Same-Day CEREC Crowns: How Digital Impressions Replace the Goop
dentalcare
A closer look at CEREC same-day crown technology — digital scans, in-office milling, and why you skip temporaries.
Traditional crowns meant two visits, gooey impression trays, and a temporary crown to babysit for two weeks. CEREC changes that workflow entirely.
Digital impressions, no tray
Instead of a mouthful of impression material, a small wand-style scanner captures a 3D image of your tooth in a few minutes. No gagging, no waiting for material to set, and the scan can be reviewed on-screen immediately.
In-office design
The scan feeds into CAD software where the dentist designs your crown — shape, bite, and contact with neighbouring teeth — right in the clinic. Adjustments happen in software instead of at a lab bench.
Milling from a ceramic block
A milling unit carves the crown from a solid ceramic block matched to your tooth shade. This typically takes 10–20 minutes. The result is a strong, tooth-coloured restoration.
Bonding the same day
After a quick polish and glaze, the crown is bonded into place during the same appointment. No temporary, no return visit, no second round of numbing.
Where CEREC fits — and where it doesn't
CEREC is well-suited to single crowns, inlays, onlays, and many veneers. Complex full-mouth reconstructions or certain bridge cases may still involve a dental lab.
For a full breakdown, read the CEREC same-day crowns guide or the deeper technology explainer.