Improve your smile with dental crowns in Port St. Lucie, Florida
Same Day Dental Crowns in Port St. Lucie, Florida
Get your custom crown designed, created, and placed in just one visit with CEREC technology
Quick Answer
Yes! Same-day dental crowns are available in Port St. Lucie using CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology. This advanced system creates custom porcelain crowns in a single 2-3 hour appointment, eliminating the need for temporary crowns, multiple visits, and messy impressions. Cost is comparable to traditional crowns at $800-$1,500 per tooth.
Key Benefit: Walk in with a damaged tooth, walk out with a permanent, custom-fitted crown the same day—no temporary crown, no second appointment, no waiting two weeks for a lab.
What is CEREC Technology?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It's a sophisticated CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) system that allows dentists to design, create, and place high-quality ceramic dental restorations in a single appointment.
The Technology
- Developed: 1980s in Switzerland
- FDA Approved: 1987
- Systems worldwide: 60,000+
- Crowns placed: 30+ million
- Success rate: 95%+ over 10 years
Key Components
- 3D digital camera/scanner
- Advanced design software
- Precision milling machine
- Ceramic block materials
- Polishing/finishing station
What Makes CEREC Special?
Traditional crown procedures require two visits spanning 2-3 weeks, temporary crowns, and messy impression putty. CEREC eliminates all of this by bringing the entire crown fabrication process into the dental office. According to the American Dental Association, CAD/CAM restorations demonstrate excellent clinical performance and longevity.
The ceramic materials used in CEREC crowns are biocompatible, durable, and closely mimic natural tooth structure in both appearance and strength.
How Same-Day Crowns Work: The Complete Process
From tooth preparation to final placement, the entire same-day crown procedure typically takes 2-3 hours. Here's exactly what happens during your single appointment.
Examination & Preparation (30-45 minutes)
Your dentist examines the damaged tooth, administers local anesthesia for comfort, and removes any decay. The tooth is then carefully shaped to accommodate the crown—removing just enough structure to create space for the restoration while preserving as much natural tooth as possible.
What's different: No messy impression putty! Just digital scanning.
Digital Scanning (5-10 minutes)
A small 3D camera captures high-resolution digital images of your prepared tooth from multiple angles. The scanner creates an incredibly accurate 3D model of your tooth, surrounding teeth, and bite relationship. This digital impression is far more precise than traditional impressions and much more comfortable for patients.
Patient experience: No gagging, no bad taste, no waiting with putty in your mouth.
Crown Design (10-15 minutes)
Using sophisticated CAD software, your dentist designs your custom crown on a computer screen. The software analyzes your bite, adjacent teeth, and opposing teeth to create a crown with perfect anatomy, contours, and contacts. You can often watch this process and provide input on the design.
Precision: Design accurate to within 25 microns (thinner than a human hair).
Crown Milling (10-20 minutes)
The design is sent to an in-office milling machine that carves your crown from a solid block of dental ceramic. The machine uses diamond-coated burs to sculpt the crown with incredible precision. You can relax in the chair, watch TV, or observe the milling process through a window.
Material options: Various ceramic blocks matched to your natural tooth color.
Finishing & Characterization (15-20 minutes)
Once milled, your crown is polished, stained, and glazed to match the exact color and translucency of your natural teeth. The dentist may add surface characterizations like subtle grooves or staining to make it indistinguishable from your other teeth.
Aesthetics: Custom shading creates natural-looking results.
Placement & Bonding (15-30 minutes)
Your new crown is tried in to check fit, bite, and appearance. Any necessary adjustments are made immediately. Once perfect, the crown is permanently bonded to your tooth using dental cement. Your bite is verified, and you're done—with a permanent restoration in place.
Immediate function: You can eat normally later the same day (once anesthesia wears off).
Total Time: 2-3 Hours
The entire process from start to finish takes place in one appointment. No temporary crown, no second visit, no waiting weeks for a lab to fabricate your crown.
Compare to traditional: Traditional crowns require 2 visits over 2-3 weeks, wearing an uncomfortable temporary crown, and the risk of the temporary falling off.
Benefits of Same-Day Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns
Same-day CEREC crowns offer numerous advantages over traditional lab-made crowns, making them an increasingly popular choice for patients and dentists alike.
