Lab-created cosmetic restorations such as porcelain veneers and dental crowns are made of materials that naturally resist staining. When properly cared for through brushing and professional cleanings, some restorations can maintain their bright and stain-free appearance for several years. The stain resistance of lab-created restorations, combined with their incredible strength and durability, have made them an obvious choice for decades.
CEREC restorations have been shown to be just as durable as those created by a third-party. When cared for properly, in-office restorations can produce ideal strength and function to treated teeth. They can be sized, shaped, and shaded – just like lab-created restorations – to fit seamlessly into the smile. But are same-day crowns resistant to stains in the same way as crowns created offsite? Yes. And then some.
CEREC Crowns Can be Polished
One of the major drawbacks of lab-created restorations is that they cannot be polished. Once a porcelain veneer or crown has become discolored, it has to be replaced. This is not the case with CEREC restorations. In fact, in a recent study, it was shown that stains can be removed from CEREC crowns through in-office cleaning, allowing one-day restorations to retain their bright, white, and brilliant appearance long after lab-created restorations will need to be replaced.
The ability to polish CEREC crowns is a major advantage over third-party alternatives.
In the study linked above, coffee was used to discolor CEREC crowns along with other types of restorations. Surface polishing with general dentistry tools was entirely effective at removing coffee stains from the CEREC crowns, but not from the other restorations; those took on a permanently dingy, yellowish color.
Simply maintaining a strong oral healthcare routine complete with biannual office visits with Dr. Phelps can help keep your CEREC restorations attractive. These same steps are essential for ensuring your teeth and gums remain healthy, free of disease, and functionally strong for years to come.
Why Choose Dr. Phelps
Dr. John R. Phelps has been serving patients in Indianapolis for over 25 years and has earned a reputation as a trustworthy, thoughtful, attentive, and effective dentist during that time. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Phelps has received additional training in aesthetic restorations like dental crowns, inlays and onlays, and dental bridges, and takes great care in the creation and placement of each of these.
Dr. Phelps provides strong, safe, effective, stain-resistant, and affordable CEREC restorations for men and women living in Indianapolis and all surrounding areas. Call our office at 317-548-6217 to schedule a consultation and learn more.
