What is a CEREC Dental Crown? | Same-Day Crown Sydney Dentist

If you’ve chipped a tooth, cracked a large filling, or been told you need a dental crown, you no longer have to plan for multiple visits and a temporary crown that might pop off at the worst time. Thanks to CEREC same-day crowns, our team at My Local Dentists can often design, mill and place a permanent ceramic crown in a single appointment.

This guide explains what CEREC is, how same-day crowns work, what to expect at your visit, and how CEREC compares with traditional lab-made crowns. We’ve also included references from the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the American Dental Association (ADA) and peer-reviewed research to keep everything evidence-based.

What is CEREC?

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It’s a digital dentistry system that lets your dentist capture a 3D scan of your teeth, design a custom crown with CAD (computer-aided design) software, and then mill the crown from a high-strength ceramic block using CAM (computer-aided manufacturing)—all while you’re still in the chair. (assets.dentsplysirona.com, dentsplysirona.com)

CEREC is not a type of material; it’s essentially the name of the Same Day Crown workflow and equipment (scanner, design software and milling unit). The crown itself is typically made from tried-and-tested dental ceramics (for example, lithium-disilicate or other glass-ceramics) that are colour-matched to your teeth for a natural result. (dentsplysirona.com)

What is a dental crown—and when do you need one?

A dental crown (often called a “cap”) covers and protects a tooth that’s fractured, heavily filled, root-canal treated, worn down, or misshapen/discoloured. Crowns can also sit on top of implants, or be used to anchor a bridge. These indications are recognised by both Australian and American dental associations. (Teeth, MouthHealthy)

At My Local Dentists, we recommend crowns when they’re the most predictable and reliable way to restore strength, function and aesthetics, and to reduce the risk of the tooth breaking further.

How do CEREC same-day dental crowns work?

Here’s the step-by-step single-visit CEREC workflow you can expect in our dental practices:

1. Exam & treatment planning
   We assess the tooth, review x-rays and confirm a crown is appropriate. We’ll discuss materials, colour matching and costs so there are no surprises.
2. Comfortable digital scan (no gooey impressions)
   We use a digital intra-oral scanner to create a precise 3D model of your teeth and bite. Digital impressions are accurate and comfortable, and they integrate directly with our design software.
3. Tooth preparation
   We gently shape the tooth so the crown can slide over it and fit like a glove. This preserves as much healthy tooth as possible while providing the right support and strength.
4. CAD design
   Your dentist designs the crown on-screen. The software helps us sculpt the contours and bite contacts to match your mouth.
5. CAM milling (on-site)
   The design is sent to our milling unit, which carves your crown from a high-strength ceramic block in about 10–20 minutes, depending on the material and design.
6. Try-in, custom characterisation & glazing
   We check the fit and bite, then fine-tune shade and surface texture. Many crowns are heat-treated (“crystallised”) and glazed for strength and lifelike lustre.
7. Bonding
   The crown is bonded to your tooth and the bite is verified. You leave with a finished, permanent crown—no temporary, no second injection, no second visit.

What’s involved with a same-day crown appointment?

A typical CEREC same-day crown visit at My Local Dentists takes around 90–150 minutes from start to finish (complex cases can vary). During milling and glazing, you can relax, catch up on emails, or enjoy a break. Because everything happens in-house, you avoid:

• Multiple injections
• Wearing a temporary crown for 1–2 weeks
• A second day off work or travel across Sydney for another appointment

Traditional lab-made crowns usually involve two visits separated by 2 weeks to allow for laboratory fabrication, shipping, and adjustments. (MouthHealthy)

Are CEREC crowns strong and long-lasting?

Yes. Modern chairside ceramics used in CEREC workflows are high-strength and show excellent clinical survival in research:

• Long-term follow-up of early CEREC ceramic restorations reported ~87.5% survival up to 27 years in private practice (feldspathic ceramics; newer materials are stronger). (Europe PMC)
• Systematic reviews comparing CAD/CAM to conventional ceramic restorations find comparable longevity when proper case selection and bonding protocols are followed. (ScienceDirect, Academia)
• JADA reviews of chairside CAD/CAM report high success rates for single-tooth restorations when standard clinical protocols are observed. (jada.ada.org)

As always, longevity depends on your bite forces, oral hygiene, diet, night-time grinding, and keeping up with regular check-ups.

