403 West Windsor Road, Champaign, IL 61820.
What Is Cerec and How Does It Work?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It's an advanced dental technology that allows us to design and manufacture a custom ceramic crown right here in our Champaign office, while you wait. No outside dental lab. No temporary crown to manage for weeks. No second visit to get your permanent restoration placed.
Using a small intraoral camera, we take a precise digital scan of your tooth, no messy traditional impressions required. That scan is used to create a 3D digital model of your crown, which is then milled from a solid block of high-quality ceramic right in our office. The result is a strong, natural-looking crown that fits precisely and matches the color of your surrounding teeth.
From start to finish, the entire process typically takes just one appointment and most of that time you're simply relaxing in the chair.
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Do You Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, function, and appearance. Crowns are one of the most versatile restorations in dentistry and are recommended in a wide range of situations.
You may need a crown if you have:
- A tooth with a large cavity that is too extensive for a filling to repair
- A cracked or fractured tooth that is at risk of breaking further
- A tooth that has been weakened by decay, grinding, or wear
- A tooth that has recently undergone a root canal
- A broken or severely worn-down tooth
- An existing crown that is failing, cracked, or no longer fitting properly
- A tooth that needs to be restored as part of a dental implant
If you're experiencing pain, sensitivity, or visible damage to a tooth, don't wait. The sooner we can evaluate it, the more options we have and the more of the natural tooth structure we can preserve.
Your Same Day Crown, Step by Step
Examination & Treatment Planning
We assess the tooth that needs a crown and confirm that a CEREC same-day crown is the right solution for your situation. X-rays help us evaluate the tooth structure and surrounding bone before we proceed.
Prepare the Tooth
We gently reshape the tooth to create the ideal foundation for your crown. Local anesthetic keeps you completely comfortable throughout this step.
Digital Scan
Using a small handheld camera, we take a precise digital scan of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. This replaces the traditional impression process. No trays, no putty, no gagging.
Design Your Crown
Your digital scan is used to create a 3D model of your new crown using our CEREC design software. We customize the fit, shape, and size to match your natural tooth anatomy perfectly.
Mill the Crown
The design is sent directly to our in-office milling machine, which carves your crown from a solid block of high-quality dental ceramic. This process takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
Color & Finish
The crown is custom-shaded and polished to match the natural color of your surrounding teeth, ensuring a seamless, natural-looking result.
Place & Bond
We check the fit and your bite, make any final adjustments, then permanently bond the crown to your tooth. You leave with a fully restored smile. No temporary, no follow-up, no waiting.
CEREC Same Day Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns
Traditional crowns require two separate appointments spread over two to three weeks, with a temporary crown placed in between. CEREC changes that equation entirely. Here's how the two compare:
Traditional Crown Process
- Appointment 1: Tooth preparation, traditional impressions, temporary crown placed
- Wait 2–3 weeks for an outside dental lab to manufacture the crown
- Appointment 2: Temporary crown removed, permanent crown fitted and cemented
- Risk of temporary crown coming loose or breaking in between visits
CEREC Same Day Crown Process
- Single appointment. Same-day results
- Digital scan replaces messy traditional impressions
- Crown designed, milled, and placed, all in our Champaign office
- No temporary crown needed
- No lab wait time
- Leave with your permanent restoration the same day
Both options produce a high-quality, durable crown. CEREC simply gets you there faster, with less disruption to your schedule and fewer steps between you and a fully restored smile.
Why Wait Weeks When You Can Be Done Today?
If you've been putting off a crown because you dread the process, CEREC changes the picture entirely. One appointment. A permanent, custom crown that looks and feels completely natural. At W. Eric Martin, DDS, PC in Champaign, IL, we've invested in this technology because we believe your time is valuable and because better technology leads to better care. Call or request an appointment online and we'll get you taken care of.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Same Day CEREC Crowns
How long does a CEREC crown appointment take?
Most CEREC crown appointments are completed in a single visit, allowing you to receive your custom crown without the need for a temporary restoration or a return appointment. While the length of the visit can vary based on your individual needs and the complexity of the procedure, you'll leave with your permanent crown placed and ready to use.
Are CEREC crowns as strong and durable as traditional crowns?
Yes. CEREC crowns are milled from high-quality dental ceramic that is both strong and durable. With proper care — regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits — a CEREC crown can last 10 to 15 years or more, comparable to traditionally manufactured crowns.
Do CEREC crowns look natural?
Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of CEREC ceramic crowns is their natural appearance. The ceramic material closely mimics the translucency and color of natural tooth enamel, and we custom-shade each crown to match your surrounding teeth. Most people won't be able to tell the difference between your crown and your natural teeth.
Is the CEREC process painful?
No. The tooth preparation step is performed under local anesthetic, so you'll be comfortable throughout. Some mild sensitivity in the area for a day or two after placement is normal and typically resolves quickly.
Does insurance cover CEREC crowns?
Most dental insurance plans that cover traditional crowns will also cover CEREC crowns, as the clinical outcome is the same. Coverage varies by plan, so our team will verify your benefits before your appointment and walk you through any out-of-pocket costs. We also offer CareCredit financing for patients who need flexible payment options.
Can any tooth be restored with a CEREC crown?
CEREC is suitable for most crown restorations, but not every clinical situation. During your exam, we'll assess the tooth and let you know whether a same-day CEREC crown is the right choice for your specific case. If it is, we can often complete the procedure the same day.
What should I do if my existing crown is damaged or failing?
Call us as soon as possible. A damaged or failing crown can leave the underlying tooth vulnerable to further decay or fracture. We'll evaluate the situation and determine the best course of action — which may include replacing it with a new CEREC crown in a single visit.
How do I care for my CEREC crown?
Care for your CEREC crown the same way you care for your natural teeth — brush twice daily, floss regularly, and come in for routine cleanings and checkups. Avoid chewing on very hard objects like ice or hard candy, and if you grind your teeth at night, let us know — a nightguard can help protect both your crown and your natural teeth.
