Patients in Arlington, Massachusetts seeking CEREC same-day dental crowns can get a permanent, precision-fitted crown in a single office visit. CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is a cutting-edge CAD/CAM technology that lets Arlington, MA dentists create ceramic crowns on-site in minutes, eliminating the usual wait and temporary crown of traditional procedures. This one-visit crown solution appeals to busy local patients by delivering custom one-day crowns in Arlington, MA that look natural and last for years. In this guide, we’ll explain what CEREC crowns are, why they’re becoming popular in Arlington, and how the same-day crown procedure in Arlington works – including real examples and expert tips.
What Are CEREC Same-Day Crowns?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. In simple terms, CEREC crowns are all-ceramic dental crowns made in one visit using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. Instead of sending your tooth impression to a lab and waiting weeks for your crown, an Arlington MA dentist can scan your prepared tooth, design a custom crown on a computer, and mill it from a solid ceramic block right in the office. The result is a natural-looking ceramic CEREC crown that is immediately bonded onto the tooth – no second appointment needed.
In practice, this means that one-day crown patients in Arlington get a top-quality restoration without having to wear a temporary crown or bite into impression putty. Arlington Dental explains that CEREC “provides beautiful, high-quality dental crowns in a matter of minutes, greatly reducing your total treatment time and eliminating the need for you to make multiple visits”. This technology is ideal for repairing cracked, decayed, or misshapen teeth when you want an efficient solution.
Why Choose Same-Day CEREC Crowns?
Choosing a CEREC crown in Arlington, MA means choosing convenience and quality. Key benefits include:
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Single-Visit Convenience: Traditional crowns often require two visits (prep + placement) with a waiting period in between. CEREC eliminates the second trip. You can leave with your permanent crown the same day.
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No Temporary Crown: Because the final crown is ready immediately, you avoid the hassle and risk of wearing a temporary crown. There’s no extra appointment to remove a temporary or worry about it coming off.
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Digital Comfort: CEREC uses a digital 3D scanner instead of messy impression trays. Patients simply bite into a scanner wand or have their mouth scanned, which is far more comfortable and accurate.
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High Precision Fit: The computer-aided design (CAD) software crafts an extremely accurate crown shape. The milling machine then carves it with precision. This tight fit reduces the chance of gaps or future decay.
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Durable, Natural Materials: CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic (porcelain) that mimics the look and feel of real teeth. They’re metal-free, biocompatible, and can withstand everyday chewing. Modern CEREC materials can last a decade or more when properly cared for.
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Conservative Tooth Prep: The digital planning allows dentists to preserve more of the healthy tooth structure since the crown is custom-fit.
These advantages make CEREC one-visit crowns a compelling choice for Arlington residents. As one practice notes, “with CEREC same-day crowns, you can have your permanent crown fitted and secured in just one visit, saving you time and hassle”. The Colgate Oral Care Center similarly highlights that CEREC “eliminates some of the most inconvenient aspects” of crown procedures, such as waiting weeks and juggling multiple appointments.
How the CEREC Crown Procedure Works
The process of getting a CEREC crown in one day involves three main steps, all done in the same appointment:
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Tooth Preparation and Digital Scan. After numbing the tooth, the dentist removes decay or old filling and reshapes the tooth to fit a crown (much like a traditional prep). Instead of a physical mold, the dentist uses a small digital wand (or sometimes an intraoral camera) to scan the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. This creates a precise 3D model on the computer screen. The scan often takes just a few minutes.
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Designing the Crown. Using specialized CAD software, the dentist (or trained dental technician) designs your new crown right before your eyes on a monitor. They adjust the shape and color digitally to match your bite and adjacent teeth. This step usually takes a few minutes to fine-tune. The software then sends the custom crown design to the milling machine.
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Milling and Placing the Crown. The CEREC milling machine carves the crown out of a ceramic block that matches your chosen tooth shade. The milling typically takes 15–20 minutes. While you wait, you can relax in the chair. (Some systems allow you to watch the milling process through a window.) Once milled, the dentist checks the fit and polish, then bonds the new crown to your tooth using adhesive cement. The whole process usually adds up to about 1–2 hours total, depending on the tooth and case.
This streamlined process has changed the patient experience. Arlington patients can walk in with a damaged tooth and walk out with a permanent ceramic crown that afternoon. Unlike traditional crowns, there’s no need for a temporary cap or a second appointment. As one Arlington dentist puts it: “no temporary crown, no wait – you walk out with your permanent crown the same day”.
