Durable, natural-looking restorations in one visit
CEREC (CEramicREConstruction) is a high-tech system that enables Dr. Aguilar to create and place custom porcelain crowns and bridges in one visit. With this state-of-the-art system, our patients can get a new, durable and beautiful restoration—and often in less than an hour! That means you don’t have to go home with a temporary and come back another time to replace it with a permanent one.
Dr. Aguilar has years of experience making beautiful crowns and bridges for his patients. In addition, he’s been practicing cosmetic dentistry since 2001, including training at the Pankey Institute and Spear Education. You can trust that his many years of experience and training means that your crown or bridge will look beautiful, natural, and fit just right.
Actual Patients - Before and After Results
- Placement of crowns due to an accident.
- The patient’s goal was to have a healthy mouth, a bright smile, and a comfortable bite just as she did before her accident.
- To execute this, I created a smile design with a brighter, more approachable, warm appearance. I added length and brightness to her feminine appearance. I utilized ceramic crowns to achieve our goal.
One-Visit Crowns
With CEREC, Dr. Aguilar creates your new crown right in the office during one visit. From beginning to end, he will take a digital impression, design your crown, send the 3D design to the CEREC milling station and then place your crown, including any final adjustments.
Digital impression
Digital impressions are taken and then sent to the CEREC computer where your custom crown will be designed.
CEREC 3D Design
Utilizing the special CEREC computer system, Dr. Aguilar is able to virtually design your crown. He makes sure that it will properly align with your other teeth and facilitate a comfortable and correct bite.
Milling the Crown
Dr. Aguilar mills your custom crown from a single block of high-grade porcelain utilizing the virtual design he previously created. He will also match the shade of your other teeth so it looks natural.
Adjusting your Crown
If there is any need to refine or adjust the crown, Dr. Aguilar can do it right then and there. There will be no need to send it to another lab. Your crown will be good to go the same day.
Dental Bridges in one visit
If you are missing one or more teeth, the CEREC system can be used to create a natural-looking bridge in one visit. The bridge is created from a single block of porcelain, giving it the strength needed to allow you to chew your food with confidence. The ends of the bridge are cemented over natural teeth that have been shaved down to support the restoration.
CEREC Onlays & Inlays – durable fillings for large cavities
Dr. Aguilar can also use CEREC to make durable fillings for cavities in one visit. This is an ideal solution to fill cavities that are large but not so large that the tooth must be cut down and crowned. These fillings are called onlays and inlays and contain the same high-quality, strong properties that full CEREC crowns do. Learn more about our One-Visit Onlays and Inlays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Same-Day Crowns
When would a same-day crown be recommended rather than a filling?
A same-day crown is often recommended when a tooth is too damaged or has too much decay for a filling to provide lasting support. Teeth with large cracks, significant wear, weakened chewing surfaces, or old fillings that are failing often benefit from the extra protection of a crown. After examining your tooth, Dr. Aguilar will determine whether a filling, a partial crown (called an onlay), or a full crown is the best way to save your natural tooth while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Are same-day crowns as strong as traditional crowns?
Yes. The crowns are made out of high-quality ceramic that is designed to be strong and durable. When they are properly designed, securely bonded to your tooth, and cared for with good oral hygiene, they provide long-lasting results for many patients. Thanks to advances in digital dentistry and modern materials, same-day crowns offer an excellent way to restore damaged teeth without sacrificing quality. Before you leave the office, Dr. Aguilar carefully checks your crown to make sure it fits comfortably and functions properly.
Will my same-day crown match my natural teeth?
Yes. Dr. Aguilar carefully selects a ceramic shade that blends naturally with your surrounding teeth. He also considers the size, shape, and overall appearance of your smile when designing your crown. Because your crown is made and adjusted in the office, small changes can be made before you leave to help ensure it looks natural and blends beautifully with your smile.
Is it okay to eat normally after getting my crown?
Most patients can return to their normal diet after the numbness from the procedure has completely worn off. However, it’s often a good idea to start with softer foods for the rest of the day while you get used to your new crown. If your bite feels a little different at first, give yourself a short time to adjust. If your crown feels too high, is uncomfortable, or doesn’t seem to fit correctly when you chew, contact Dr. Aguilar so it can be adjusted.
How long do same-day crowns usually last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, a ceramic same-day crown can often last 10 years or longer. How long your crown lasts depends on factors such as your bite, chewing habits, oral hygiene, and whether you grind or clench your teeth. Regular dental checkups allow Dr. Aguilar to monitor your crown and address small problems before they become larger ones.
Do crowned teeth still need regular dental care?
Absolutely. Although the crown itself cannot get a cavity, the natural tooth underneath it still needs to be protected. Plaque and bacteria can build up around the edges of the crown if brushing and flossing are neglected, increasing the risk of decay where the crown meets your natural tooth. Brushing twice a day, flossing every day, and keeping up with your regular dental cleanings and checkups help protect both your crown and your natural tooth for many years.
What should I do if my crown chips or feels loose?
Although ceramic crowns are made to withstand normal biting and chewing, accidents or excessive force can sometimes damage them. If your crown chips, cracks, becomes loose, or suddenly feels different when you bite down, avoid chewing on that side and contact Dr. Aguilar as soon as possible. Prompt treatment can often prevent further damage to your tooth and may allow for a simpler repair.
