Same-day Crowns: No Temporaries, No Second Visit.
Most people assume a crown means two appointments, a goopy impression tray, and two weeks wearing a fragile temporary. At Broadway Dentistry, it doesn’t have to.
With CEREC technology, we design and mill your permanent crown in our own office while you’re in the chair. You walk in with a damaged tooth and walk out the same day with a finished, custom-fit crown.
Ready to find out if a same-day crown is right for you? Call us at (540) 896-8151 or book online.
Why Our Patients Choose Broadway Dental
“…Dr. Kneib has done a lot of dental work for me from teeth cleanings, to fillings to crowns and he does amazing work and is fantastic with needles (Never felt a single one!) I strongly encourage anyone looking for a dentist to give him a try, you won’t be disappointed!”
— Emily M
What Are Same-Day Crowns?
Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns(Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics), are custom-made dental restorations that can be designed, fabricated, and placed in a single visit to specific dental offices. They restore the function and appearance of damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth.
How Your Same-Day Crown Works: One Appointment, Start to Finish
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. In plain terms, it means your crown is made chairside, in our office, not mailed to an outside lab. Here is what to expect. Times are typical estimates and will vary with your tooth and the type of crown.
- Prepare the tooth (about 30 to 45 minutes). We numb the area so you’re comfortable, then gently remove any decay and shape the tooth so the crown fits securely.
- Scan your tooth digitally (about five to 10 minutes). Instead of a tray of impression material, we use a small handheld scanner that captures a detailed 3D image of your tooth, your bite, and the teeth around it. No gagging, no waiting for material to set.
- Design the crown (about 10 to 15 minutes). Using CEREC design software, we shape your crown on screen to match the contours of your natural teeth and fit your bite. We choose a ceramic shade that blends with your smile.
- Mill the crown in our office (about 15 minutes). Our in-office milling unit carves your crown from a solid block of ceramic. Depending on the material, the crown may then be polished or glazed and briefly finished in a small oven.
- Place and bond your permanent crown (about 20 to 30 minutes). We check the fit, the color, and your bite, make any fine adjustments, and bond the crown securely to your tooth. When you leave, you have a permanent crown and no temporary to protect.
Most patients are finished in about two hours. Your exact timing depends on your tooth and your treatment plan, and we’ll give you an estimate at your consultation.
Why CEREC Beats Traditional Crowns
If your dentist recommends dental crowns, there are more benefits than just having a functional tooth, such as:
- Fewer appointments. Traditional crowns usually take two visits, two to three weeks apart. CEREC takes one. That means less time off work, less time arranging childcare, and fewer trips to the office.
- No temporary crown. Temporaries can come loose, break, or leave a tooth sensitive while you wait. With a same-day crown, there’s nothing to protect and nothing to fall off.
- No impression trays. Digital scanning replaces the bulky trays and putty that many patients dread, which makes the process more comfortable and more precise.
- Same-day results. The problem tooth is fixed and sealed the day we start. There’s no waiting period during which a weakened tooth can crack further or develop new decay.
- Ceramic that looks like your natural tooth. CEREC crowns are milled from ceramic blocks that mimic the color and translucency of natural enamel, so they blend in. Ceramic is also metal-free, which is a good option for patients with metal sensitivities.
Caring for Your New Crown
Just like your natural teeth, dental crowns need care. Here are the basics of taking care of your new crown:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily around the crown.
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or opening packages with your teeth.
- Wear a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth.
- Keep up with regular checkups and cleanings so we can monitor the crown and the tooth beneath it.
- Call us promptly if you notice sensitivity, discomfort, or a change in how your bite feels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. CEREC crowns are milled from high-quality ceramic that reflects light much like natural enamel. We select a shade to match your surrounding teeth, and because we design and shape the crown ourselves, we can fine-tune the contour and finish before it’s bonded. Most people, including your friends and family, won’t be able to tell which tooth was restored.
With good care, a CEREC crown can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Long-term studies of CEREC restorations report high success rates over a decade or more. Your crown’s lifespan depends on your oral hygiene, your diet, and habits like grinding or clenching your teeth. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, keeping up with regular checkups, and wearing a night guard if you grind will help it last.
Yes. Your CEREC crown is milled from a solid block of ceramic made for dental use, so it doesn’t have the weak points that can come with layered materials. It’s also bonded directly to your tooth, which helps it stay secure under everyday chewing. Your dentist will recommend the best material for your tooth and bite, and in some cases, such as certain bite or tooth-structure situations, a traditional lab-made crown may be the better choice. We’ll tell you honestly which is right for you.
Most are. During your consultation, we’ll examine the tooth, review your bite, and let you know whether CEREC is the right option for your case.
Fix Your Tooth in One Visit
If you find yourself dealing with a cracked, broken, or decayed tooth, it’s important to know that you don’t have to endure discomfort or wait for an extended period to receive the care you need. Dental issues can arise unexpectedly, and timely intervention is crucial to preserving your oral health and preventing further complications.
We encourage you to take action immediately. You can easily schedule a consultation by calling us at (540) 896-8151. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you and ensure you get the attention and treatment necessary to restore your smile. Don’t let dental problems linger—reach out today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile!
