CEREC Same-Day Crowns: How They Work and What to Expect

CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is a CAD/CAM system that allows dentists and prosthodontists to design and mill ceramic dental restorations in a single appointment. Instead of taking a traditional impression and waiting 2 to 3 weeks for a lab-made crown, the tooth is scanned digitally, the restoration is designed on a computer, and a milling machine carves the crown from a ceramic block in about 15 minutes. The entire process takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours.

2 min readMedically reviewed contentLast updated March 26, 2026

Key Takeaways

CEREC crowns are designed and milled in one appointment, eliminating the need for a temporary crown.
A digital scan replaces the traditional putty impression for greater comfort and accuracy.
The crown is milled from a solid block of ceramic material in about 15 minutes.
CEREC crowns are made from high-quality dental ceramics that closely match natural tooth color.
Studies show CEREC crowns have survival rates comparable to traditional lab-made crowns.
The cost is typically the same as a traditional crown ($800 to $2,000), though some providers charge a small premium.

Understanding CEREC Same-Day Crowns

Advances in dental technology continue to improve the precision, comfort, and outcomes of dental treatment. Patients benefit from these technologies through more accurate diagnoses, less invasive procedures, and faster recovery times.

Clinical Applications

This technology is used across multiple dental specialties. Your dental specialist can explain how it applies to your specific treatment plan and whether it is available at their practice.

Not all dental offices have the same equipment, so if a specific technology is important to you, ask about it when scheduling your consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is cerec same day crowns?

Is this technology safe?

Yes. All dental technologies in clinical use have undergone rigorous testing and regulatory approval. Your dental specialist is trained in the proper use of these instruments and follows established safety protocols.

Does this technology cost extra?

In most cases, the cost of technology is built into the overall treatment fee rather than charged separately. Some advanced imaging (like CBCT scans) may have a separate fee. Ask your provider for a detailed cost breakdown.

Do all dental offices have this technology?

Not all offices have the same equipment. Specialty practices tend to have more advanced technology than general dental offices. If a specific technology is important for your treatment, ask about availability when scheduling.

Does insurance cover treatments using this technology?

Insurance covers the dental procedure itself, not the specific technology used. Whether you receive a crown made with CAD/CAM or traditional methods, the insurance coverage is the same for the crown procedure.

How do I know if I need this technology for my treatment?

Your dental specialist will recommend the appropriate technology based on your specific diagnosis and treatment plan. During your consultation, ask about the technology that will be used and how it benefits your particular case.