CEREC Same-Day Crowns: Restore Your Smile in a Single Visit

When you need a dental crown, the last thing you want is multiple appointments, messy impressions, and weeks of waiting for a permanent restoration. Thanks to modern dental technology, that traditional process is no longer the only option. Dr. Shaina Holiman Darmont has embraced CEREC technology for over 20 years, enabling patients to repair damaged teeth in just one visit by combining digital precision with long-lasting results.

If you have a cracked, weakened, or severely decayed tooth, a crown is often the best way to restore strength, function, and appearance. CEREC technology makes that process faster, more comfortable, and more convenient than ever before.

What is CEREC?

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It is an advanced CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) system that allows dentists to design, create, and place custom ceramic restorations in a single appointment.

Instead of taking traditional putty impressions and sending them to an off-site dental lab, your dentist uses a digital scanner to capture highly detailed images of your tooth. These images are used to design your crown on a computer, ensuring a precise fit. The restoration is then milled from a solid block of tooth-colored ceramic right in the office.

The result is a strong, natural-looking crown that blends seamlessly with your smile — all completed in just a few hours.

How the same-day crown process works

One of the biggest advantages of CEREC is how streamlined the experience is for patients. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Digital scanning

After preparing the tooth, your dentist uses a small intraoral camera to take digital impressions. This process is fast, comfortable, and eliminates the need for traditional impression trays.

2. Custom design

Using advanced software, your dentist designs your crown to match the shape, size, and bite of your natural teeth. The digital design allows for exceptional accuracy and customization.

3. On-site milling

The design is sent to the in-office milling unit, which carves your crown from a high-quality ceramic block. This typically takes about 15–30 minutes.

4. Placement

Once the crown is ready, it is polished, adjusted as needed, and permanently bonded to your tooth — all during the same visit.

You leave the office with your permanent restoration already in place.

Benefits of CEREC same-day crowns

CEREC technology offers several advantages over traditional crowns:

Fewer appointments

Traditional crowns require at least two visits: one for preparation and impressions, and the other for placement. With CEREC, everything is completed in a single appointment.

No temporary crowns

Temporary crowns can be uncomfortable and prone to shifting or breaking. Same-day crowns eliminate the need for a temporary restoration entirely.

Digital precision

Computer-guided design ensures a highly accurate fit, improving comfort and reducing the need for adjustments.

Natural appearance

CEREC crowns are made from durable ceramic that closely mimics the color and translucency of natural teeth.

Durable and long-lasting

Modern ceramic materials are strong and built to withstand daily chewing forces, making them a reliable long-term solution.

For busy patients, parents, and professionals, the convenience alone can make a significant difference.

Who is a good candidate for CEREC?

CEREC same-day crowns are ideal for many patients who need:

• Crowns for cracked or broken teeth

• Restoration after a large filling fails

• Protection following root canal treatment

• Cosmetic improvement for misshapen or discolored teeth

While CEREC works in most cases, certain complex situations may still require a lab-fabricated restoration. Your dentist will evaluate your specific needs to determine the best solution.

Is a same-day crown as strong as a traditional crown?

This is a common question, and the answer is yes! CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic materials designed for durability and long-term performance. When properly cared for, they can last many years, just like traditional crowns.

Maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular dental visits, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding or chewing ice will help extend the life of your restoration.

Comfort and convenience combined

Beyond the technology itself, one of the greatest advantages of CEREC is how it enhances the patient experience. Fewer injections, no temporary crowns, no second appointment, and no waiting weeks for a lab to return your restoration all contribute to a smoother process.

For patients who feel anxious about dental procedures or have limited time in their schedules, completing treatment in a single visit can make restorative care much more manageable.

A modern approach to restorative dentistry

Advancements in digital dentistry have transformed the way crowns are designed and placed. CEREC same-day restorations combine efficiency, precision, and aesthetics in a way that traditional methods simply cannot match.

If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, a same-day crown may allow you to restore your smile quickly and comfortably — without disrupting your routine.

Interested in learning whether CEREC is right for you? Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Español.