Throughout the procedure, the dentist ensures precision and comfort. For example, after milling, they will verify that your bite is adjusted correctly and that the crown blends seamlessly with your smile. The final result is a strong, natural-looking restoration. In fact, patients often comment on how they cannot tell the CEREC crown from a natural tooth once it’s placed.
CEREC Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns
Many Arlington MA patients wonder how CEREC crowns stack up against traditional lab-made crowns. Here are the key differences:
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Visit Count: Traditional crowns require two visits – one to prep and take molds, and a second to fit the permanent crown (with a temporary in between). CEREC crowns are done in one visit.
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Materials: Most CEREC crowns are all-ceramic (porcelain or zirconia), which look very natural. Traditional crowns can be made of porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), all-ceramic, or gold. Metal (especially gold) crowns are very durable, but not tooth-colored. CEREC porcelain crowns avoid metal altogether.
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Impressions: CEREC uses digital impressions (fast and clean), while traditional uses a physical impression putty (messier and sometimes uncomfortable). Modern labs now sometimes use digital scans too, but CEREC completes the process immediately in-office.
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Temporary Crown: With traditional crowns you wear a temporary, which can sometimes come loose or break. CEREC crowns eliminate temporaries because the final crown is placed immediately.
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Turnaround Time: Traditional crowns usually take 1–2 weeks between visits. CEREC crowns take a couple of hours (and are bonded that same day).
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Durability: According to research, CEREC crowns have a strong long-term success rate. One 10-year clinical study found an 85.7% survival rate for CEREC restorations after a decade. While metal-based crowns (like PFM or gold) can sometimes last longer, well-cared-for CEREC crowns routinely last 10–15 years or more.
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Cost: Often, the dental fee for a CEREC crown is comparable to a lab crown. Some dentists charge a bit more for the convenience of same-day treatment, while others offer it as part of their standard crown fee. Importantly, most dental insurance plans cover CEREC crowns just as they do traditional crowns. (Always check your plan; coverage can vary.)
In summary, CEREC crowns offer a faster, comfortable alternative to lab crowns with similarly excellent esthetic results. For eligible cases, “the exact length of time CEREC crowns last depend on care”, but patients can expect durable performance while enjoying the convenience. Dentists in Arlington often recommend CEREC for front or back teeth where same-day service is beneficial. For patients seeking high-quality cosmetic and restorative dental care, it’s important to choose a dentist who stays up-to-date with the latest technology and techniques. Organizations like the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) provide valuable resources and continuing education to dental professionals dedicated to excellence in patient outcomes and aesthetic results.
Who’s a Good Candidate for CEREC Crowns?
Not every tooth qualifies for a same-day crown, but many cases do. Good candidates typically have:
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Intact Tooth Structure: There must be enough tooth above the gumline to hold the crown. If a tooth is fractured below the gum or very broken down, a traditional crown or other restoration might be needed first.
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Single Tooth Focus: CEREC technology is ideal when you need a crown on one or a few teeth. Complex multi-unit bridges can be more challenging to design and mill in-office.
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Healthy Gums: The tooth and surrounding gums should be free of active infection or severe gum disease, as these conditions are usually treated before crowning.
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Patient Needs: People who value convenience or who have busy schedules (e.g. working professionals, parents, seniors) often choose same-day crowns to reduce visits. In Arlington, this technology suits those who want to get restorative work done “in just one visit”.
Dr. Robert Page, a dentist in Arlington, notes that CEREC “provides high-quality dental crowns in minutes, greatly reducing your treatment time and eliminating the need for multiple visits”. That said, your dentist will evaluate your specific situation. Some complex cases (like severe tooth grinding, large bite forces, or complicated bite alignment) may still favor a traditional approach. Always discuss with your Arlington dentist whether a CEREC same-day crown is right for you.
How Much Do CEREC Crowns Cost in Arlington?
One frequent question is cost. In the Arlington area, a single ceramic crown typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 or more, depending on the material and complexity. Porcelain and zirconia crowns are at the higher end of that range. Insurance often covers a portion (especially if it’s a medical necessity), but coverage varies by plan.