Time & Convenience
- One appointment instead of two
- 2-3 hours total vs. 2-3 weeks
- No time off work for second visit
- Problem solved in single day
- Immediate smile restoration
No Temporary Crown
- Avoid uncomfortable temporary
- No risk of temporary falling off
- No dietary restrictions for weeks
- No sensitivity from exposed tooth
- No emergency visits for loose temp
Superior Comfort
- Digital impressions (no putty)
- No gagging on impression material
- More accurate fit means less adjustment
- Less chair time overall
- Only one numbing session
Exceptional Precision
- Accurate to within 25 microns
- Better marginal fit than impressions
- Reduced risk of decay under crown
- Perfect contact with adjacent teeth
- Optimal bite alignment
High-Quality Materials
- Solid ceramic blocks (no metal)
- Biocompatible materials
- Excellent aesthetics and strength
- Natural translucency like real teeth
- Stain-resistant surface
Cost Effective
- Comparable cost to traditional
- No additional lab fees
- Save on second appointment copay
- Less time off work = less lost wages
- No emergency visits for failed temp
Clinical Success
Research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association shows CEREC crowns have success rates comparable to or better than traditional crowns, with studies demonstrating 90-95% survival rates at 10 years.
The all-ceramic construction eliminates concerns about metal allergies, gum discoloration from metal margins, and provides superior aesthetics especially for front teeth.
Cost of Same-Day Crowns in Port St. Lucie
One of the most common questions patients ask is whether same-day crowns cost more than traditional crowns. The good news: pricing is typically comparable.
| Crown Type | Port St. Lucie Cost | Number of Visits | Treatment Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEREC Same-Day Crown | $800-$1,500 | 1 visit | 2-3 hours |
| Traditional Porcelain Crown | $800-$1,500 | 2 visits | 2-3 weeks |
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal | $800-$1,200 | 2 visits | 2-3 weeks |
| Gold Crown | $900-$1,600 | 2 visits | 2-3 weeks |
Insurance Coverage
Most dental insurance plans cover CEREC crowns at the same rate as traditional crowns, typically:
- 50% – Major restorative procedures
- Your cost: $400-$750 after insurance
- Annual maximum: $1,000-$2,000
- No extra charge for same-day benefit
Always verify coverage with your insurance provider before treatment.
Payment Options
For uninsured patients or remaining balances:
- Cash payment discounts (10-20%)
- CareCredit 0% financing (6-24 months)
- In-house payment plans available
- HSA/FSA accepted
Don't let cost prevent necessary treatment—flexible options available.
Hidden Savings of Same-Day Crowns
Beyond the comparable crown cost, same-day crowns save money in other ways:
- ✓ No second appointment copay ($25-$50)
- ✓ No temporary crown fee (often $50-$100)
- ✓ No time off work for second visit
- ✓ No gas/parking for second trip
- ✓ No risk of temporary crown issues requiring emergency visit
- ✓ Less stress and inconvenience
- ✓ Faster return to normal eating
- ✓ No childcare needed for second appointment
Who’s a Good Candidate for Same-Day Crowns?
While CEREC technology offers tremendous advantages, it's not suitable for every situation. Here's how to know if same-day crowns are right for you.
Ideal Candidates
-
Single tooth restoration
Need one crown on front or back tooth
-
Busy professionals
Can't take multiple days off work
-
Dental anxiety patients
Prefer to complete treatment in one visit
-
Want to avoid temporaries
Dislike wearing temporary crowns
-
Cracked or broken tooth
Need immediate restoration
-
Failed previous crown
Replacement needed quickly
May Need Traditional Crown
-
Multiple connected crowns (bridges)
Complex multi-unit restorations
-
Extreme aesthetics required
Very visible front teeth needing perfect match
-
Complex bite issues
Severe malocclusion requiring extensive work
-
Metal allergy concerns
Actually perfect for CEREC (all-ceramic)!
-
Cannot sit for 2-3 hours
Physical limitations preventing long appointments
-
Insufficient tooth structure
May need build-up or post-and-core first
Consultation is Key
The best way to determine if you're a candidate for same-day crowns is to schedule a consultation with a CEREC-trained dentist. They'll evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best restoration option for your needs.
Many offices offer free consultations where you can see the CEREC equipment, understand the process, and make an informed decision about your dental care.
