CEREC Crowns: What Makes Them Different from Traditional Ones?

If you’ve been told you need a dental crown, you might be wondering what your best options are. Traditional crowns have long been the standard, but modern technology like CEREC offers a faster, more convenient alternative. 

Dr. Rod Strober, owner of Country Club Dentistry in Rancho Mirage, is a cosmetic and implant dentist with nearly 30 years of experience and advanced training in digital restorations. Understanding the differences between CEREC and traditional crowns can help you choose the right solution for your smile.

What Are CEREC Crowns?

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It’s an advanced dental system that allows dentists to design, fabricate, and place ceramic crowns in a single visit. 

With the help of CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) technology, a customized crown is milled right in the dental office while you wait. CEREC technology eliminates the need for temporary crowns and follow-up visits, offering a faster, more streamlined experience.

CEREC Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns

While both types of crowns restore damaged teeth, the process and experience are quite different. 

Appointments and Timeframe

Traditional crowns usually require two visits. During the first, your dentist takes impressions and places a temporary crown. You return weeks later for the permanent one. 

CEREC crowns, on the other hand, are completed in just one visit. Digital impressions are used to design the crown, which is milled and placed on the same day.

Impression Process

Traditional crowns rely on physical molds, which can be messy and uncomfortable. CEREC uses a small digital scanner to take precise 3D images of your tooth—no trays or putty required.

Materials Used

CEREC crowns are crafted from durable, tooth-colored ceramic that mimics the look and feel of natural enamel. Traditional crowns, on the other hand, can be made from porcelain fused to metal, full metal, or layered ceramic, depending on the case.

Temporary Crowns

Because traditional crowns are made in an outside lab, you’ll typically wear a temporary crown while waiting. With CEREC, there’s no need for a temporary—your permanent crown is placed the same day.

The Benefits of CEREC Crowns

Many people in Rancho Mirage lead active lifestyles and value efficient care. CEREC crowns are ideal for those who want to restore their smile without multiple trips to the dentist.

Some of the top benefits include:

• Immediate results with minimal disruption to your schedule
• Natural-looking results that blend with your existing teeth
• Comfortable fit due to precise digital imaging
• No need for messy impressions or temporary crowns

CEREC crowns suit many patients, but not every case. Dr. Strober can assess your needs and recommend the best option for your smile.

A Modern Approach to Dental Crowns in Rancho Mirage, CA

If you’re exploring CEREC crowns in Rancho Mirage, Country Club Dentistry combines advanced technology with personalized care. Dr. Strober and his team can restore your smile in just one visit—with comfort, convenience, and quality. Contact us at 760-832-7915 to schedule your consultation and get started.