Advantages of CEREC same-day crowns

1) One visit, one anaesthetic
You skip the second appointment, making it easier to fit treatment around work, school and family. No temporaries that can loosen or feel sensitive. (assets.dentsplysirona.com)

2) Precision digital fit
Intra-oral scanning and CAD design provide an accurate model of your tooth and bite. This can reduce remakes and allow a snug marginal fit. (Digital impression precision is a recognized advantage of modern CAD/CAM workflows.) (Australian Dental Association NSW)

3) Aesthetics you can approve
Because we design chairside, you can preview shade and shape and give feedback before milling. We can add custom characterisation and glazing for a natural look. (dentsplysirona.com)

4) Strong, tooth-friendly materials
Contemporary ceramics (e.g., lithium disilicate) combine high strength with enamel-like translucency and are gentle to opposing teeth when polished and glazed correctly. (dentsplysirona.com)

5) No messy impressions
Digital scanning replaces trays of impression material, which many patients find uncomfortable. (Australian Dental Association NSW)

6) Fewer variables
With everything done on-site, we control the entire workflow—design, milling, finishing and bonding—helping deliver consistent outcomes. (assets.dentsplysirona.com)

Possible disadvantages or limitations of same-day crowns

1) Not every case is ideal for chairside fabrication
Complex multi-unit bridges, challenging bite relationships, or cases needing specialised aesthetics may still be better served with a lab-crafted approach. Your dentist will advise. (Both Australian and American dental associations emphasise individualised treatment planning.) (Teeth, MouthHealthy)

2) Material selection matters
While modern chairside ceramics are strong, certain heavy-load situations (e.g., parafunction/bruxism, minimal remaining tooth structure) may require alternative materials or designs. Evidence indicates comparable longevity to lab-made ceramics when selection and bonding are correct. (ScienceDirect)

3) Chairside time
Everything happens in one visit, so that visit is longer. Some patients prefer splitting time over two shorter visits.

4) Cost
Same-day crowns are often similar in fee to lab-made crowns; in some cases they may be slightly lower or higher depending on materials and case complexity. (Item numbers and fees in Australia vary by practice; your personalised plan will outline costs.) (Australian Dental Association)

CEREC vs Traditional Crowns: A side-by-side comparison

Feature	CEREC Same-Day Crown	Traditional Lab-Made Crown
Visits	1 visit (design, mill, bond on the day)	2+ visits (prep + temporary, then fit later)
Impressions	Digital scan—comfortable and precise	Physical impressions (or digital, then sent to lab)
Temporary crown	Usually not needed	Yes, worn 1–2 weeks
Aesthetics	Excellent; chairside characterisation and glazing	Excellent; lab customisation
Strength & longevity	Comparable to conventional ceramics in studies when correctly selected and bonded	Excellent, long clinical track record
Best for	Single crowns, inlays/onlays, some veneers and implant crowns	Complex multi-unit work, highly specialised aesthetics
Convenience	High—one appointment, one anaesthetic	Moderate—two visits, interim temporary

Evidence notes: ADA consumer resources outline when crowns are indicated and how they’re used; research shows chairside CAD/CAM ceramics perform well and are comparable to conventional ceramics in longevity when clinical protocols are followed. (Teeth, MouthHealthy, ScienceDirect, jada.ada.org)

What does the science say about Cerec dental crowns?

• Longevity: Systematic reviews/meta-analyses show no clinically significant difference in survival between CAD/CAM and conventional ceramic restorations over medium-term follow-up, assuming proper case selection and bonding. (ScienceDirect, Academia)
• Long-term experience: Early-generation CEREC restorations demonstrate strong long-term survival; newer materials are stronger and more fracture-resistant. (Europe PMC)
• Clinical performance: JADA reviews conclude chairside CAD/CAM restorations have high success in routine practice, supporting same-day care for suitable cases. (jada.ada.org)

Same-day crown FAQs

Will my crown look natural?
Yes. We shade-match your neighbouring teeth and can add characterisation to mimic natural translucency and texture. (dentsplysirona.com)