Same-Day CEREC vs. Traditional Lab Crowns: Side-by-Side
| Feature | CEREC Same-Day | Traditional Lab Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Appointments | 1 | 2 |
| Treatment Timeline | 2-3 hours | 2-3 weeks |
| Temporary Crown | Not needed | Required |
| Impression Method | Digital scan | Putty molds |
| Material | All-ceramic | Porcelain, PFM, or gold |
| Fabrication Location | In-office | Off-site lab |
| Precision | 25 microns | 50-100 microns |
| Patient Comfort | High | Moderate |
| Cost | $800-$1,500 | $800-$1,500 |
| Longevity | 15-25 years | 15-25 years |
| Success Rate | 90-95% at 10 years | 90-95% at 10 years |
The Verdict
For most patients needing a single crown, CEREC same-day crowns offer superior convenience and comfort with equivalent or better outcomes compared to traditional lab crowns—at the same price. The only scenarios where traditional lab crowns might be preferred are complex multi-unit bridges or cases requiring extremely specialized aesthetics.
Same-Day Dental Crowns in Port St. Lucie
At St. Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we're proud to offer state-of-the-art CEREC same-day crown technology to our Port St. Lucie patients. Experience the convenience of walking in with a damaged tooth and leaving the same day with a beautiful, permanent restoration.
Our CEREC Advantages
- Latest CEREC technology
- Experienced CEREC-trained dentists
- Competitive pricing ($800-$1,500)
- Same-day emergency appointments available
- Most insurance plans accepted
- Flexible financing options
What We Treat
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Large cavities needing crowns
- Root canal-treated teeth
- Worn or damaged teeth
- Failed existing crowns
- Cosmetic improvements
Schedule Your Same-Day Crown Appointment
Ready to restore your smile in just one visit? Contact us today to schedule a consultation or same-day crown appointment. We'll evaluate your tooth, discuss your options, and can often complete your crown the same day if you choose CEREC.
What to Expect:
- ✓ Free consultation available
- ✓ Digital scanning (no putty!)
- ✓ Watch your crown being made
- ✓ Leave with permanent crown
We Make It Easy:
- ✓ Flexible appointment times
- ✓ Insurance verification
- ✓ Payment plans available
- ✓ Comfortable, modern facility
Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | 1806 SW Biltmore Street, Port St. Lucie, FL 34984
Ask about our same-day crown special pricing!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a same-day crown really take?
The entire process from tooth preparation to final crown placement takes approximately 2-3 hours in a single appointment. This includes prep work (30-45 min), digital scanning (5-10 min), crown design (10-15 min), milling (10-20 min), finishing (15-20 min), and placement (15-30 min).
Are CEREC crowns as strong as traditional crowns?
Yes. CEREC crowns are made from high-quality dental ceramics with flexural strength comparable to traditional lab-made porcelain crowns. Clinical studies show 90-95% success rates at 10 years, matching or exceeding traditional crown longevity. The all-ceramic construction also eliminates issues with metal allergies or gum discoloration.
Do same-day crowns cost more than traditional crowns?
No. CEREC same-day crowns typically cost the same as traditional lab-made crowns ($800-$1,500 in Port St. Lucie). You're not charged extra for the convenience of same-day service. In fact, you may save money by avoiding a second appointment copay and the cost of a temporary crown.
Does insurance cover CEREC same-day crowns?
Yes. Most dental insurance plans cover CEREC crowns at the same rate as traditional crowns, typically 50% of the cost under major restorative procedures. Insurance companies consider them equivalent treatments and don't penalize the same-day technology. Always verify your specific coverage before treatment.
Can CEREC crowns be used on front teeth?
Absolutely! CEREC all-ceramic crowns are actually ideal for front teeth because they offer superior aesthetics with natural translucency and no metal showing at the gum line. The dentist can shade and characterize the crown to perfectly match your surrounding teeth. However, for cases requiring extremely complex aesthetics, traditional lab crowns with master ceramist work may still be preferred.
What’s the difference between CEREC and other same-day crown systems?
CEREC is the most established and researched same-day crown system with over 30 years of clinical data. Other systems like E4D or Planmeca also offer same-day crowns using similar CAD/CAM technology. The quality and outcomes are comparable—what matters most is the dentist's skill and experience with whichever system they use.
How long do CEREC crowns last?
With proper care, CEREC crowns typically last 15-25 years or longer. Their longevity depends on factors like oral hygiene, grinding habits, the tooth's location, and regular dental checkups. Studies show survival rates of 90-95% at 10 years, which is comparable to or better than traditional crowns.
Can I get multiple crowns done in one day?
It depends on the situation. Some offices can complete 2-3 individual crowns in one extended appointment. However, if you need many crowns or have complex dental work, it may be better to schedule multiple same-day appointments. Discuss your specific needs with your dentist to create the best treatment plan.
