Can CEREC® Crowns Work on the Front Teeth?

Advances in dental technology allow dentists to offer CEREC® or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic crowns to patients instead of traditional crowns. This technique is excellent for restoring the confidence of anyone with concerns about their front teeth, whether due to a lost tooth or other issues:

Chips and breakage

Coverage of an implant

Coverage of tooth discoloration

Protection from tooth decay

Support for weak or rootless tooth

What is CEREC®?

This technology creates ceramic crowns using computer-assisted 3-D design images and computer-aided manufacturing. A milling machine carves a crown according to the specific dimensions of the tooth taken during a digital scan. The dentist refines the final shape and matches the color to the surrounding teeth before fitting it in the mouth.

What about Front Teeth?

Fortunately, modern dentistry affords patients with various options for improving appearance along with oral health. Careful consideration of several factors can determine if CEREC® is suitable for front teeth.

It eliminates the need for cement impressions

Many patients dislike the process of creating molds of the teeth, which require keeping putty-filled trays in the mouth for several minutes. The result is also susceptible to human error. A CEREC® digital blueprint can prevent inaccuracies in tooth shape that can be especially jarring for front teeth.

It is fast and convenient

Traditional crowns require several dental office visits. During the first visit, the dentist takes the impression that the external lab uses to create the crown. It is usually several weeks before the crown is delivered back to the dentist for placement into the patient’s mouth. If the fit is off, it is necessary to repeat the entire process. When front teeth are involved, such delays are additionally frustrating. Same-day crowns offer dentists control over fit and proportions in the moment.

Temporary crowns are not required

While waiting for dental labs to make a traditional crown, patients must wear a temporary resin prosthetic held in place with a moderately strong glue that facilitates removal when the permanent crown is ready. This ease of extraction predisposes such temporary crowns to fall out unintentionally, leaving the underlying tooth and biting surface vulnerable. Unstable crowns on front teeth can lead to embarrassment and frustration. By contrast, same-day crowns are made and permanently attached during one office visit.

They require careful color matching

Natural teeth consist of various color shades. Lab-created crowns mimic this effect with color-layering. A same-day crown derives from a uniformly colored block of ceramic and relies on the dentist’s or technician’s artistry to shade it appropriately. CEREC® crown color matching is more critical for highly visible front teeth than for molars, but when the patient and dentist provide feedback, appealing results are achievable in either case.

They are less suited to heavy chewing

Ceramic is somewhat vulnerable to cracking with patients who are heavy chewers or have bruxism. Because the front teeth are not involved in chewing, CEREC® is often better suited to work there. A dentist can offer advice based on individual circumstances.

Conclusion

CEREC® is an excellent alternative to traditional crowns for most patients looking for fast, comfortable, and effective restoration of prominent front teeth. Are you considering CEREC® in the St George area? Get more information at https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com. Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: CEREC Dentist in St George, UT.