Same-Day CEREC Crowns: How One-Visit Dentistry Actually Works
technology
A deep dive into CEREC crowns — the digital scan, in-office milling, and why patients can leave with a permanent crown in a single appointment.
Traditional crowns take two appointments and a temporary in between. CEREC crowns collapse that into a single visit using digital scanning and in-office milling.
The digital impression
Instead of goopy trays, a small wand scans your tooth in minutes and builds a 3D model on-screen. It's faster, more comfortable, and more accurate for the final fit.
Designing the crown
Your dentist designs the crown on the computer, adjusting contour and bite to match the neighbouring teeth. You can see it before it's made.
Milling in the office
A ceramic block is milled into your crown while you wait — typically 15 to 30 minutes. The material is tooth-coloured and durable.
Bonding and finishing
The crown is polished, tried in, and bonded in the same appointment. No temporary, no second freezing, no second numbing.
Who's a good candidate?
Most single-tooth crown cases work well with CEREC. Complex cosmetic cases may still benefit from lab-fabricated options — read our cosmetic dentistry guide for context, or the full CEREC crowns guide for details.