CEREC Crown vs Traditional Crown: Which Is Better for You?

A dental crown means a lot of waiting, weird impressions, and more than one visit. But now we’ve got choices. And a big one is choosing between a CEREC crown vs traditional crown.

This choice is about saving time, comfort, look, cost, and even how your tooth feels years down the road. Let’s break it all down so you can walk away with a clear answer.

The Differences Between CEREC Crown vs Traditional Crown

CEREC crowns and traditional crowns both fix damaged teeth, but they do it in very different ways. If you’re doubtful about choosing between a CEREC crown vs traditional crown, you need to know what goes into each one. Let’s start with how they’re made and how long it takes.

Procedure & Time

Getting a CEREC Phoenix crown is fast. Like, really fast. It usually takes just one visit. You sit in the chair, your dentist takes digital pictures of your tooth, designs the crown on a computer, and then a special machine in the office makes it. All while you’re still in the dental office. No molds, no waiting for a lab, and no wearing a temporary crown.

Traditional crowns are a totally different story. First, your dentist takes impressions with a soft material in a tray. Then, they send that off to a lab. Meanwhile, you get a temporary crown that you wear for about two weeks. Then, you come back for your second visit to get the real crown glued in. It’s more steps, more time, and more room for error.

Materials

Here’s what each type of crown is made from:

Traditional crowns have more choices. Some have metal inside and porcelain on the outside, which can be great for strength but sometimes shows a gray line near the gums.

Aesthetics & Customization

If you want a crown that blends in with your natural teeth, CEREC, or same day crowns Phoenix does a great job. They can match your tooth color while you’re in the chair, so the result is fast and natural-looking. The ceramic reflects light like a real tooth. No dark lines.

Traditional crowns can also look good, but it depends on what materials are used. If there’s metal underneath the porcelain, the crown might not look as clear or bright. But if the lab uses all-ceramic, the results can be beautiful.

Lifespan

Let’s talk about how long they last because nobody wants to come back for another crown too soon.

• CEREC crowns usually last between 5 to 15 years.
• Traditional crowns can last about 10 to 20 years, sometimes more.

Of course, this depends on how well you take care of your teeth. If you brush, floss, and avoid using your teeth to open bottles, both types can last a long time.

Cost

Talking about the cost of CEREC crown vs traditional is a bit tricky. A CEREC crown might cost a little more upfront. That’s because of the special technology used to make it. But you don’t have to pay for a second appointment or a temporary crown. So, in the end, it may come out even.

Traditional crowns might seem cheaper at first, but there are lab fees, multiple visits, and maybe some extra work if the temporary crown breaks or doesn’t fit right.

CEREC Crown vs Traditional Crown: Pros and Cons

When to Consider a CEREC Crown vs Traditional Crown?

Avondale dentists recommend you go for a CEREC crown if:

• You’re in a hurry or hate making extra appointments
• You want to skip temporary crowns
• You like the idea of digital scans instead of gooey trays
• The tooth isn’t broken deep below the gum line
• You want a crown that looks very natural

Choose a traditional crown if:

• You want or need a metal-based crown
• Your tooth is very damaged or has cracks below the gum
• You’re okay with two visits if it means longer durability
• You’re looking for the most affordable option
• You want a material like gold or a porcelain-metal combo

CEREC and Porcelain Crowns in Avondale, Arizona

If you’re in Avondale and need a crown, Desert Lake Family Dentistry has you covered. Our dentist in Avondale, AZ uses the latest CEREC tech to give you same-day crowns with a natural look and strong bite. So, if you need fast care or just want something that looks and feels amazing, call us today or schedule an appointment online. We’ll walk you through every step.

Let’s Recap

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between CEREC crown vs traditional crown. Each type has its own strengths. CEREC crowns are great for quick, natural fixes. Traditional crowns offer more material options and long-term strength. Talk to your dentist about your goals, your timeline, and what matters most to you.

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