Convenient Dental Crowns In Austin
If you have ever broken, chipped, or damaged, a tooth you may need a dental crown. Dental crowns are used to restore weak, broken, or decayed teeth. Carefully crafted to fit onto each patient’s tooth, this procedure is common for people looking to restore the function of their teeth, and also for patients who are looking to bring a healthier look to the crowns of their teeth.
At The Hills Dental Spa in Austin, we have the capability of preparing your tooth, creating the porcelain crown, and placing it all in just a single appointment. We can do this thanks to our CEREC® 3D design and milling system.
Today, dental crowns are made of porcelain, giving your teeth a more natural appearance as opposed to the gold “caps” that dentists previously used to fulfill this procedure. If you want to learn more about whether dental crowns are right for you, read our FAQ below.
What Is A Porcelain Crown?
Dental crowns are used for both functional and aesthetic purposes. Dr. Kevin Winters, DDS, uses dental crowns to save teeth that have extensive decay, deep cracks, or other damage that is extensive enough to otherwise merit a tooth extraction. The crown covers the natural tooth down to the gumline, returning strength and function, allowing the patient to keep the natural tooth. Crowns also form the abutment anchors on the healthy teeth on both ends of a dental bridge. Aesthetically, crowns can be used to completely change the shape or appearance of a tooth.
How Is A CEREC Porcelain Crown Placed?
At most dental practices, having a tooth crowned takes two appointments: one to prepare the tooth and the second to place the lab-created crown. At The Hills Dental Spa, we know your time is valuable, so we’ve made this process just a single appointment. Here’s how it works.
First, Dr. Winters prepares the tooth to receive the crown. This makes room for the crown to cover the tooth without taking up any more space than the original tooth occupied. Plus, it creates excellent bonding surfaces.
At this point, other practices take goopy dental impressions and send these off to a dental lab for fabrication of your crown. At The Hills Dental Spa we simply take various measurements and images of your tooth, and these are sent directly to our CEREC® 3D system. The system software allows Dr. Winters to create a three-dimensional design of your crown right in the office. Once his design is finished, he’ll share it with you for your approval.
Now Dr. Winters sends the final design data to the CEREC® milling station. The milling station takes a small block of solid dental porcelain and mills it to the precise specs of Dr. Winters’s design. This milling usually takes around 30 minutes.
When your custom CEREC® crown is finished, Dr. Winters checks the color match with your adjacent teeth. Then he places the crown on your tooth temporarily so you can test the fit. Once both of you are satisfied, he cements it onto your tooth and your once endangered tooth now sports a sparkling new porcelain crown and is ready for biting and chewing. This is all done in a single appointment!
Give us a call today at our Austin practice if you are in the area, including West Lake Hills, and want to learn more about this incredible, convenient technology!
CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns FAQs
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns?
Ideal candidates for CEREC same-day porcelain crowns are patients who have broken teeth, chips, and cracks in their teeth or are experiencing tooth decay. Most patients for this quick, same-day procedure need dental treatment for both cosmetic and structural issues that may compromise the overall health of their tooth.
Patients may be ineligible for CEREC same-day porcelain crowns if they have the following:
- Allergies to metal, porcelain, or both
- Poor oral hygiene
- Severe tooth decay that may prevent the tooth from being able to support a crown
- Bruxism, which can cause damage to the grown due to constant pressure and grinding
- Gum disease
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
Will My CEREC Same-Day Dental Crown Look Natural?
Yes, CEREC dental crowns are made to look natural. Because CEREC dental crowns can be made from ceramic and porcelain, their appearance can closely resemble the color of a natural tooth. Unlike traditional dental crowns that may use metal, CEREC same-day porcelain crowns will not have a metallic, dark-like appearance at the center of the tooth to disrupt the reflection of light and lead to an unnatural-looking smile. For patients worried about preserving the aesthetic appearance of a natural-looking smile, CEREC dental crowns are a great option.
How Long Does It Take To Make A CEREC Crown?
