Advances in Dental Crown Technology
Teeth can weaken for any number of reasons. Whether it's decay, a root canal, or physical trauma, a crown can help you preserve the remaining tooth's structural integrity.
Thankfully, crown technology has improved considerably since it was first brought to market. With stronger materials and more advanced technology than ever before, patients can make better decisions based on everything from their preferences to their budget. Here, we’ll look at everything from traditional crowns to CAD/CAM crowns, and how you can choose one that will help you preserve your oral health.
Technology has touched and changed nearly everything in our world, and the dental profession is no exception. Every year, new devices and methods debut and dentists have to make selective choices about how to allocate their budget. If you’re wondering how crowns have changed, you should know that they've largely become faster and more affordable.
Traditional crowns are a somewhat involved process. With a traditional crown, you would meet with your dentist at least twice. First, to have the crown sized and then to have the crown fitted to your mouth.
This process is still very alive today, with some people preferring traditional crowns depending on which tooth that they’re reconstructing. For instance, a traditional metal crown may work best for a back molar. A metal molar in the back is both invisible when you smile, and it can handle even the hardest of foods.
Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are an important part of the dental profession. These tools help dentists forego the extra time they need to craft a crown from scratch. So, instead of having to wait for the crown to be made, dental innovations make it possible for the dentist to fit the tooth for a crown, make the crown, and then place the crown all on the same day. Because this process cuts down on time, CAD/CAM crowns, sometimes called CEREC (Chairside Economic Reconstruction of Esthetic Ceramics) crowns, are a practical and affordable option for many patients.
A crown is meant to protect a damaged tooth so you don’t have to worry about extractions or implants. While nothing is indestructible, crowns can form a barrier that lasts for 20 years or more. If you’re wondering if CEREC crowns are as reliable as traditional crowns, it’s worth talking to a dentist about how both of these procedures work. As a rule, there’s no one-sized right or wrong — only what’s right or wrong for you.
Advancements in dental technology have made crowns more economical than ever before. The procedure is not only shorter, but it’s also less invasive than traditional procedures, making for a nearly pain-free procedure with near-instant recovery. The machinery and fabrication equipment used is precise enough to craft a crown that fits with your natural teeth, so that the visible crown seamlessly blends with the rest of your smile.
Finally, crown advancements have simply made patient care a little easier to fit into their schedules. If you’re used to putting off or rescheduling dental appointments, you can at least rest easy that you’ll only need to make (and keep) one appointment.
Before you decide to get a crown, it's important to do your research. As you already know from your own experiences, not all technology is created equal. State-of-the-art dental machinery is a major investment, and you'll need to find a dentist who did their homework before they splurged.
At Sarko Dental Associates, you'll find precision dental solutions that can help you find the right crown for your oral health. Whether you opt for a traditional procedure or a CAD crown, we can help you figure out what you need, what to expect, and the fastest way to get there.
Call (480) 951-2782 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
