Infinity Dental Care
CEREC Crowns – Hillsboro, OR
Get a Natural-Looking Crown Fast!
Have you ever needed a dental crown in the past? If so, you likely remember the gray, putty-like material that the dentist would ask you to bite into. This mold was essential for capturing a detailed cast of your current teeth so that a crown would properly seal, restore and protect your damaged tooth. However, we understand that many patients don’t enjoy this process. Furthermore, advancements in dental technology have made it possible to remove the need for impression material altogether! To learn more about the benefits of CEREC-made crowns and what you can expect when you visit Dr. Aarati Kalluri, keep reading!
What are CEREC Crowns?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It essentially means that the very same crowns that you would need to have created at an offsite dental lab can now be created in the same practice you visit for your routine appointments. Each crown is customized to fit your damaged tooth exactly, ensuring that it offers full protection from oral bacteria, complete restoration of your tooth’s functions, and a natural-looking appearance that blends in with the rest of your smile. Overall, it’s incorporation ensures patients a more seamless, convenient, and productive visit.
How the Process Works
The process is relatively straightforward when you need a dental crown. After using a handheld device to capture hundreds of detailed images of your tooth, this data is then sent to our CEREC’s machines onboard computer. These images are used to create a 3D image of your smile, making it easy to design a restoration that fits over your tooth as precisely as possible. Once the final design is complete, we’ll begin the milling process.
In about one hour, you’ll have a replacement tooth that can be fitted the same day as your appointment. That means no waiting, no impression material, and no temporary crown is needed just to receive your permanent crown.
The Benefits of CEREC Crowns
On average, receiving a traditional dental crown takes about two weeks to complete. This is because dental labs are not exclusively serving Infinity Dental Care. In reality, they are serving all the dentists in the area, meaning that their volume is likely to be incredibly high. By keeping the process of crown design and fabrication in-house, our needs are dictated by a third-party who is serving multiple practices in the area.
Furthermore, just because we create our crowns in-house doesn’t mean you aren’t getting a crown that is lifelike, durable and designed to withstand the test of time. CEREC crowns are not any less durable than dental crowns made in offsite labs.
Additionally, using CADCAM software as opposed to impression material means if we need to capture more data, we don’t have to force patients to bite into an additional mold of impression material. This means your overall visit is far more comfortable and easier to complete.
Dental Crown FAQs
“Where is a dentist near me?” is just one question many patients have when needing a dental crown. It’s normal to have several concerns about the road ahead, but there isn’t any reason to worry. Dr. Kalluri will explain everything during your dental crown consultation. In the meantime, here are the answers to a few more frequently asked questions to ease any apprehensions.
Why don’t I need a temporary crown?
If you have gotten a crown in the past, you likely needed a temporary restoration to protect your tooth. You don’t have to worry about a temporary crown or second appointment when choosing our office. Dr. Kalluri uses the latest treatments and technologies, including CEREC crowns. Our restorations are created in-office, so you won’t have to wait on the dental lab. Although they are made in about 1 hour, it doesn’t compromise their durability, aesthetics, or function. Dr. Kalluri streamlines the process to improve your smile while spending less time in the dental chair.
How long do dental crowns last?
The average lifespan of a dental crown ranges from 5 to 15 years; however, it’s not unusual for a restoration to thrive for decades with the proper care. Various factors will affect the longevity of your crown, such as your oral hygiene, the foods you eat, and lifestyle habits, like drinking alcohol, which can weaken the bonding material. You can ensure your crown serves you for many years by keeping your smile healthy and protecting the restoration from damage.
How do I care for a dental crown?
You care for a crown like you do your natural teeth, but with a couple of extra precautions. When brushing and flossing, pay careful attention when cleaning where the crown meets the gum line. It’s easy for plaque and bacteria to get trapped in the small space, which can cause decay or your crown to fail. You can also use a daily mouthrinse to neutralize harmful bacteria left behind by your toothbrush and floss. Dr. Kalluri will recommend avoiding any sticky or hard foods to avoid damaging the crown. If you have a habit of grinding and clenching your teeth, ask your dentist for a nightguard to protect your restoration. Finally, visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
Are crowns covered by dental insurance?
Every dental plan differs, but most policies can be used to offset the cost of the treatment when a crown is needed for restorative reasons, such as to fix a crack or after a root canal. After reaching your deductible, your dental insurance can pay up to 80% of the cost until hitting your yearly limit. Our office will work on your behalf to maximize your coverage to lower your out-of-pocket costs. We accept several payment options to cover any remaining balance. Besides traditional payment methods, we also work with third-party financing to pay for your treatment using monthly installments. We will help you find the financial solutions you need to rehabilitate your smile without breaking the bank.
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