Dental work like crowns, veneers, or dentures can take weeks from start to finish. That’s weeks of appointments, fittings, follow-ups, and time off work — time that busy people don’t have.
It’s not uncommon for people to put off getting a crown simply because the traditional process doesn’t fit into their schedule. Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to miss follow-up visits or delay care altogether.
CEREC, short for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, changes that. This modern dental technology lets us design, create, and place your custom crown in a single appointment — no waiting weeks for a lab, no temporary crowns, and no second or third visits.
CEREC was first developed in the 1980s and has only improved with time. It’s a game-changer for patients who want quick, high-quality dental care without sacrificing results.
But not every dental practice offers CEREC, and not every provider is experienced in using it. That’s why Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, is your best option in Butte, Montana.
Dr. Wilcox has years of dental expertise and uses this technology to deliver seamless, efficient care. In this blog, he walks you through how CEREC works, who it’s ideal for, and what to expect during your visit.
CEREC uses advanced 3D imaging and computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to scan, design, and mill dental crowns all in-house, right here in our dental office. Instead of sending impressions to a lab and waiting weeks for the final crown, everything happens while you sit comfortably in the chair.
Once we scan your mouth, the CEREC software creates a detailed digital model of your tooth. We then design the crown to perfectly match the shape, color, and size of your existing teeth.
The milling machine carves the crown from a solid block of ceramic, and within about an hour, it’s ready to be bonded to your tooth.
CEREC is perfect for anyone who needs a crown but doesn’t have the time or patience for the traditional process. It’s a good option if you:
While CEREC crowns aren’t the right fit for every dental situation (like some complex bridgework or back molars with unusual bite pressure), we help you determine whether it’s the best solution for your needs.
The biggest benefit of CEREC is its convenience. CEREC eliminates multiple appointments and temporary crowns. But it also offers:
These benefits mean you get a crown that looks good, feels great, and doesn’t disrupt your routine. You can return to work, school, or daily life immediately after the appointment.
The process is straightforward. First, we examine the tooth and prepare it for restoration, which may involve removing old fillings or decay. Then, we take a digital scan and upload it into the CEREC software, where we design your crown with incredible detail.
Next, we send the design to the in-office milling unit, which carves your crown in about 15-20 minutes. After a quick polish and color check, we bond the crown to your tooth using strong dental adhesive. You leave the office with a fully restored smile in about two hours or less.
CEREC makes dental care easier, faster, and more accessible, especially if your schedule is packed and your time is limited. If you’ve been putting off getting a crown, call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilcox.
