CEREC Same-Day Crowns

CEREC crowns are same-day dental crowns created using advanced CAD/CAM technology. Instead of taking messy physical impressions and placing a temporary crown while waiting weeks for a lab to fabricate the final restoration, CEREC allows your Metuchen Dentistry to design, mill, and place your permanent ceramic crown in a single appointment.

The process begins with a digital scan of your tooth. That scan is used to design a custom ceramic crown that fits your bite precisely. The crown is then milled from a high-quality ceramic block right here in our Metuchen dental office. After shaping and polishing, it is bonded permanently to your tooth.

Because treatment is completed in one visit, CEREC crowns are commonly referred to as “same-day crowns.”

Patients today value convenience. Traditional crowns require two visits spaced weeks apart. During that waiting period, patients must wear a temporary crown that can loosen, break, or cause sensitivity.

With CEREC same-day crowns at Metuchen Dentistry, everything is completed in one visit. You leave with a permanent restoration immediately. There is no need for a temporary crown, no return appointment for placement, and no waiting on a dental lab.

For busy professionals, families, and commuters in Metuchen, NJ, this convenience is a major benefit.

One of the most common questions we hear is, “How long does a CEREC crown last?” In most cases, a CEREC same-day crown lasts between 10 and 15 years, and many last much longer.

The lifespan of any dental crown depends on oral hygiene, bite forces, and regular dental checkups. Patients who brush and floss consistently and attend regular dental cleanings at Metuchen Dentistry often see their crowns last well beyond a decade.

When properly placed and cared for, CEREC ceramic crowns are comparable in durability to traditional lab-made crowns.

A realistic expectation is 10 to 15 years, although it is not uncommon for same-day crowns to last 15 to 20 years with proper care. Longevity improves when patients avoid chewing ice, limit extremely hard foods, and wear a nightguard if they grind their teeth.

Routine dental exams in our Metuchen office allow us to monitor the integrity of the crown and ensure the surrounding tooth remains healthy.

While CEREC same-day crowns are an excellent solution for most patients, they are not perfect for every situation.

In extremely complex cosmetic cases or very large restorations, a traditional laboratory-fabricated crown may provide additional layering options for advanced aesthetics. Patients with severe teeth grinding may also require additional protection to extend the life of any ceramic restoration.

Another consideration is cost. CEREC crowns can sometimes cost slightly more than traditional crowns due to the advanced technology involved. However, many patients find that eliminating multiple visits and temporary crowns makes the investment worthwhile.

At Metuchen Dentistry, we evaluate every case individually to determine whether a same-day crown is the best option for your specific dental needs.

The potential problems associated with CEREC crowns are similar to those of traditional crowns. These may include bite adjustments, sensitivity after placement, or rare bonding issues.

Because we use precise digital imaging and advanced milling technology, CEREC crowns often achieve extremely accurate fits. Proper placement technique and careful bite adjustment significantly reduce complications.

When placed by an experienced dentist in Metuchen, NJ, CEREC crowns have high success rates and excellent long-term outcomes.

Dentists recommend crowns when a tooth is too damaged to be restored with a filling alone. Large cavities, cracked teeth, broken cusps, and teeth that have undergone root canal therapy often require crown protection.

A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and function. Without a crown, a weakened tooth may fracture further, leading to more extensive treatment.

At Metuchen Dentistry, we only recommend dental crowns when they are necessary to protect your long-term oral health.

Many patients ask about the healthiest crown material. All-ceramic crowns, including CEREC crowns, are highly biocompatible and metal-free. They closely mimic the appearance and translucency of natural enamel while providing excellent durability.

Ceramic crowns do not contain metal alloys and are well tolerated by gum tissue. For patients seeking a natural-looking and biologically friendly restoration, CEREC same-day crowns are an excellent choice.

The cost of a CEREC crown varies depending on case complexity and insurance coverage. In general, the average cost of a CEREC crown per tooth is comparable to traditional crowns, though sometimes slightly higher due to the advanced technology used.

When evaluating cost, it is important to consider the added value of completing treatment in one visit. Fewer appointments can mean less time off work, fewer injections, and no temporary crown inconvenience.

At Metuchen Dentistry, we provide transparent treatment estimates so you understand your investment before proceeding.

A very common question is whether CEREC crowns are covered by insurance. In most cases, dental insurance covers CEREC same-day crowns similarly to traditional crowns when they are deemed medically necessary.

Coverage typically ranges from 50% to 80% depending on your individual plan. Annual maximums, deductibles, and waiting periods may apply.

Our Metuchen dental team works directly with insurance providers to help maximize your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

With insurance, your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan’s coverage percentage and annual maximum. Many patients pay only a portion of the total cost after insurance benefits are applied.

Before beginning treatment, we provide a detailed breakdown of expected insurance contributions and your estimated responsibility so there are no surprises.

Most dental insurance plans cover crowns that restore damaged or decayed teeth. Coverage typically applies whether the crown is traditional or fabricated using CEREC technology.

Cosmetic-only crowns may not qualify for coverage. At Metuchen Dentistry, we document medical necessity to help ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

For many patients, the answer is yes. The convenience of a same-day crown, the elimination of temporary crowns, the digital precision, and the time saved make CEREC an attractive option.

When you factor in fewer appointments, reduced risk of temporary crown failure, and long-lasting durability, CEREC crowns offer significant value for patients in Metuchen seeking efficient dental care.

A properly fitted CEREC crown seals and protects the tooth underneath. However, if oral hygiene is neglected and plaque accumulates along the gumline, decay can develop at the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth.

This is why routine cleanings and exams at Metuchen Dentistry are essential. Good brushing and flossing habits significantly reduce the risk of decay around crowned teeth.

Crown cement can weaken over time due to heavy bite forces, teeth grinding, poor oral hygiene, or consumption of extremely hard foods. Maintaining healthy habits and wearing a custom nightguard if recommended can extend the life of your same-day crown.

Many patients fear root canals or tooth extractions more than crowns. Fortunately, CEREC same-day crowns are typically comfortable procedures performed under local anesthesia. Because treatment is completed in one visit, anxiety associated with multiple appointments is reduced.

At Metuchen Dentistry, patient comfort is always our priority.