Since CEREC crowns are essentially the same product as lab-made ceramic crowns, most dental plans that cover crowns will cover CEREC too. As noted earlier, “CEREC crowns are covered by insurance just as any other crown would be”. However, out-of-pocket costs differ based on deductible and benefit limits. Some Arlington practices may offer flexible financing or in-house plans to help.
In Arlington, Massachusetts, you might find dentists advertising affordable same day crowns, but be sure to inquire exactly what is included. Factors affecting cost include the dentist’s experience, the complexity of your case, and whether additional procedures (like root canal or core buildup) are needed first. Remember that the convenience of completing your crown in one visit often saves you time and travel costs as well.
Caring for Your CEREC Crown
After getting your CEREC crown, care is the same as for any other crown:
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Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss at least once. Good hygiene prevents decay at the crown margins.
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Diet: Although ceramic is strong, avoid chewing very hard objects (like ice or hard candy) that could chip the crown.
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Regular Check-Ups: Visit your Arlington dentist for routine exams and cleanings. Your dentist will check the integrity of the crown and the health of surrounding gums each visit.
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Night Guard (if needed): If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a custom nightguard can protect your new crown (and the rest of your teeth) from excessive force.
With proper care, a CEREC crown can function well for many years. Studies suggest CEREC restorations have longevity comparable to traditional crowns, with survival rates above 85% over 10 years. One practice notes that with careful home care, CEREC crowns can last “10–15 years or more”.
Arlington, MA – Why Our Community Chooses CEREC
Arlington residents appreciate quick, reliable dental solutions, and CEREC crowns fit that need. Local dentists have promoted the technology as a way to “save you time and hassle”. Many practices in Arlington advertise same-day crowns specifically. For example, First Impression Dental highlights that with CEREC “results you need in one single appointment”.
Another plus for Arlington patients is the modern clinic experience: offices equipped with digital scanners, comfortable treatment rooms, and coordination Arlington locations (for practices with multiple sites). Patients often remark on the excitement of the process – watching a high-tech machine mill their crown – and the relief of not needing a second appointment.
Finally, , many insurance carriers and dental plans are familiar with and supportive of CEREC procedures. If you’re searching for “Arlington MA dentist CEREC crowns” or “digital dental crown Arlington MA”, you’ll find local listings and reviews for dentists offering this service. The overall satisfaction tends to be high: patients get a finished crown faster and often experience less temporary sensitivity since fewer injections or adjustments are needed in follow-up visits.
Finding the Right CEREC Dentist in Arlington, MA
If you’re considering a same-day crown, look for a dentist who is CEREC-certified (many are certified by training programs). Certification means the dentist has been trained in the technology and has the necessary equipment. Dr. Fitzpatrick in Arlington, for example, advertises that his office includes the “Cerec 3D system for tooth restorations” among its high-tech offerings.
Other factors when choosing a provider:
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Check reviews for terms like “same-day crown” or “CEREC”.
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Ask if they have ample experience with single-visit crowns.
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Ensure the office will walk you through the process on your first visit.
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Inquire about warranties: many dentists offer a limited warranty on crowns (if a crown fails soon after, they may replace it).
By choosing an experienced Arlington dentist with the right technology, you can feel confident in getting a quality CEREC crown.
People Also Ask
Q: What is a CEREC crown? A CEREC crown is a custom ceramic dental crown made with chairside CAD/CAM technology. The dentist takes a digital scan of your tooth and mills the crown on-site, allowing it to be done in one visit. They are also called “same-day crowns” because the entire process — from tooth prep to final bond — happens in a single appointment.
Q: How long does a CEREC crown take? Typically about 1–2 hours from start to finish. Scanning the tooth and milling the crown adds only minutes, and the whole single-visit procedure is often completed in just over an hour. You won’t need a second appointment, unlike traditional crowns.
Q: What are the advantages of same-day crowns? Major advantages include convenience (just one visit) and no temporary crown. The digital process is faster and more comfortable (no messy impressions). CEREC crowns also match tooth color well and are very precise. They are metal-free ceramic, which many patients find aesthetically pleasing.
Q: Are CEREC crowns covered by insurance? Yes, most dental insurance plans cover CEREC crowns the same as traditional crowns. They generally fall under your plan’s crown/restorative benefits. Out-of-pocket cost will depend on your specific plan’s deductible and coverage for crowns.
