Dr. Peter Tzendzalian, DDS
Kristin Tzendzalian
Giving Back
Your schedule matters, and so does the health and beauty of your smile. At Aesthetic Oral Health in Durham, we combine precision and comfort with modern digital dentistry so you can restore a damaged tooth without multiple dental visits. With CEREC Crowns, you leave with a permanent restoration in a single visit and a result that blends with your natural teeth.
What is CEREC technology and who is a good candidate?
CEREC technology is advanced digital design and milling used in restorative dentistry to create custom dental crowns, inlays, onlays, and other restorations right here in our office. It’s ideal for rebuilding strength and appearance when a tooth has deep decay, a cracked surface, or has had root canal treatment. A CEREC crown is a great option for back teeth that endure chewing forces and front teeth where natural appearance matters most.
Our team recommends this type of crown after a thorough exam and discussion about your dental needs. We consider the tooth’s location, your bite, any previous dental issues, and your aesthetic goals. We guide you through crown options, including CEREC crowns made from ceramic material and traditional crowns fabricated by a dental lab.
Your single visit, start-to-finish CEREC crown procedure
We designed the process to be efficient, precise, and comfortable. Here’s what to expect during your appointment:
- Digital scan and planning
We begin with a 3D scan of your mouth—no messy impressions. The scanner captures an accurate image of the tooth and surrounding teeth. Our technology designs a custom crown that matches your bite for a perfect fit. - Design for function and aesthetics
We shape the restoration to protect the natural tooth structure and create a smooth contour that looks like your natural teeth. Shade selection is personalized for a natural appearance that blends seamlessly with your smile. - In-house milling
Your crown is crafted in our office using a CEREC machine that carves a block of ceramic into a precise form. This eliminates the need for a dental lab, avoids a temporary crown, and saves you a second visit. - Finishing and try-in
We adjust contours and polish the crown for an aesthetic appearance. You try the crown to confirm a comfortable bite and secure fit with surrounding teeth. - Placement and bonding
We place the permanent crown using strong dental cement. You leave with a durable restoration the same day, ready to smile confidently.
How comfortable and time-saving is a single appointment?
Patients appreciate that there’s no temporary crown, no mailing to a lab, and fewer injections overall. We use gentle techniques to keep you comfortable while preparing the tooth. Sedation dentistry is available for anxious patients, and our team ensures you feel relaxed throughout the visit.
CEREC vs traditional dental crowns: choosing the right option
Both CEREC crowns and traditional crowns restore strength and beauty, and we help you choose the best option for your needs. Traditional crowns involve a dental lab, a longer process, and a second visit, along with a temporary crown between appointments. Lab-made options include zirconia crowns or porcelain fused to metal, which may be ideal for specific cases.
Lab-fabricated crowns are recommended for complex bite forces or cases requiring specialized shading or materials. We discuss the advantages of CEREC crowns, including same-day convenience, digital precision, and in-house quality control. Our Durham practice guides you through the pros and cons of each type of restoration to match your individual needs and goals.
Materials, durability, and care for your ceramic crown
A CEREC crown is crafted from high-quality ceramic material that balances strength with lifelike translucency. This material supports everyday chewing on back teeth and produces a natural appearance on front teeth. With good home care and regular hygiene visits, your crown can serve as a dependable restoration.
We use careful bonding with dental cement and tailor the shape to fit your mouth and bite. If a tooth has had a root canal, a CEREC crown often protects the natural tooth by covering and reinforcing it. We’ll show you how to care for your crown and protect it from unnecessary wear, including tips like using a nightguard if you clench or grind.
Will I ever need a lab-made crown instead of a CEREC crown?
Some cases benefit from a dental lab. Examples include complex bite changes, special shading requests, or crowns requiring zirconia or layered porcelain designs. We recommend the best option after your exam and imaging, explaining how each plan meets your functional and cosmetic goals.
Insurance and cost considerations for a new crown
Many insurance plans include benefits for crowns, whether CEREC or traditional. Coverage varies by plan and restoration type. Our team helps you understand your benefits before treatment and provides a transparent estimate so you can plan confidently.
We submit claims on your behalf and review options that align with your dental needs and budget. Our goal is to prevent surprises and help you complete care without delays. If you have questions about fees or timing, contact our office to review details before your visit.
Beyond crowns: when inlays, onlays, or dental bridges are recommended
Not every tooth requires a full crown. Digital inlays and onlays can be a conservative option that preserves more natural tooth structure while repairing larger cavities or cracks. These can be designed with CEREC technology and placed in a single visit.
For missing teeth, dental bridges may be considered as part of comprehensive care. Some bridges require a dental lab for strength and fit across multiple teeth. We’ll advise you on the best option to restore function and appearance and coordinate any lab steps when needed.
Why patients choose CEREC at our Durham practice
Patients choose CEREC Crowns at Aesthetic Oral Health for convenience, accuracy, and a natural appearance that blends with surrounding teeth. The CEREC procedure reduces dental visits and eliminates temporary crowns that can feel sensitive. Many patients appreciate completing everything in the dentist’s office with familiar faces guiding every step.
From the first visit to placement of your permanent crown, our team focuses on your comfort. We use gentle numbing, clear explanations, and modern tools that support efficient care. We pair advanced technology with attentive service and stand behind our results.
Frequently asked questions
- What if I grind my teeth?
We can check for wear patterns and recommend a protective nightguard if needed. This helps guard your new crown and natural teeth from stress. - Can a CEREC crown be used after root canal treatment?
Yes, a CEREC crown often protects the strengthened tooth after a root canal. We evaluate the tooth carefully to confirm the best plan. - Do I still need a custom crown from a lab sometimes?
Some cases benefit from traditional crowns made by a lab. We review your case and recommend the right path.
Your smile deserves care that fits your life and goals.
If you’re ready for a same-day result with digital precision, schedule with our Durham team to explore CEREC Crowns and learn if this is the best choice for your tooth. Request your appointment today.
