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Restore Your Smile in a Single Visit
At Lockwood Family Dental in Lockwood, MT, our patients often tell Dr. Brysen Hansen they’re surprised to learn that getting a dental crown doesn’t have to take multiple visits. Thanks to advanced CEREC technology, you can now restore a damaged tooth in just one appointment — no temporary crowns, messy impressions, or return visits needed.
If you’ve ever had a traditional crown and remember the long wait for the final restoration, you’ll appreciate how much easier and more comfortable the CEREC same-day crown process is.
What Is a CEREC Same-Day Crown?
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is a cutting-edge system that allows Dr. Brysen Hansen to design, create, and place a custom crown during a single visit.
Instead of using traditional molds or sending impressions to a dental lab, CEREC uses digital imaging to scan your tooth. A precise 3D model is then created and sent to an in-office milling machine that carves your new crown from a block of durable ceramic — all while you wait comfortably.
CEREC crowns have comparable strength and longevity to traditional lab-made crowns, offering both convenience and reliability.
How the Process Works
The CEREC system streamlines the entire crown procedure into one seamless appointment:
1. Digital Scan and Design
Dr. Hansen takes a digital scan of your tooth — no putty impressions needed. The image is instantly converted into a detailed 3D model on-screen.
2. Custom Crown Creation
Using specialized software, our dental team designs a perfectly fitted, natural-looking crown that matches your bite and tooth color.
3. Milling the Crown
The digital design is sent to our in-office milling unit, which precisely shapes the crown from a high-quality ceramic block in about 15 minutes.
4. Placement and Finishing
Dr. Hansen checks the fit, makes minor adjustments if needed, and bonds the new crown in place. You’ll leave the same day with a fully restored tooth — no temporary crown required.
Benefits of CEREC Same-Day Crowns
1. Convenience and Speed
The biggest advantage of CEREC same-day restorations is time. You can complete your entire treatment in one visit instead of scheduling two or three appointments.
2. No Temporary Crowns
Traditional crowns often require temporary restorations while waiting for the final crown. CEREC eliminates this step, meaning no fragile temporary crowns or extra visits.
3. Precision Fit
Digital impressions are more accurate than traditional molds, ensuring your crown fits perfectly the first time and feels completely natural.
4. Durability and Strength
CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic that resists wear and staining. With proper care, they can last for many years — just like traditional crowns.
5. Natural Appearance
Each crown is custom-colored to match your existing teeth, giving you a seamless, natural look that blends beautifully with your smile.
Patients consistently report higher satisfaction with same-day restorations due to their comfort, aesthetics, and reduced treatment time.
When Is a Same-Day Crown Recommended?
CEREC technology can be used for many restorative needs, including:
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Teeth weakened by large fillings
- Severe decay requiring structural reinforcement
- Cosmetic improvements for misshapen teeth
- Restoring teeth after root canal therapy
If you’re unsure whether you need a crown or another treatment, Dr. Hansen can evaluate your tooth and recommend the most effective option.
Caring for Your CEREC Crown
Maintaining a same-day crown is simple and similar to caring for your natural teeth:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss around the crown carefully each day
- Avoid biting on hard items like ice or pens
- Schedule routine dental cleanings and exams at Lockwood Family Dental
With regular preventive care, your CEREC crown can last for many years and continue to protect your smile.
Learn more about our preventive services in this related post:
- Dental Cleanings and Exams: 5 Reasons Why They Matter
- Dental Crowns vs Fillings: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Smile
CEREC vs Traditional Crowns
| Feature | CEREC Same-Day Crown | Traditional Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Time | One visit | Two or more visits |
| Impressions | Digital scan | Physical molds |
| Temporary Crown | Not needed | Required |
| Material | Ceramic | Metal, porcelain, or ceramic |
| Aesthetic Match | Excellent | Excellent |
| Durability | 10–15 years | 10–15 years |
Experience the Future of Restorative Dentistry in Lockwood, MT
At Lockwood Family Dental, we’re proud to offer patients the convenience and precision of CEREC same-day crowns. Dr. Brysen Hansen uses advanced technology to provide long-lasting results that restore both function and confidence — all in a single appointment.
If you’ve been putting off dental treatment because of time or discomfort, now’s the perfect time to explore same-day restorations. Contact Lockwood Family Dental in Lockwood, MT today to schedule your consultation and see how easy a crown can be.
