What Materials Are Used in CEREC Crowns?

CEREC® is a computerized system that allows dentists to perform in-house design and milling of custom dental restorations. The system makes it possible for patients to preview their future smiles, give feedback, and receive same-day restorations.

One of the most popular uses of the CEREC system is fabricating same-day crowns for cosmetic and restorative use. The milling machines in CEREC systems can sculpt dental caps from ceramic blocks. This creates an array of choices for the patient looking to upgrade their smile with a same-day crown.

CEREC and same-day crowns: the basics

Same-day crowns offer time and cost savings for patients and dentists alike. Better still, the patient gets to preview their smile in the design stage, allowing them to provide input and request changes. So how does this system work?

CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economic Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, where chairside suggests same-day. The acronym describes a computer-aided design and manufacturing system that carves dental restorations from ceramic blocks. It then follows that the different materials that go into creating CEREC crowns are typically ceramic-based.

Here are the different types of crowns that a CEREC system can fabricate:

1. Zirconia

Zirconia is a strong and durable ceramic that closely resembles natural teeth. Zirconia crowns can withstand massive pressure, making them suitable for molars. This type of crown is also a good option for people who grind their teeth.

The strength of zirconia also means that a thin layer of the material is strong enough to withstand grinding and shearing forces in the mouth. Thinner dental crowns require less room to fit in between teeth. This means that a dentist only needs to remove a thin layer of enamel to make space for a zirconia crown. Zirconia may have the color of natural teeth, but it is far less translucent. This makes the material more suitable for back teeth.

2. Emax ceramic crowns

Emax is a ceramic material that is a cross between porcelain and zirconia. This modern material takes the best qualities from both porcelain and zirconia. Emax has the translucence of porcelain, which means it mimics the aesthetic of actual teeth.

The toughness of Emax is comparable to that of zirconia, which allows dentists to use thin layers of this ceramic. Thinner dental crowns require less room to fit in between teeth. This means that a dentist only needs to remove a thin layer of enamel to make space for an Emax crown.

3. Non-ceramic CEREC crowns

A CEREC milling machine can carve short-term, temporary crowns from blocks of composite resin. The machine can also mill medium-term crowns from blocks of acrylate polymer. CEREC milling machines do not carve metal blocks, so there is no such thing as a metallic CEREC crown.

Let the convenience of CEREC help you achieve your dream smile

Thanks to CEREC, our practice reduces the wait time for crowns and other dental restorations to a single dental appointment. Useful design software and in-office fabrication allow our patients to participate in the enhancement of their smiles.

We are your go-to dental practice whether you need restorative dentistry or preventative oral care. That is reason enough to reach out to us and book an appointment today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.carolinasmilesdentist.com or call Carolina Smiles Family Dental at (828) 974-3326 for an appointment in our Brevard office.

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