Traditionally, getting a crown meant two appointments a couple of weeks apart: one to prepare the tooth and take a mould, and another to fit the crown once the lab had made it. In between, you wore a temporary crown that could loosen or break. CEREC technology changes that. In many cases a ceramic crown can be designed, made and fitted in a single visit.
What is a crown, and when do you need one?
A crown is a cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth, restoring its shape, strength and appearance. Your dentist may recommend one when a tooth:
- Has a large filling and not much natural tooth left
- Is cracked or has broken
- Has had root canal treatment, especially a back tooth
- Is badly worn from grinding
- Is discoloured or misshapen and other options won’t work
- Needs to support a bridge, or sits on a dental implant
What is CEREC?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It combines three pieces of technology:
- An intraoral scanner that takes a 3D digital impression of your teeth, so there’s no need for trays of impression material
- Design software that lets the dentist design the crown on screen to fit your bite and match the shape of your other teeth
- A milling unit that carves the crown from a solid block of high-strength ceramic
What happens at a same-day crown appointment
- Numbing and preparation. The tooth is numbed, any decay or old filling is removed, and the tooth is shaped to make room for the crown.
- Digital scan. A small camera scans the prepared tooth, the teeth next to it and the opposing teeth.
- Design. Your dentist designs the crown on screen, adjusting the shape, contacts with neighbouring teeth and your bite.
- Milling. The crown is milled from a ceramic block chosen to match your shade. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
- Finishing. The crown may be stained and glazed, or polished, to match the surrounding teeth.
- Fitting. The crown is tried in, the bite checked, and then it’s bonded permanently in place.
Allow around two to three hours for the whole appointment, depending on the tooth.
Benefits of same-day crowns
- One visit: less time off work and one lot of anaesthetic
- No temporary crown to fall off or break
- No impression trays, which many people find uncomfortable
- Metal-free ceramic that looks natural
- Precise fit from digital scanning and design
When a lab-made crown may be better
CEREC suits many back teeth and some front teeth, but not every case. A crown made by a ceramist in a dental laboratory may be the better choice for:
- Front teeth where very complex colour layering and translucency are needed to match neighbouring teeth
- Several crowns or a large reconstruction where the whole bite is being changed
- Some implant crowns and bridges
- Teeth where the edge of the preparation sits deep under the gum, which can be difficult to scan
Hornsby Dental is part of Cosmetique Dental Group, which has in-house ceramists, so we can choose the best approach for each tooth. Your dentist will explain which option suits you.
How long do CEREC crowns last?
Well-made ceramic crowns commonly last 10 years or more. How long yours lasts depends on the tooth underneath, your bite, whether you grind your teeth, and how well you clean around the crown. Decay can still develop at the edge of a crown, so brushing, cleaning between teeth and regular check-ups remain important. If you grind, a night splint helps protect it.
What does a crown cost?
At Hornsby Dental, crowns start from $1,800. The final cost depends on the tooth and whether extra treatment, such as a core build-up or root canal, is needed first. Crowns are usually claimable under major dental extras. See dental crowns and our price list.
Caring for your new crown
- Wait until the numbness wears off before eating, to avoid biting your cheek or tongue
- Some sensitivity for a few days is normal; contact us if it persists or the bite feels high
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily, paying attention to where the crown meets the gum
- Avoid biting very hard things like ice, nutshells or pens
- Keep up your six-monthly check-ups
Same-day crown FAQs
Is a CEREC crown as strong as a lab crown?
Modern CEREC ceramics are strong and well suited to back teeth. The right material depends on the tooth and your bite, which your dentist will assess.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed for the preparation, so you should feel pressure rather than pain. Mild tenderness afterwards is common.
Can a broken tooth be crowned the same day?
Often, yes, if there’s enough healthy tooth and no infection. If the nerve is affected, root canal treatment may be needed first. See our article on cracked teeth, or call us for an emergency appointment.
Will my health fund pay for a crown?
Crowns are usually covered under major dental, subject to your limits and waiting periods. Ask us for the item numbers.
Find out more about same-day dental crowns in Hornsby.
Book a visit at Hornsby Dental
Hornsby Dental is at Suite 21, 14 Edgeworth David Avenue, Hornsby, about three minutes’ walk from Hornsby Station, with free street parking nearby. We’re open Monday to Friday 9am–6pm and Saturday 8:30am–4pm. Book online or call (02) 8090 1100.
This article is general information only. It isn’t a substitute for advice from your dentist about your own mouth and health.