Is a CEREC crown as strong as a lab crown?
For single-tooth restorations, modern chairside ceramics show comparable outcomes to conventional lab ceramics when bonded correctly. Your dentist will discuss if your case needs a specific material or lab process. (ScienceDirect)

Do I still need a root canal?
A crown and a root canal are different treatments. If the nerve is infected or irreversibly inflamed, a root canal may be required before crowning to save the tooth. Your dentist will explain options. (General crown indications from ADA resources apply.) (MouthHealthy)

How long will my appointment take?
Plan for one longer visit to complete everything. Many patients appreciate finishing in one day rather than returning for a second visit with a temporary crown in between. (Process details from manufacturer and clinical guides.) (assets.dentsplysirona.com)

How do I look after my crown?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss around the crown margins, wear a night guard if you grind, and keep 6-monthly check-ups. Both the Australian and American Dental Associations emphasise preventive care and regular reviews. (Teeth)

The same-day crown journey at My Local Dentists 

When you book a CEREC crown with us, here’s how we make it smooth:

1. Consultation & quote – We assess the tooth, confirm the indication, discuss material options (e.g., lithium-disilicate), and provide a clear estimate with item numbers relevant to your dental cover.
2. Digital scan & smile preview – We scan your teeth and simulate the restoration on-screen so you can visualise the result.
3. On-site fabrication – While you wait, we mill your crown on the spot and custom-finish it to blend with your smile.
4. Fit & bond – We seat the crown, check your bite, and bond it permanently so you can eat comfortably that day.
5. Follow-up – We review your bite and answer any questions; you’ll get after-care tips tailored to you.

Who is a good candidate for a CEREC same-day crown?

You may be a great candidate if you have:

• A cracked or heavily filled tooth at risk of breaking
• A tooth that’s discoloured or misshapen and would benefit from full coverage
• A single-tooth implant needing a custom crown
• A preference to complete treatment in one visit without a temporary

There are times we’ll recommend a lab-made crown instead—such as complex bite rebuilds, multiple units, or when a specific aesthetic layering technique is required. We’ll explain the why, the options, and the pros and cons for your situation. (Teeth)

Costs & health fund rebates

Fees for crowns vary with tooth position, materials, case complexity, and additional procedures (e.g., core build-up). We’ll outline item numbers and provide a written plan so you can check health fund benefits.

Why choose My Local Dentists for same-day crowns?

• Convenience: One appointment; no temporary crown
• Technology: Modern CEREC workflow with precision digital scanning and on-site milling
• Experience: Our clinicians blend science with artistry to design a crown that looks and feels natural
• Transparency: Clear explanations, options, and costs before we begin

Bottom line

CEREC same-day crowns are a safe, efficient and aesthetic way to restore damaged teeth in one visit. For many single-tooth cases, research shows they’re comparable in longevity to conventional lab-made ceramics—provided we choose the right material and follow proven bonding protocols. If you value convenience and precision, CEREC is an excellent choice.

Ready to fix that cracked tooth without multiple visits? Book a CEREC Consultation at My Local Dentists and we’ll confirm the best option for your smile.

References & further reading

• Australian Dental Association (ADA – Australia):
  • Teeth.org.au – Crowns, Bridges and Veneers (patient fact sheet). (Teeth)
  • ADA – Organisation site & resources; Schedule & Glossary of item codes. (Australian Dental Association)
• American Dental Association (ADA – USA):
  • MouthHealthy – Crowns (indications and patient information). (MouthHealthy)
  • ADA/JADA – Clinical performance of chairside CAD/CAM restorations (review). (jada.ada.org)
• Peer-reviewed research:
  • Systematic review/meta-analysis: CAD/CAM vs conventional ceramic longevity—comparable survival when properly selected/bonded. (ScienceDirect)
  • Long-term outcomes: Up to 27-year data on early CEREC feldspathic restorations (~87.5% survival). (Europe PMC)
• Technology background (manufacturer information):
  • Dentsply Sirona – CEREC chairside workflow brochures/software overview. (assets.dentsplysirona.com, dentsplysirona.com)

Note: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Your dentist will recommend materials and techniques based on your tooth, bite, and goals.