Do you need a crown to repair or restore a broken, damaged or decaying tooth? Crowns have been used for decades to help improve the form, function and aesthetic of patients’ teeth. Today, patients have more options than ever, with modern advancements in dentistry taking everything good about traditional dental crowns and applying those principles to CEREC crowns.

It’s good to have options. But those options are only as useful as your understanding of them. In this guide we’ll help you explore CEREC crowns vs traditional dental crowns, and which may be better for you.

The Pros and Cons of Traditional Dental Crowns

Traditional dental crowns have long been the established dental solution for individual tooth restoration or repair. Crafted in a lab, these crowns take longer to fabricate, leading to potentially longer wait times, but they do have their advantages as well.

Although highly effective and still the best option in some circumstances, traditional dental crowns may not always be the best fit. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.

The Good

• Fine Detail – Traditional crowns are now made with Zirconia cores. Similar to cubic zirconia or “synthetic diamonds”. This eliminates ugly dark lines near the gum and opaque crowns of old. The new crowns look ‘light’ and natural because it allows natural light through like natural teeth. And no dark lines!
• Durability – Often made from porcelain fused to metal, traditional crowns form a strong bond with the remainder of your natural tooth, providing a solid foundation less likely to shift or fracture.
• Affordability – we charge the same whether you choose traditional or CEREC crowns.

The Bad

• Wait Times / Convenience – Traditional dental crowns can take significantly longer to make, and require at minimum, two separate appointments (generally over the course of 2-3 weeks).
• Comfortability / Temporary Crown – While the final product is being created, you will be outfitted with a temporary crown to protect your tooth. These crowns are often noted by patients as uncomfortable, and may require special care and lifestyle changes to ensure they don’t become dislodged.

The Pros and Cons of CEREC Crowns

Advancements in modern dentistry have resulted in the next generation of dental crowns. CEREC crowns are created using 3D CAD/CAM (computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing) technology. Think of this as being similar to a 3D printer, but for your tooth.

The major benefit from this technology is the enhanced efficiency, accuracy (eliminates human error), and speed at which they can be both fabricated and placed in your mouth (i.e. same visit in many cases). Let’s take a closer look at what makes CEREC crowns the often preferred option, and what downsides might give you pause.

The Good

• Same Day Placement – Fast, convenient and reliable, CEREC crowns can be measured, made and placed all in a single appointment. Having one less appointment means one less round of dental injections!
• No Need for Dental Putty – Some patients hate dental putty due to it feeling uncomfortable, irritating the gums, or the taste. If you’re one of them, CEREC crowns eliminate the need to use old-fashioned moulds of your teeth.
• Immediate Results / No Temporary Crown – Skip the bulky and sometimes uncomfortable temporary crown, along with the wait time and extra office visit. With CEREC crowns you can get your permanent crown placed the same day.

The Bad

• Not Everyone Is a Good Fit – In some cases, the shape, size, or extent of damage to a broken tooth may make you a bad fit for CEREC crowns.
• Durability – Traditional Zirconia crowns are extremely hard, while CEREC crowns are more “flexible” and wear more like natural teeth. Both have their advantages depending on your bite and position of the tooth. Dr. Yap can advise you which crown is best for you.
• Cosmetic Details – Although subjective and dependent on the skill of the dentists involved in fabrication, CEREC crowns may not have the same level of detail that a traditionally hand-made crown has. If we are creating a crown for one of your front teeth, we’ll usually go with a traditional zirconia crown to get the best look for your smile.

CEREC Crowns VS Traditional Dental Crowns: Which is right for you?

Only you and your dentist can make that call. If you’ve been considering a crown but would like to discuss your options, reach out today. Dr. Yap and the highly talented and passionate dental team would love to learn more about how they can help you get and keep the smile of your dreams.