Same-Day Crowns Plainview & Mineola, NY: CEREC Technology Explained

CEREC milling machine fabricating dental crown from ceramic block with advanced precision technology

Discover how CEREC same-day crown technology works, what to expect during your appointment, and why single-visit crowns are revolutionizing restorative dentistry.

Same-day crowns using CEREC technology

Imagine walking into your dentist's office with a cracked tooth and walking out the same day with a permanent, custom-made ceramic crown. No temporary crown. No second appointment. No waiting weeks for a lab. That's exactly what CEREC same-day crowns offer, and it's one of the most significant advances in modern dentistry. At Meadowbrook Dental Care in Plainview and Mineola, we use the latest CEREC technology to create and place beautiful, durable crowns in a single appointment.

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Basically, it's a computer-aided system that designs your crown digitally, mills it from ceramic in our office, and allows us to place it permanently before you leave. The technology has been refined over decades and is now used by tens of thousands of dentists worldwide. The results are crowns that are indistinguishable from natural teeth, perfectly fitted to your tooth and bite, and stronger than traditional porcelain crowns fabricated in a lab. To learn more about our same-day crown services, visit our dental crowns page.

Before and after same-day CEREC crown restoration showing cracked tooth restored to natural appearance

How same-day CEREC crowns work (step-by-step)

After Dr. Casañas prepares your tooth (removing decay and shaping it to receive the crown), we use a special 3D camera to take digital impressions of your tooth and surrounding teeth. No messy impression material, just a quick digital scan. The computer software then designs your crown digitally, ensuring perfect fit and bite alignment. You can even see your crown design on a screen before we mill it.

While you relax, our in-office milling machine creates your crown from a ceramic block. The entire milling process takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you can hear it happening in the office. The result is a monolithic ceramic crown that's incredibly strong and beautiful. For more information about CEREC technology, visit the official CEREC website. We then place your new crown on your tooth, check the fit and bite alignment, and make any final adjustments needed. This usually takes less than 5 minutes because the digital design ensures proper fit from the start.

Once you approve the fit and appearance, we permanently cement your crown using dental resin, cure it with a special light, and polish it to perfection. You leave with a fully functional, permanent crown that you can bite down on normally.

Same-day crowns vs. traditional lab crowns

Same-day CEREC crowns and traditional lab crowns are both high-quality, durable restorations that last 10 to 15+ years. The primary advantage of CEREC is convenience: you get a permanent crown the same day without wearing a temporary. For patients with busy schedules or anxiety about temporary crowns, this is game-changing.

Traditional lab crowns require two appointments separated by one to two weeks. During this time, you wear a temporary crown that can feel loose, cause sensitivity, or dislodge while eating. Some patients find the temporary crown uncomfortable or worry about it breaking. With CEREC, none of these concerns exist. Your crown is permanent and fully functional from the moment it's placed.

The choice between same-day CEREC and traditional lab crowns often comes down to your schedule, budget, and personal preference. Both deliver excellent results when placed by an experienced dentist. For more information about restorative dentistry options, visit our restorative dentistry page.

3D imaging technology used at our Mineola office to determine dental implant cost and placement precision

What to expect during your same-day crown appointment

When you arrive at Meadowbrook Dental for your same-day crown, plan on spending about 90 minutes in our office, though most of that time is waiting while your crown is being milled. Your appointment begins with check-in and intake, taking about 15 minutes. Dr. Casañas then examines your tooth, takes X-rays if needed, and discusses your crown goals including color and shape preferences—this takes about 20 minutes.

Next, local anesthetic is applied, your tooth is prepared, and digital impressions are taken. You may feel water spray and vibration, but no pain. This preparation phase takes approximately 30 minutes. While we mill your crown, you relax in our waiting room. This is the longest "waiting" period, taking about 15 minutes, and many patients read, use their phone, or simply rest during this time.

Your crown is then tried in, adjustments are made, and your bite is verified. This takes about 20 minutes. Finally, your crown is permanently cemented and polished, taking about 10 minutes total. You leave with a beautiful, permanent crown that feels and functions like a natural tooth. No temporary to worry about. No second appointment to schedule. No time off work for multiple visits. For more details about what to expect, visit our dental crowns page.

Patient reviewing digital 3D crown design preview on computer screen before CEREC fabrication

Skilled dentist permanently cementing CEREC crown onto prepared tooth with precision and expertise

After your same-day crown: care & longevity

Your same-day CEREC crown will last 10 to 15+ years with proper care. Maintain it just like a natural tooth: brush twice daily, floss, and attend dental checkups twice per year. Avoid chewing on very hard objects (like hard candy, ice, or bones), as this can crack the ceramic. If you grind your teeth at night, we recommend a nightguard to protect your crown.

Unlike a traditional temporary crown, your permanent same-day crown is immediately strong and functional. You can eat normally the same day it's placed. Most patients forget they even have a crown because it feels exactly like a natural tooth. If you ever need adjustments or repairs, our team can modify or replace your crown quickly.

Ready to get a permanent crown in one appointment? Don't suffer with a cracked tooth or temporary restoration. Call Plainview at (516) 239-1839 or Mineola at (516) 741-2600, or book your same-day crown appointment online. We often have same-day or next-day availability, so you could have your permanent crown this week. You can also learn more about our location pages at Meadowbrook Dental Care Plainview and Meadowbrook Dentistry Mineola, and visit our restorative dentistry page.

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