A crowning achievement: Truly custom, cosmetic, convenient, and quality dental crowns

Dental crowns play an important role at many dentists’ offices, including “yours truly” at Advanced Dental of Aliso Viejo, California. There are many reasons for crowns’ popularity, including their versatility. They are just as adept at strengthening weak or damaged teeth as they are at enhancing smiles to correct big “cosmetic cases” or severely misshapen, stained, and cosmetically imperfect teeth.

Crowns 101

Crowns are designed to fit on top of a weak, damaged, or misshapen tooth. They are also designed to replace teeth as part of a dental bridge or dental implant. The crown itself may be made from a variety of different materials, including ceramics such as porcelain or zirconia. While ceramics sound like they would be brittle, today’s high-performance materials blend natural aesthetics and incredible durability or strength. That said, no two treatment plans are the same because no two patients are exactly alike. So, Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula will discuss potential options with you based on factors such as:

  • The location of the troubled tooth
  • The function of the tooth
  • Your “bite”
  • Your overall health
  • Your personal preferences, goals

Real Patients, Real Results Before and After Images of Patients

Before and after - 01

Porcelain Crowns (Caps)

Before: Patient needs Upper Arch Rehabilitation. Presents with Upper Anterior teeth that are stained, incisal edges (tooth edge) are worn down and chipped, and gumline recession is present.

After: Smile restored with placement of 8 Upper All Porcelain Crowns (Caps). Gumline and incisal edges are now uniform. Patient now has longer, better shaped teeth to enhance the smile line and aid in chewing/biting function.

Before and after - 02

Porcelain Crowns (Caps)

Before: Patient has 4 Upper Anterior Crowns (caps) that are poor in color and shape.

After: Smile restored and enhanced with 4 Upper Anterior All Porcelain Crowns. The color/shade matches the patient's natural enamel and the two Central Incisors were lengthened to create a more natural smile.

Crowns – the versatile solution to strengthen weak teeth and enhance smiles

Crowns are a popular and versatile tooth restoration method. They are adept at strengthening weak or damaged teeth and enhancing smiles to correct major “cosmetic cases” or severely misshapen, stained, and cosmetically imperfect teeth.
Would you like to discover if crowns are the right solution for your dental concerns? If you live in Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, or the surrounding communities in California, contact us today.

Strengthen Weak Teeth

Durable, Long-Lasting Care

Improve Tooth Appearance

Whiter, Confident Teeth

CEREC Dental Crowns FAQs

What are CEREC dental crowns, and how do they differ from traditional crowns?

CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. CEREC dental crowns are developed, crafted, and fitted during one appointment with the aid of computer-aided design and manufacturing technology.Traditional crowns typically require two appointments, impressions sent to an outside lab, and a temporary crown worn in between visits. With CEREC, patients save time and avoid the inconvenience of temporary restorations while still receiving a precise, custom-made crown.

What materials are used in CEREC dental crowns, and are they durable?

CEREC crowns are commonly made from advanced ceramic materials such as porcelain or zirconia. While ceramics were once thought to be fragile, modern dental ceramics are engineered for strength and durability. These materials are designed to withstand daily biting and chewing forces while also closely mimicking the natural translucency and color of real teeth.

What is the process for getting a CEREC dental crown at Advanced Dental?

The process begins with an exam and consultation with Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula to determine whether a crown is the best solution. Any damaged or decayed tooth structure is removed, and the tooth is reshaped to prepare it for the crown. A digital scan is then taken instead of traditional impressions. Using in-house CEREC technology, the crown is designed, milled, refined, and placed during the same appointment, allowing patients to leave with a permanent restoration.

Who is a good candidate for CEREC dental crowns?

Patients with damaged, weakened, fractured, or cosmetically compromised teeth may be good candidates for CEREC crowns. Dr. Tiruveedula considers several factors, including the location of the tooth, bite function, overall oral health, and patient preferences. CEREC crowns can address both functional concerns, such as protecting a weakened tooth, and cosmetic goals, such as improving the shape or color of a tooth.

