Austin Dental Spa now offers the opportunity to have beautiful, natural-looking dental crowns in just one visit with the CEREC® dentistry system! This revolutionary approach to fabricating ceramic crowns features an in-office milling machine that eliminates the need to have crowns made by an outside dental laboratory.

In just one visit, you can have ceramic dental crowns custom-made right here at Austin Dental Spa and fitted to match your existing teeth seamlessly. Why not relax and enjoy a soothing massage while our dentists and team restore strength and beauty to your smile? Our goal is to help you feel comfortable at every step of your dental treatment, and with the CEREC system, you can achieve more efficient restorations with the high quality that you have come to expect from our team.

Patient sitting in a dentist chair and looking up

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that covers a damaged or weak tooth to improve its strength and shape. This commonly used restoration attaches to the natural tooth, which is prepared for a comfortable and secure fit. Crowns are often sent to a laboratory to be made, but with our advanced CEREC technology, our team is able to design, fabricate, and place your custom-made crowns during the same visit.

What Are the Benefits of CEREC?

The innovative CEREC system provides a number of benefits to our patients who are in need of a crown or other restoration. These advantages include:

Dr. Sweeny took my appointment during the holidays and took great care of me. I needed two crowns (yes, on the same day), and I couldn’t have asked for better treatment. They were patient with me, explained every step along the way, and engaging, as well as being darn good at what they do. Thank you Dr. Sweeny to you and your ENTIRE staff!

Cathy Bradley

January 16, 2019

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Am I A Dental Crown Candidate?

While candidacy for CEREC crowns may vary depending on your individual case, those eligible for CEREC crowns typically include patients with:

In addition, note that crowns are frequently incorporated into more complex dental procedures, such as implants and bridges. Dental crowns are extremely versatile, and sturdy, high quality materials (such as those available with the CEREC system) can make them even more effective.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns can be made of several durable materials, such as porcelain, zirconia, or composite resin. While professionals have the opportunity to craft dental crowns out of a variety of metal-free materials, our team at Austin Dental Spa has found that the porcelain material used in CEREC is generally the optimal choice for our patients, which is why we also choose to use this material for our veneers. Porcelain crowns are not only extremely sturdy and able to last for a decade or longer when cared for properly, but they provide a healthy shine that can enhance the smile in a natural-looking way.

Dental Crowns vs. Veneers

While dental crowns and porcelain veneers can each be excellent options for restoring teeth to top aesthetic quality, they are not interchangeable. Although both veneers and crowns are placed over natural teeth, a dental crown covers the entire tooth, whereas a veneer only covers the front and sides of a tooth. Another important difference is that veneers are typically utilized solely to correct cosmetic concerns, while crowns can restore the teeth to both their optimal functional and aesthetic quality. If you are unsure which type of restoration is right for you, our dentists can help you choose during your consultation.

What Does the CEREC Crowns Procedure Entail?

By using CEREC technology, our team is able to provide an overall more pleasant process. This begins with a digital impression that is taken using a camera to scan your mouth. A dental prosthesis is then designed on the computer, after which the manufacturing process can begin. Once the custom-made ceramic crown has been crafted in our in-office milling machine, your crown can be fitted and placed on the prepared tooth.

The entire process takes approximately one hour to complete, from start to finish. Since all steps can be completed within one day, there is no need for a temporary crown or follow-up treatments to provide the finishing touches to your new restoration. As a result, you can leave our office with a new crown and a smile you feel proud to reveal.

What Can I Expect After Getting Dental Crowns?

Recovery after getting a CEREC crown is generally straightforward, and no extensive downtime is usually needed. That said, it is normal to experience some sensitivity after the procedure, especially to hot and cold temperatures. This usually subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any mild discomfort or soreness.

Immediately after the procedure, avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods; this should allow the crown to fully bond to the tooth. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, is also crucial to prevent complications.

What Kind of Results Can I Expect from CEREC Crowns?

