Same-Day Crown Technology in Wheaton, IL
Traditional crowns mean two appointments, a temporary restoration, and weeks of waiting. The CEREC system at 20/32 Dental Co. in Wheaton, IL changes everything. This advanced CAD/CAM technology lets Dr. de la Fuente digitally design, mill, and permanently bond a custom ceramic crown in a single visit — typically in about two hours. We provide CEREC same-day crowns for patients from Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, and across DuPage County.
How the CEREC System Works
CEREC integrates three technologies into one seamless workflow: digital scanning, computer-aided design, and in-office milling. Each step happens chairside, so you never leave the office without your permanent restoration.
Step 1: Digital Impression
After preparing the tooth, Dr. de la Fuente uses our intraoral scanner to capture a precise 3D model of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. There are no messy putty trays — just a quick, comfortable scan that takes a few minutes.
Step 2: On-Screen Design
The digital model is loaded into CEREC software, where Dr. de la Fuente designs the crown on screen. She adjusts the shape, contours, and contact points to ensure the restoration fits perfectly with your bite and matches the anatomy of your natural teeth.
Step 3: Chairside Milling
The approved design is sent wirelessly to our in-office milling unit. A diamond-tipped bur carves the crown from a solid block of dental-grade ceramic in approximately 10 to 15 minutes. You can watch the process happen in real time.
Step 4: Custom Staining and Glazing
The milled crown is stained and glazed to match the shade and translucency of your surrounding teeth, then fired in a small oven for final hardening. The result is a restoration that blends seamlessly with your smile.
Step 5: Permanent Bonding
Dr. de la Fuente checks the fit, bite, and aesthetics, makes any final adjustments, and permanently bonds the crown to your tooth. You leave the office with a finished restoration.
Advantages of In-Office CEREC Technology
Single-Visit Convenience
Everything happens in one appointment. There is no need for a temporary crown, no waiting for a lab, and no second visit.
No Temporary Crown
Temporary crowns can be uncomfortable, fall off, and leave the prepared tooth vulnerable. CEREC eliminates the temporary entirely.
Precise Digital Workflow
Every step — from the digital scan to the final design — is controlled digitally, resulting in a level of precision that matches or exceeds traditional methods.
High-Quality Ceramic
CEREC blocks are made from materials like lithium disilicate and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate, which are strong, biocompatible, and closely mimic the appearance of natural tooth enamel.
Less Chair Time Overall
Even though the crown is made the same day, the total time in the chair is comparable to a single traditional crown appointment — and you avoid the time and inconvenience of a second visit entirely.
When CEREC Is the Right Choice
Same-day crowns are ideal for:
- Teeth weakened by large fillings or decay
- Cracked or fractured teeth that need full coverage
- Teeth restored after root canal therapy
- Cosmetic improvement of misshapen teeth
- Patients with busy schedules who prefer to minimize office visits
For more details on the clinical application, visit our Same-Day Crown service page.
Frequently Asked Questions About CEREC Technology
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It is a computer-aided design and manufacturing system that allows dentists to create custom ceramic restorations in a single appointment.
CEREC crowns are milled from solid blocks of high-strength dental ceramic. They are comparable in durability and longevity to traditional lab-fabricated crowns and are designed to withstand normal biting and chewing forces for many years.
Yes. The CEREC system can also produce inlays, onlays, and veneers. Any restoration that can be milled from a ceramic block is a candidate for same-day fabrication.
Most dental insurance plans cover CEREC crowns at the same rate as traditional crowns since the material and clinical outcome are equivalent. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment.
Your Crown — Complete in One Visit
No temporaries, no second appointment. Experience the convenience of same-day crown technology at our Wheaton, IL office.
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