Are CEREC Crowns as Strong as Traditional Crowns? Here’s What You Need To Know

Have you been told that you need a dental crown? If so, and if you are like many patients, you worry about how long the process will take. After all, who has time to head to the dentist for multiple appointments over the course of a few weeks? 

Well, we have good news for you. Modern dentists, including Dr. Alhadef at Dallas Cosmetic Dental, have turned to CEREC crowns. These crowns are high quality and built to last. And the best news is that you can get your CEREC crown in just one appointment. 

What are CEREC Crowns?

CEREC crowns are custom-made ceramic restorations created and placed in just one dental visit. The CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) process relies on advanced CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) technology.

Here’s how it works: Instead of using traditional impressions, Dr. Alhadef uses a digital scanner to capture a 3D image of your tooth. From there, the restoration is designed on a computer and milled from a high-quality ceramic block, right in the office. In most cases, your new crown can be designed, created, and bonded in a single visit.

CEREC crowns are built for strength and aesthetics. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, they typically last between 10 and 15 years. For patients seeking a strong and timesaving option, these same day crowns become a popular choice, especially when compared to the weeks-long wait associated with traditional crowns.

How do CEREC and traditional crowns compare?

We know what you might be thinking. If a CEREC crown can be done in one day, but a traditional crown requires two different appointments over the course of a couple of weeks, are these same day crowns a good choice?

Let’s break down the differences so you can feel confident about your decision:

• Material: CEREC crowns are made from a strong ceramic material crafted on-site during your visit. Traditional crowns may be made from porcelain fused to metal, zirconia, or other materials based on your needs.
• Strength in high-pressure areas: Traditional crowns can be a better fit for teeth that take the brunt of chewing force, such as molars. Still, CEREC crowns hold up well for most common dental restorations.
• Appearance: Both options can blend naturally with your other teeth. One added benefit of CEREC is that it avoids the use of metal, which means no dark lines show near the gums over time.

Who is a good candidate for CEREC crowns?

So then, can just anybody get a CEREC crown and benefit from the convenience of getting it all done in one day?

For many patients, the answer is yes—but there are some factors to consider. CEREC crowns work well for most cases, but like any treatment, they may not be the right fit for every situation. Here’s who typically benefits most:

• Patients with busy schedules: If you don’t have time for multiple dental appointments, CEREC offers a fast, convenient solution.
• Those seeking a natural look: CEREC crowns are custom-shaded and sculpted to blend in with your surrounding teeth.
• People with minor to moderate tooth damage: Teeth with cracks, chips, or decay that still have a healthy root structure are great candidates.
• Patients who dislike temporary crowns: With CEREC, there’s no need for a temporary crown or waiting weeks for a lab to finish your final one.
• Anyone looking to avoid metal in their dental work: CEREC crowns are all ceramic, which means no metal is used.
• Patients without complex bite issues: For cases that require special customization or extra reinforcement, a traditional crown might be recommended instead.
• Patients looking for same day results: If you’re hoping to walk in and walk out with a permanent crown, CEREC delivers that convenience.

Why are more patients choosing CEREC crowns?

When it comes to restorative dentistry, time and comfort matter. That’s why more patients are turning to same day solutions like CEREC crowns. These custom ceramic crowns offer a natural appearance, eliminate the need for temporary restorations, and are completed in just one visit, making them a popular choice for people with tight schedules or dental anxiety.

While traditional crowns are still widely used—especially in cases involving back molars or specific bite concerns—CEREC crowns are an excellent option for many situations, including a front tooth crown where matching the surrounding teeth matters most. Patients love CEREC crowns because they combine convenience with beautiful, long-lasting results.

Not sure which option is right for you? That’s where Dr. Alhadef and the team at Dallas Cosmetic Dental can help. With years of experience in restorative dentistry, Dr. Alhadef can walk you through your options and help you decide on the crown that works best for your smile, your schedule, and your needs. Ready to find out if a CEREC crown is right for you? Contact Dallas Cosmetic Dental today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward restoring your smile—your way.