How long do CEREC dental crowns last, and how should they be maintained?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, CEREC crowns can last many years. Daily brushing and flossing help protect the crowned tooth and surrounding gums. Routine exams allow the dentist to monitor the crown’s condition and bite alignment.

Are there any limitations or risks associated with CEREC dental crowns?

CEREC crowns are suitable for many situations, but they may not be ideal for every tooth or condition. Extremely large restorations or certain bite patterns may require alternative materials or approaches. As with any dental procedure, minor risks exist, but thorough evaluation and precise planning help minimize complications and ensure predictable results.

How accurate is the fit of a CEREC crown compared to traditional crowns?

Digital scanning and computer-guided design allow for highly precise crown fabrication. This technology reduces the margin for error that can occur with traditional impressions. A precise fit helps improve comfort, protect the underlying tooth, and support long-term oral health by minimizing gaps where bacteria could accumulate.

Do CEREC crowns look natural once they are placed?

CEREC crowns are carefully designed to match the color, shape, and contours of surrounding teeth. Advanced ceramics reflect light in a way similar to natural enamel, allowing the crown to blend seamlessly into the smile. Adjustments can be made during the same visit to refine aesthetics and ensure a natural appearance.

Is getting a same-day crown comfortable for patients?

Yes, the CEREC process is designed with patient comfort in mind. Digital scans eliminate the need for traditional impression materials, which some patients find uncomfortable. Completing the entire process in one visit also reduces overall chair time and avoids sensitivity associated with temporary crowns.

What are the benefits of choosing Advanced Dental for CEREC dental crowns?

At Advanced Dental, patients benefit from advanced technology, in-house crown fabrication, and personalized care. Dr. Tiruveedula focuses on precision, efficiency, and long-term success while maintaining a relationship-based approach. This combination allows patients to enjoy the convenience of same-day crowns without compromising quality or comfort.

Getting the royal treatment

The first step in the dental crown process is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tiruveedula. If she determines you would benefit from a crown, any decay or damaged tissue is removed. The remaining tooth structure is then reshaped so that the crown can fit on top of the tooth precisely. Once it is properly “prepared,” the tooth is scanned digitally, and any other information that may be necessary is collected.

True to our name, we use various diagnostic technologies to support the most precise treatment planning. The right planning also supports the most accurate fit and an appearance that blends in naturally with the rest of your smile. These technologies include CEREC, a computer-aided system that allows us to make your crown in just one visit while you wait. At other dentists’ offices in Aliso Viejo, California, and beyond, crowns must be made in two visits.

At Advanced Dental, crowns are made in one visit because we have an in-house lab. Dr. Tiruveedula uses special software and on-site equipment to design, make, refine, and place your permanent crown in one appointment. This eliminates the need for a return trip and the need for a fragile temporary crown, which is usually applied to protect the prepared tooth, while an outside lab makes the permanent restoration.

Experience our relationship-based approach to advanced dentistry for yourself! Schedule a consultation today by calling (949) 289-9993.

Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula

Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula

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Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years. After advanced training at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, she relocated to Orange County, CA in 2015. Dr. Chitra is a member of the American Dental Association and California Dental Association. Committed to continuous education, she provides top-quality dental services using the latest advancements.

Dr. Joseph C. Yang

Dr. Joseph C. Yang

Dr. Joseph C. Yang has over 30 years of dental practice experience. He earned his B.S. from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and his D.D.S. from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He then had a distinguished 30-year career as a U.S. Naval Dental Officer, including a residency in Periodontology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Yang is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a member of the American Dental Association and American Academy of Periodontology. As a board-certified Periodontist, he has performed thousands of successful periodontal and implant procedures. He is also a renowned lecturer and trainer in the latest implant and periodontal techniques worldwide.