The typical turnaround time for a CEREC crown at our Austin, TX, dentist’s office will vary depending on the case. However, most CEREC crowns can be machined in just 15-30 minutes.
How Long Does A CEREC Crown Last?
With proper care, a CEREC dental crown can last anywhere from 15–30 years. If you practice good dental health and oral hygiene, your CEREC crown may very well last you the rest of your life.
What Is The Difference Between A CEREC Crown And A Traditional Dental Crown?
The main difference between CEREC crowns and traditional crowns is the time it takes to finish your treatment. A CEREC appointment can be completed in a single visit, while a traditional crown appointment will require you to be fitted with a temporary crown until your new crown is made. At this point, you will have to come back to our office for a second visit.
What Are The Advantages Of A CEREC Crown Vs. A Traditional Crown?
CEREC crowns are chosen by many patients today. There are a few specific reasons for the popularity of this treatment option. These include:
- Same-visit adjustments. CEREC milling is highly accurate. Still, you may require some minor adjustments. These can be made immediately, in the same visit. When you leave the office, you should be set for years of normal chewing and biting function.
- Timeliness and convenience. CEREC crowns are made right here in the office using sophisticated technologies. Dr. Winters gets an impression of your tooth using digital imaging rather than putty-like impression material. The digital images are transferred to the milling machine that quickly crafts a restoration that will fit well over the tooth.
- Comfort. The digital technology that is used to capture the model of the tooth results in the most precise crown size and shape. Your CEREC crown is designed to fit over the repaired tooth and also into the opposing tooth when you chew. This avoids discomfort that can come from inaccurate size or position.
- Natural appearance. The ceramic material from which a CEREC crown is carved is durable and also natural-looking. Your new crown will blend beautifully into your smile no matter where it sits.
- Long-lasting. CEREC crowns can last 20 years or longer. The average lifespan is measured at about 14 years.
- Immediate, long-term restoration. If you were to receive a traditional crown, Dr. Winters would need to place a temporary crown over the tooth while your final restoration is being made in a lab. A CEREC crown is immediately available in the same visit, so you don’t need the temporary. This allows you to get back to your normal day-to-day living sooner and with fewer minor dental stressors.
Can I Eat Normally With a CEREC Crown?
For the first 24 to 48 hours after receiving your CEREC crown, you might feel more comfortable eating soft foods and liquids. This has more to do with the minor inflammation and irritation can can occur after dental crown treatment than the structure of the crown itself. Once your soft tissue has recovered from your procedure, you can expect to eat most if not all of the foods you normally enjoy. To preserve the integrity of your CEREC crown, you may be advised to avoid chewing on very chewy, sticky foods like caramel. Conversely, you may also need to avoid eating very hard foods like ice, hard candies (suck them, don’t chew them), and hard nuts. Ideally, you’ll also avoid eating popcorn if you have dental crowns. This prevents accidentally biting down on a hard kernel that could damage a crown.
I Grind My Teeth. Can I Get a CEREC Crown?
Whether or not you grind or clench your teeth, if you need a dental crown, you must get one. If you know that you have this habit, alert our team. Dr. Winters can craft a custom-fit nightguard for you to wear when you sleep. Bruxism (grinding and clenching) normally occurs when people sleep. Wearing a comfortable nightguard, you can protect the integrity of your crowns and also your natural teeth!
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Getting a CEREC Crown?
This dental procedure is advanced and our doctors are prepared to perform it on each patient without the need for any recovery or downtime afterward. Most patients return to their normal routines immediately after their scheduled treatment. You won’t have to worry about taking time off to recover or changing your schedule after getting your crowns as they are a same-day treatment that leaves patients feeling comfortable, confident, and pain-free.
Schedule A Same-Day Porcelain Crown Consultation
To schedule an appointment for a CEREC same-day porcelain crown consultation, please call us at 512-347-0044 or fill out an online contact form and our office will be in touch with you. Thank you for choosing The Hills Dental Spa in Austin TX. Also serving Westlake!
Click Here to Contact Us