Restoring a damaged or weakened tooth doesn’t have to take multiple visits. At Skale Dental Professionals in Northbrook, IL, we offer CEREC same-day crowns — an innovative solution that allows us to design, create, and place custom dental crowns in just one appointment. Using advanced digital imaging and in-office milling technology, we craft precise, durable restorations that look and feel completely natural. Whether your tooth is cracked, worn, or severely decayed, our same-day crowns restore your smile’s strength, appearance, and function without the wait.
When Dental Crowns Are Needed To Restore Strength
Dental crowns are one of the most versatile and effective restorative treatments in modern dentistry. They serve as a protective “cap” that completely covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength. Crowns are also used to enhance the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth, providing both aesthetic and functional improvements. You may need a dental crown if you have:
- A cracked or fractured tooth.
- A tooth weakened by a large filling or extensive decay.
- A tooth following root canal therapy.
- Significant enamel wear caused by grinding or erosion.
- A dental implant that requires a restoration.
By encasing the entire visible portion of the tooth, crowns help distribute bite forces evenly, prevent further damage, and restore your ability to chew comfortably. At Skale Dental Professionals, we design every crown with precision to ensure a perfect fit and natural appearance.
How CEREC® Same-Day Crowns Save Time
Traditional crowns typically require two or more visits — one for tooth preparation and impressions, and another for placement after the crown is fabricated in an outside lab. With CEREC same-day crowns, this entire process is completed in a single appointment.
CEREC, which stands for chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics, uses advanced computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to create high-quality crowns right in our office. This means no messy impressions, temporary crowns, or waiting weeks for your permanent restoration. Advantages of same-day crowns include:
- Convenience: Completed in one visit, saving you time and reducing multiple appointments.
- Precision: Digital scans ensure an exact fit and comfortable bite.
- Aesthetic excellence: The ceramic material closely mimics natural enamel.
- Durability: CEREC crowns are designed to withstand everyday wear and tear.
- No temporary crowns: Your final restoration is ready immediately, eliminating the need for a temporary solution.
This streamlined technology provides the perfect balance of speed, comfort, and quality — giving you a beautifully restored smile in just one day.
The Process Of Designing & Placing Custom Crowns
Getting a CEREC same-day crown is simple, comfortable, and efficient. Our advanced system allows us to create a restoration that’s custom-fit to your unique tooth shape and bite. Here’s what to expect during your appointment:
- Digital scanning: We use a 3D digital scanner to capture highly accurate images of your teeth — no messy impressions required.
- Tooth preparation: The damaged or decayed areas are removed, and the tooth is shaped to ensure a secure fit for the crown.
- Digital design: The 3D model of your crown is created using CAD software, allowing for precise customization of its shape, size, and color.
- In-office milling: The crown is carved from a solid block of ceramic using our on-site milling machine in about 15–20 minutes.
- Finishing and placement: Once milled, the crown is polished, shaded to match your natural teeth, and permanently bonded in place.
The entire process typically takes about two hours, allowing you to leave with a fully restored tooth and renewed confidence the same day.
Choosing Between Porcelain, Zirconia & Metal Options
At Skale Dental Professionals, we believe your restoration should meet both your functional needs and aesthetic goals. That’s why we offer several materials for crown fabrication, each with unique benefits depending on the tooth’s location and purpose.
Porcelain crowns: Best for front teeth, porcelain offers the most natural-looking results, closely mimicking the color and translucency of enamel.
Zirconia crowns: Known for exceptional durability, zirconia crowns are ideal for back teeth that endure heavy chewing pressure. They are also metal-free and biocompatible, making them a great choice for patients with sensitivities.
Metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: These provide strong, long-lasting results but are less commonly used today due to their appearance.
Our team will discuss your options and help you choose the material that best fits your needs, ensuring both strength and beauty in your final restoration.
Caring For Your Crown To Ensure Lasting Durability
With proper care, your same-day crown can last for many years while maintaining its function and luster. Like your natural teeth, crowns require regular maintenance and healthy habits to stay in top condition. Tips for caring for your crown include:
- Brush and floss daily: Keep the area around your crown clean to prevent plaque buildup.
- Avoid chewing hard objects: Ice, pens, or hard candies can chip or damage your crown.
- Use a nightguard if needed: Protect your crown from grinding or clenching during sleep.
- Schedule routine check-ups: Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor your restoration and surrounding gum health.
- Limit staining foods and drinks: While ceramic is stain-resistant, avoiding excessive coffee, tea, and red wine keeps your smile bright.
By maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting our office regularly, you can extend the life of your crown and keep your restored tooth healthy and strong.
Restore Strength & Confidence In
Just One Visit
There’s no need to wait weeks for a strong, beautiful smile. At Skale Dental Professionals in Northbrook, IL, our CEREC same-day crowns combine convenience, technology, and artistry to deliver flawless results in a single visit. Each crown is custom-designed to match your natural teeth perfectly, providing long-lasting protection and comfort.
If you have a damaged, worn, or weakened tooth, same-day crowns offer a fast, effective solution that fits your schedule and your lifestyle. Schedule your appointment today to experience modern, one-visit dentistry at its best. At Skale Dental Professionals, we restore smiles beautifully — and efficiently.