Q: How much do CEREC crowns cost? The cost in Arlington is similar to a lab crown — often $1,000–$2,000 per tooth. Fees can vary by office. CEREC technology might add a small premium in some offices due to its convenience. Ask your dentist for a detailed quote and insurance estimate.
Q: How long do CEREC crowns last? With good care, CEREC crowns can last 10–15 years or longer. Clinical studies show about an 85%+ survival rate at 10 years. Their longevity is comparable to other all-ceramic crowns, though habits like grinding or biting hard foods can affect any crown’s lifespan.
Q: What is the procedure for a same-day crown? It starts with tooth prep and digital scanning (no physical mold). Next, the crown is designed on computer software. Then an in-office milling unit carves out your crown from ceramic. Finally, the dentist bonds and polishes it — all in one appointment.
Q: Do same-day crowns hurt? The procedure is done under local anesthesia just like a regular crown, so you shouldn’t feel pain. After the appointment, some tooth sensitivity is normal for a few days, but it’s usually mild. Many patients find the CEREC process comfortable since it avoids a second shot or visit.
Q: Are CEREC crowns metal-free? Yes. All CEREC crowns are milled from ceramic or porcelain blocks, so they contain no metal. This is great for patients with metal allergies or those who prefer a 100% ceramic tooth-colored crown.
Q: How to care for my same-day crown? Treat it like a natural tooth: brush twice daily, floss, and see your dentist regularly. Avoid very hard foods or bad habits like ice-chewing. With proper care, your CEREC crown should serve you well for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CEREC stand for? CEREC is short for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It refers to the in-office CAD/CAM system that designs and mills ceramic restorations.
Is the CEREC crown procedure safe? Yes. It’s the same technology used in many dental offices nationwide. The materials are biocompatible porcelain, and the digital process is highly accurate. Dentists use protective measures (like rubber dams) during bonding, just as with any crown.
Can I get a CEREC crown for a molar tooth? In many cases, yes. CEREC crowns are suitable for front or back teeth. High-strength ceramic materials (like zirconia blocks) are available for molars. The dentist will check if your specific molar case is a good match for CEREC.
Will I need an anesthetic for a CEREC crown? Yes, a local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth and gums before preparation, just like with a traditional crown. This ensures you feel no pain during the work.
How is the color matched? CEREC systems have shade guides and color scanners. The dentist selects a ceramic block shade that matches your teeth, and can fine-tune the color in the software. The result is a very natural-looking crown.
What if my insurance doesn’t cover crowns? Most major dental plans cover crowns (often at 50% after deductible) as a restorative benefit. If coverage is an issue, discuss payment options with your dentist — many offer financing or in-house plans for same-day crowns.
Is a CEREC crown as durable as a lab-made crown? CEREC crowns have excellent durability. Clinical data (for older CEREC versions) showed 85% survived 10 years. Today’s ceramic materials and bonding techniques make them very robust. For many patients, they last just as long as traditional crowns with proper care.
Can I chew normally after the crown is placed? Yes, once the anesthetic wears off you can use the crowned tooth normally. The ceramic is strong and can handle biting and chewing. Your dentist will check your bite during placement to make sure the crown doesn’t hit too hard on any part.
Does the dentist explain the process? Good practices will walk you through each step. From the initial consultation to show you the CAD model, to letting you watch the milling machine work (if you like), you’re informed throughout the procedure.
Is CEREC technology available in Arlington, MA? Absolutely. Several Arlington-area dental offices offer CEREC same-day crowns. If you search online for “CEREC same day crowns Arlington MA”, you’ll find local providers and reviews. Many Arlington dentists highlight CEREC on their websites.
Conclusion
For Arlington, MA residents looking for fast, reliable, and natural-looking tooth restoration, CEREC same-day crowns offer a compelling solution. With advanced digital scanning and on-site ceramic milling, patients can walk into their dentist’s office with a damaged tooth and walk out the same day with a permanent, esthetic crown—no second visit, no temporary cap, and no waiting weeks for a lab. CEREC crowns combine precision, convenience, and durability, making them ideal for today’s busy patients who value both quality and time savings.
If you’re facing a cracked, decayed, or worn tooth and want a high-tech solution that fits into your schedule, consider visiting a CEREC-certified dentist in Arlington, MA. With the right provider, you’ll enjoy a seamless experience—and a restored smile that lasts for years to come. Visit our Arlington MA dental office at Arlington Dental, 43 Broadway, Arlington, MA 02474. (781) 641-0500.