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Modern Solutions for Damaged or Weakened Teeth

Cerec Crowns​ At Citrus Heights Dental

To understand Cerec crowns and their pros and cons, you need a little background in the construction of a crown.
A close-up 3D illustration of a dental crown being placed on a molar tooth in the lower jaw, highlighting detailed gum tissue and surrounding teeth against a blue background—perfect for showcasing professional dentistry services.
cerec crowns being machined

Cerec One-Visit Crowns

A recent innovation available in the offices of some cosmetic dentists is the “Computer-assisted design-Computer-assisted manufacture” crown, or “CAD-CAM.” The company that is foremost in this technology is Cerec. This crown is milled by a computer to fit your tooth precisely, thus eliminating the laboratory step in manufacturing the crown.


With Cerec’s CAD-CAM technology, the crown is made by a computer while you wait, thus eliminating the second appointment and the temporary crown. These Cerec crowns are milled out of pure ceramic.

How Crowns are Made

All about Cerec Crowns

Usually a crown takes two visits: on the first visit, the tooth is prepared by being shaved down somewhat. An impression is taken of your teeth, and this impression is sent to a laboratory where your crown will be made. Meanwhile, you wear a temporary crown made with some type of plastic material. 

 

On your second appointment, the temporary is removed and the durable crown is placed on your tooth. The diagram above shows the concept of a dental crown. The tooth is reduced in size to allow for complete coverage by the ceramic crown material. The cut-away ceramic covers the entire tooth, all the way around, usually down to the gumline.

A dentist in a mask and blue gown examines a patient reclining in a dental chair. Dental equipment is visible, with a scenic mural of mountains and a lake on the wall behind them.
Cerec technology can also be used to manufacture porcelain fillings. There are some very skilled cosmetic dentists who are also able to create Cerec porcelain veneers. Doing these well requires an exceptional amount of skill. Remember that Cerec crowns are milled out of a single block of porcelain. This creates an esthetic problem because natural teeth have a gradation of color from the gumline to the biting edge. However, our latest technology allows us to create beautiful life-like porcelain restorations for front teeth with the Cerec system, with color gradations in the teeth and a beautiful polish.

What are the advantages of Cerec crowns?

  • Cerec crowns are made in one visit, saving both the dentist and the patient time.
  • With Cerec, there is no need for a temporary crown, which eliminates one of the potential discomforts for the patient.
  • Cerec crowns have no metal in them, and thus are reasonably esthetic.
  • Cerec material and technology can also be used for fillings. Since they are made out of porcelain, they are more durable than typical white composite fillings.
  • While the initial investment in Cerec technology is expensive, it can save money over the long run because there is no extra lab technician fee for the dentist, and only one appointment is required, not two.

What are some of the disadvantages?

Since Cerec crowns are milled out of a single block of ceramic, it is difficult to incorporate into them the subtle color gradients of natural teeth. They look great on back teeth, but don’t have the esthetic quality of laboratory-made crowns for front teeth. There are a very few highly skilled cosmetic dentists who are able to create natural-looking dentistry for the front teeth with Cerec technology, and some companies are now making ceramic blocks with a color gradient, but the cosmetic dentist needs to be highly skilled and very talented to work with these to produce a natural-looking result.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cerec Crowns

With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, CEREC crowns can last 10–15 years or longer. Their lifespan depends on factors like bite pressure, grinding habits, and daily care.

Yes. CEREC crowns are digitally color-matched to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth. The goal is for the crown to look seamless and indistinguishable from your natural smile.

CEREC crowns are metal-free and made from biocompatible ceramic materials. This makes them an excellent option for patients with metal sensitivities or allergies.

After placement, it is best to avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or non-food items. Maintaining good brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings helps protect both the crown and the surrounding tooth.

In some cases, minor chips or wear can be smoothed or repaired. If damage is more significant, your dentist will evaluate whether replacement is needed to maintain proper function and protection.

Care for a CEREC crown just like a natural tooth. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and attend routine dental checkups. Wearing a night guard may be recommended if you grind your teeth.