What Is a CEREC® Crown and How Is It Different from a Regular Crown?

Quick Answer: A CEREC® crown is a same-day ceramic dental crown designed and milled in the office using digital imaging — no temporary crown, no second appointment, and no dental lab wait time.

Traditional dental crowns typically require two visits: one to prepare the tooth and place a temporary crown, and a second visit weeks later to bond the permanent crown after it returns from an off-site laboratory. CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) changes that process entirely by using in-office CAD/CAM technology to design and mill a custom ceramic crown in a single visit.

How does CEREC® work, step by step?

First, Dr. Benton digitally scans the prepared tooth — no messy impression material needed. The scan generates a precise 3D model, which is used to design the crown chairside. A milling machine then carves the restoration from a high-quality ceramic block in roughly 15 minutes. Once Dr. Benton verifies the fit and color match, the crown is bonded the same day.

Who is a good candidate for a CEREC® crown?

CEREC® is appropriate for most patients who need a ceramic restoration, including those with cracked teeth, decayed teeth, fractured fillings, or teeth that have had a root canal. It may not be recommended for patients with a history of breaking ceramic restorations or those with a very deep bite. Dr. Benton will evaluate whether CEREC® is the right solution during your consultation.

What are the main benefits of CEREC® over traditional crowns?

The advantages are meaningful for busy patients. There are no temporary restorations to manage, fewer injections and less overall discomfort, and fewer appointments overall. The all-ceramic material is biocompatible, meaning it’s metal-free and well-tolerated by the body. The result is a durable, natural-looking restoration that can last many years.

Does CEREC® cost more than a traditional crown?

CEREC® is designed to be cost-effective. Because the entire workflow stays in-house — eliminating the dental lab fee and the cost of a temporary crown — many patients find the total investment comparable to or less than a traditional two-visit crown.

Have more questions? Visit our patient FAQ page.

At Benton Dental Team in Warren, OH, Dr. Dennis Benton uses CEREC® technology as part of a broader commitment to advanced, patient-centered care. If you think you might need a crown, call us at (330) 974-0850 or book an appointment online.