CEREC crowns are carefully designed by our dentists to restore the form and function of a damaged tooth. With their precise design and custom fabrication, CEREC crowns are crafted to closely match the natural color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, typically resulting in a seamless and natural-looking restoration. Additionally, the advanced CEREC technology can allow for highly accurate crown placement, as well as a very comfortable and precise fit.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

After your CEREC crown has been permanently affixed to your prepared tooth, you can expect the new restoration to last for as long as 10 to 30 years. Keep in mind, however, that even the highest-quality crowns are prone to wear and tear. One habit that can shorten the lifespan of your crown is teeth grinding or clenching. If you are prone to grinding your teeth while you sleep, you should wear a night guard to protect your crown as well as natural teeth. By limiting your teeth grinding, you can help prevent your crown from breaking or becoming prematurely worn down.

How Do I Take Care of My Dental Crowns?

Caring for your dental crowns is typically as easy as practicing good oral hygiene; in most cases, no additional maintenance is necessary. To reap the full benefits of your crowns, brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss once a day, and attend your regular dental cleanings. Furthermore, your dentist will thoroughly examine your crowns during exams to make sure they are functioning properly (though cracks, dislodging, and such complications are very rare).

How Much Do Porcelain Crowns Cost?

The average cost of a dental crown can range between $1,000 to $3,500. This total may vary based on a number of factors, such as the material being used and if a temporary restoration is needed. Since our single-visit CEREC crowns allow for us to complete the entire procedure in one appointment, you can avoid the expense and hassle of needing to return for a secondary visit where the final restoration is typically placed. In addition, you will not have any extra fees from outside lab technicians, since your custom restoration is fabricated in our office. If our dentists recommend you receive a porcelain crown, they can provide you with a cost estimate to help you plan for your treatment. Should you be interested, our team can help you sign up for dental financing to help break your total cost into smaller, monthly payments.

Why Choose Austin Dental Spa for CEREC Crowns?

While CEREC crowns have a stellar reputation, it’s important to choose a qualified dental professional to perform your treatment for the very best results. An ideal CEREC dentist stays up to date on ever-changing CEREC technology and knows how to use the system to produce long-lasting, natural-looking restorations. We also urge you to choose a dentist with years of experience, a record of successful treatments, and a network of satisfied patients.

At Austin Dental Spa, we aim to tailor each procedure to the unique needs of each patient. Our dentists are renowned for their experience and compassionate chairside manner. In addition, Dr. Sweeney, our cosmetic dentist, has over four decades of oral health care experience and advanced training in CEREC technology, which changes almost monthly. Moreover, we are committed to incorporating CEREC technology into our practice for the benefit of our patients, both in reduced treatment times and superior end results.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Crowns

What Does a Dental Crown Look Like?

Placed over the visible portion of a tooth, a dental crown is designed to match a natural tooth seamlessly in color and shape. In addition, porcelain dental crowns are able to produce a healthy shine, and CEREC technology has been known to produce especially lifelike restorations. As such, high-quality dental crowns, such as the ones we create at Austin Dental Spa, can be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Are Dental Crowns Necessary to Get?

Our dentists recommend the most conservative treatment options that can still provide exceptional results for your dental needs. While fillings can often be enough to repair decayed teeth, sometimes a damaged tooth requires a more substantial restoration. Crowns may be necessary if you have a tooth susceptible to fracture or further damage. While the procedure may be intimidating, crowns are very common and can ultimately help save your tooth.

Do I Need to Use a Special Toothpaste for Porcelain Crowns?

To take good care of your porcelain crowns, you should brush and floss like normal, as well as schedule routine dental check-ups. A special toothpaste is unnecessary for maintaining your crowns. Our dentists recommend using regular fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth and crowns clean.

Can Porcelain Crowns Be Whitened?

Similar to porcelain veneers, dental crowns cannot be bleached. As a result, teeth whitening treatments are not effective for lightening the color of dental crowns. If you choose to whiten your natural teeth in the future due to staining, your crowns will remain the same color as when they were first placed. To ensure an even, natural-looking smile for years to come, you will want to work with your dentist to find a shade for your crowns that you are happy with and can maintain. If in the future you would like whiter crowns, you can opt to replace your existing crowns for a shade you prefer.

What Happens if My Dental Crown Comes Loose?

While crowns are typically very secure once cemented into place, it is possible for them to come loose over time, such as from trauma, sticky foods, or excessive wear. If your crown comes loose or falls off, you will need to have it cemented back in place (unless it has been damaged, in which case you may need a replacement crown).

Contact Austin Dental Spa

For more information on single-visit crowns, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dentists, please contact Austin Dental Spa.