CEREC

What Is CEREC®? (The Technology That Turned "Two Weeks" Into "Today")

CEREC® is the brand name that has become synonymous with same-day crowns—like how we say "Kleenex®" for tissues. It stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, which is a very fancy way of saying: "we can design, create, and place your permanent crown right here, right now, while you wait."¹

This technology represents freedom from goopy impressions, freedom from fragile temporary crowns, and freedom from that anxious two-week wait hoping the lab gets it right.² It’s the technology that finally delivered on dentistry's promise: "This won't take long."

The CEREC® Revolution: Before and After

Before CEREC (The Old Way):

A multi-week process involving two or more appointments, uncomfortable impressions, and a temporary crown you had to baby for weeks.3

After CEREC (Welcome to Today):

Hour 1: Tooth preparation and a quick, clean digital scan.
Hour 2: Crown design and in-office milling while you relax.
Hour 3: Final polishing, staining, and permanent placement.

You walk out of a single appointment with your final, permanent crown. The most common reaction we get is disbelief: "Wait, I'm completely done?"

How It Actually Works: From Scan to Smile

The CEREC® process combines advanced technology with your dentist's expertise.⁴

The Digital Impression: A small camera wand takes thousands of pictures of your tooth, creating a perfect 3D model on a computer screen.⁵ No gagging, no mess, no drama.

The Digital Design: Your dentist becomes a digital sculptor, designing your crown on-screen while you watch.⁶ They refine every detail, from the chewing surfaces to the contacts with neighboring teeth.

The Milling Marvel: The design is sent to an in-office milling machine, which carves your crown from a solid block of high-quality ceramic using diamond-coated burs.⁷

The Artistic Touch: This is where technology meets artistry. The milled crown is custom-stained, glazed, and fired in a special oven to give it a natural, lifelike appearance before it is permanently bonded to your tooth.⁸

The Real-World Benefits (Beyond Just Saving Time)

No Temporary Crown Anxiety: That constant worry about your temporary falling off at the worst possible moment is completely eliminated.
Better Accuracy: The all-digital workflow is incredibly precise, often leading to a better fit than traditional methods.⁹

More Conservative: Less time between preparing the tooth and placing the permanent crown means your tooth is vulnerable for hours, not weeks.¹⁰

Total Convenience: One appointment means one numbing session, one day off work, and one co-pay.

"But Is It as Good as a Lab-Made Crown?"

This is the most common question, and it's a fair one. For the vast majority of single-crown cases, the answer is an enthusiastic yes.

Studies consistently show no difference in longevity between CEREC® and lab-made crowns because they use the same high-quality materials and are bonded with the same proven techniques. The only difference is the elimination of the waiting period. For certain highly complex cosmetic cases involving multiple front teeth, the hand-layering artistry of a lab technician may still be preferred, and we will always recommend the best option for your specific situation.

Here's what we want you to remember:

CEREC® is the proven technology that makes high-quality, same-day crowns a reality.¹¹ It combines digital precision with your dentist's expertise to deliver a beautiful, durable, and perfectly-fitting permanent crown in a single visit.¹²

Every patient's situation is unique.

While CEREC® is the perfect solution for most single crowns, we always evaluate your specific clinical needs. We'll help you decide if a single-visit crown or a lab-fabricated crown is the best path to your perfect, long-lasting result.

Ready to experience modern dentistry?

Curious if your crown could be completed today instead of weeks from now? We're here to give you honest, personalized answers. Schedule a consultation at our Woodland Hills practice – let's talk about what's really best for your smile.