditional impressions may be more reliable.
- You need special materials: Some patients prefer gold or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, especially for back molars where durability under pressure is critical. These materials are only available via traditional crown fabrication.
Your insurance coverage is limited: Some dental insurance plans may only cover certain crown types or fabrication methods. Our team will work with you to review your benefits and recommend the most cost-effective option. - Additional lab customization is required: In cases where layering, tinting, or custom shading is needed to match particularly complex smiles, lab technicians can sometimes deliver enhanced esthetic results.
Choosing the Right Crown for Your Smile
When it comes to choosing between CEREC and traditional crowns, there is no universal “best” option. Instead, there’s only what’s best for your specific needs! Every smile is unique, and the right choice will depend on factors like your dental history, esthetic goals, time constraints, and insurance coverage.
If you value fast, efficient care and have a relatively straightforward restoration need, CEREC crowns offer unmatched convenience and impressive results. On the other hand, if your case is more complex or you require a specific type of crown material, traditional crowns remain a tried-and-true solution.
At Lush Dental Heights, patients appreciate that we don’t push one-size-fits-all treatments. Instead, we focus on blending advanced dental technology with individualized care, so your experience is both high-tech and highly personal.
From our calming, modern office design to digital imaging systems and flexible scheduling, everything we do is aimed at making your dental care easier, faster, and more comfortable. Plus, we offer options like our $99 new patient special and broad insurance acceptance, so high-quality dental care is accessible for families across the Houston area.
Schedule Your Crown Consultation in Houston Today
Still unsure whether CEREC or traditional crowns are the right choice for you? The best way to find out is by scheduling a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Pasha Noorian at Lush Dental Heights. We’ll take the time to evaluate your needs, answer your questions, and guide you toward the solution that best supports your oral health and lifestyle.
Call us today at (713) 487-9618 or book your appointment online to take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile. Whether you choose same-day CEREC crowns or traditional lab-crafted crowns, we’re here to ensure you receive the best possible care with lasting results.
