Same-Day Smile Repair: Benefits and Drawbacks of CEREC Crowns Explained

January 5, 2026

CEREC milling machine preparing to sculpt a crown

If you have a tooth that was severely decayed or damaged, then you might’ve headed to your dentist to have it fixed. After taking a look at your case, a CEREC crown might be the right solution for you. However, if you don’t know much about this type of restoration, you may be a bit hesitant about getting it for your smile. To help you feel confident choosing it, here are the pros and cons of it you need to know.

What Makes CEREC Crowns So Great?

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic. This might give you some hints on some benefits it has, but here are notable ones that make it a reliable choice:

  • You get your permanent crown the same day. Your dentist will take digital impressions and make a 3D model of your mouth. Using that, they will design your restoration and send it to an in-house milling machine that sculpts it out of a block of ceramic. The whole appointment takes just a couple of hours.
  • Your results will look and feel natural. The high-quality materials used can mimic the way enamel reflects light while also being durable, often lasting for over a decade with proper care.
  • The appointment may be easier to fit into your schedule. Traditional crowns need two appointments, a couple of weeks apart, as a dental lab will craft your restoration. Since the entire process is done in one visit, you’ll get your results by the end.

Are There Drawbacks to CEREC Crowns?

There are many pros to getting a CEREC crown, but you may be wondering if it comes with any cons. One of them being that this restoration may not be the best for all situations. In cases where a patient has a fracture extending below the gumline, you may need another treatment.

This type of crown might cost more as well, but it’s because you are receiving cutting-edge technology. While you might pay a bit more, you are putting that toward better aesthetics and greater convenience. Your dentist has undergone special training to be able to perform this treatment, so you can relax knowing you’re getting the best care you deserve.

In the end, CEREC crowns are an excellent option for many people to restore their grin. By learning the facts about it, you can feel confident in your decision to better your oral health.

About the Practice

At Whitinsville Family Dentistry, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your smile. We are dedicated to helping the local community restore their damaged teeth with reliable options like CEREC crowns. By using state-of-the-art technology, you can enjoy more comfortable treatments. If you have any questions about this type of restoration, schedule an appointment or call our office at (508) 296-8971.