How CEREC Crowns Compare

CEREC machine used in same-day dental crowns and restorationsCEREC dental crowns are custom-made restorations created in-office using advanced CAD/CAM technology. As part of modern dental care in Olympia, WA, these crowns are designed and milled on-site after a quick digital scan of your tooth. This allows your permanent crown to be completed and placed in a single visit, offering both convenience and precision.

Traditional crowns, however, require multiple visits. After the tooth is prepared, an impression is sent to a dental lab, and a temporary crown is worn for about two weeks. Once the final crown is ready, you return for a second appointment to have it placed.

Both options provide durable, natural-looking results, but CEREC crowns offer a faster, more streamlined experience—eliminating the need for temporary crowns and follow-up visits.

What is a CEREC crown?

A CEREC crown is a custom-made dental crown created in-office using advanced CAD/CAM technology. It’s a convenient option in restorative dentistry because the crown is designed and placed the same day—no temporary crown or second visit needed.

Crowns aren’t just used in restorative dentistry—they also play an important role in cosmetic and preventive dental care. A well-designed crown can improve the shape, color, or symmetry of a tooth, and it can reinforce weakened enamel to prevent future fractures or decay when a filling, inlay, or onlay is not enough. Same-day CEREC technology makes these benefits faster and more convenient than ever.

How does a CEREC crown differ from a traditional crown?

Traditional dental crowns involve a multi-step process: the tooth is prepared, an impression is taken, and a temporary crown is placed while a dental lab fabricates the final restoration. This means patients typically return weeks later to have the permanent crown fitted and cemented.

A CEREC crown streamlines that experience. Instead of sending impressions to a lab, the tooth is digitally scanned, and the crown is designed right in the office. An on-site milling machine shapes the crown from a solid block of ceramic, allowing it to be created and placed during the same visit. Because everything is done digitally, CEREC crowns can offer a precise fit, consistent quality, and immediate results—all without a temporary crown or second appointment.

What dental procedures can be done with CEREC?

CEREC can be used for more than just dental crowns. It’s also ideal for:

  • Implant crowns
  • Dental bridges
  • Inlays and onlays
  • Porcelain veneers (in select cases)

Because CEREC restorations are digitally designed and milled with exceptional precision, they’re used in many areas of dentistry—from strengthening damaged teeth to enhancing cosmetic appearance. The technology allows for beautifully matched ceramic restorations that blend seamlessly with your natural smile, whether the goal is protection, function, or improved aesthetics.

How long do CEREC dental crowns last?

With consistent oral hygiene and routine preventive care, CEREC dental crowns typically last 10–15 years or more—similar to traditional lab-made crowns. Their longevity depends not only on the strength of the ceramic material, but also on how well the surrounding teeth and gums are maintained. Regular checkups allow your dentist to monitor the crown, ensure a healthy bite, and catch early signs of wear or decay around the restoration. Brushing, flossing, and keeping up with professional cleanings help protect the tooth underneath the crown, reduce the risk of future problems, and support long-term durability. When paired with these preventive habits, a CEREC crown can provide many years of reliable function and a natural-looking smile.

Can CEREC be used for dental implants?

Yes. Once your implant post has fully integrated with the jawbone, CEREC technology can be used to design and place the final implant crown with remarkable precision. Instead of waiting weeks for a dental lab to fabricate the crown, a digital scan is taken of your bite, and the custom restoration is created in-office during the same visit. This allows the implant crown to be matched carefully to the color, shape, and contours of your surrounding teeth while ensuring a comfortable, natural fit. Same-day CEREC crowns also eliminate the need for temporary restorations, helping you complete your dental implant treatment more efficiently and enjoy your new tooth sooner.

Can CEREC be used to make dental bridges?

Absolutely. CEREC is a great solution for replacing one or more missing teeth with a fixed bridge. The process is quicker and more precise than traditional lab methods.

CEREC is especially useful for multi-step cases because it removes the delays associated with traditional lab work. Whether you’re restoring a single implant or replacing several teeth at once, the digital workflow ensures accuracy and reduces treatment time—helping you complete restorative and cosmetic improvements with fewer interruptions to your schedule.

Am I a candidate for a same-day crown?

CEREC is a good fit for patients who:

  • Have broken, cracked, or weakened teeth
  • Need to replace large or failing fillings
  • Want to improve a tooth’s shape or color
  • Are restoring a dental implant
  • Prefer fewer appointments and digital scanning

Because CEREC restorations are versatile, they can support preventive goals—such as stopping cracks or decay from worsening—as well as cosmetic objectives like improving tooth symmetry or brightness. Many patients choose same-day crowns because they combine strength, beauty, and convenience in one appointment.

What happens during my CEREC appointment?

The appointment takes about two hours and includes:

  • A digital scan of your tooth
  • Design and milling of your custom restoration
  • Placement and bonding—all in the same visit

Is CEREC as strong and natural-looking as lab-made restorations?

Yes. CEREC restorations are milled from high-quality ceramic that closely mirrors the strength, durability, and translucency of natural tooth enamel. The material bonds securely to the tooth, creating a long-lasting restoration that can withstand everyday chewing forces just as well as a traditional lab-made crown. Because the design process is fully digital, the crown is crafted with exceptional accuracy—allowing it to fit your bite comfortably and blend seamlessly with neighboring teeth. The result is a restoration that not only looks natural but also supports the long-term health and function of your smile.

Why Olympia Patients Trust Dr. Suneet S. Bath

Dr. Bath personally oversees every step of your same-day restoration. With advanced training and a commitment to comfort, he uses CEREC to deliver efficient, aesthetic dental care tailored to your needs—all under one roof. Olympia patients trust his precision, attention to detail, and modern approach to restorative dentistry.

Schedule Your CEREC Consultation in Olympia

Ready to restore your smile without the wait? Whether you need a crown, bridge, implant restoration, or cosmetic veneer, Dr. Suneet S. Bath can complete your treatment in just one visit using advanced CEREC technology.

Call (360) 493-1866 to schedule your appointment. One visit. One crown. One confident smile.