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Waiting weeks for a dental crown, wearing a temporary one that doesn’t quite fit, and juggling multiple appointments—it’s enough to make anyone put off treatment.
That’s why more patients are choosing CEREC crowns, a same-day solution that saves time without cutting corners.
This guide is here to walk you through the full process—how it works, who it’s for, what to expect, and why it’s quickly becoming one of the most convenient ways to restore a tooth.
You’ll also learn where you can get expert same-day care in Norwalk, Iowa from a team patients trust: Dimples Family Dentistry.
So if you’re wondering whether there’s a faster, more comfortable way to get a crown, you’re in the right place. Let’s take a closer look at what makes CEREC a smarter option for today’s dental patients.
The CEREC crown procedure is designed to keep things simple and patient-friendly from the moment you sit down.
Instead of a multi-step treatment stretched over several visits, this process is handled in one continuous appointment—with everything done right in the office.
Here’s how it typically works:
1️⃣ Digital Scan
Your dentist starts by scanning your tooth using a small, handheld camera. It creates a detailed 3D image of your mouth—no sticky impressions or uncomfortable trays needed.
2️⃣ Custom Design
That scan is used to design a crown that’s shaped to fit your bite and match the look of your natural teeth. You can even see a preview of it on screen before it’s made.
3️⃣ In-House Milling
Once the design is finalized, the crown is carved from a block of ceramic using a precise milling machine, usually within 15 to 20 minutes.
4️⃣ Fitting and Bonding
The dentist checks the fit, makes any final adjustments, and bonds the crown to your tooth. After a quick polish, it’s ready to go.
From scan to placement, most CEREC crown procedures take under two hours. And because the entire process happens during your visit, it’s more streamlined—no back-and-forths or outsourcing.
The benefits of CEREC crowns often go beyond what patients expect walking in. It’s not just about saving time—it’s about the way it fits into your life, both during and after treatment.
Here’s what patients tend to notice most:
You’re not trying to remember if your temp crown is still intact, or planning another visit weeks later. For many patients, it’s one and done—which means fewer interruptions to your routine.
Because everything is done digitally and in one visit, dentists can fine-tune your crown immediately. You don’t need to return just to adjust the bite or fit later on.
When a crown is made off-site, there’s always a chance it won’t fit quite right. With CEREC, everything is scanned, designed, and milled in-house—so you get more control and less surprise.
No follow-up, no extra scheduling, no awkward temporaries to baby. The final crown is in place, and the problem tooth is no longer on your mental to-do list.
CEREC crowns offer a long list of advantages—but like any dental treatment, they’re not the perfect fit for every situation. Being aware of a few key limitations can help you make a more informed decision.
That said, most of these drawbacks come with a simple workaround—or don’t apply at all, depending on your needs.
While CEREC crowns are ideal for many situations, they’re not always the best choice for back teeth that require added strength—especially if you grind your teeth or need extra reinforcement.
Solution: Your dentist may recommend a different crown material for high-stress teeth, like those made with a metal core. For most visible or moderately used teeth, CEREC still offers excellent durability.
In some cases, CEREC crowns may have a higher up-front cost than traditional crowns—depending on your provider, insurance, and location.
Context: Because you’re only paying for one visit and no lab fees, the total cost often balances out. And for many patients, the time saved is more than worth it.
If a CEREC crown ever chips or needs adjustment down the road, not every dental office has the equipment to work on it directly.
Solution: That’s why it’s helpful to have your crown made by a provider who offers full-service in-office support—like Dimples Family Dentistry in Norwalk, IA.
While CEREC crowns may not suit every case, for most patients looking for a fast, custom-made restoration that feels natural and fits perfectly—they’re an ideal match.
By now, you’ve seen how CEREC crowns stand out for speed and convenience—but they’re not always the best fit for every situation.
The best choice for you depends on your lifestyle, your dental needs, and even your priorities.
Here’s how to think it through:
👉 You want everything done in one visit—no follow-ups, no temporaries
👉 You value comfort and would rather skip the traditional impressions
👉 You care about aesthetics and want a crown that blends in naturally
👉 You have a tight schedule and don’t want to miss multiple days of work or school
👉 You like the idea of seeing your crown design come together in real time
👉 You need added durability for a molar under heavy bite pressure
👉 You have specific insurance coverage that favors lab-made crowns
👉 Your dentist recommends a particular material not available in CEREC systems
👉 You’re already having other dental work done that’s staged over multiple visits
If you’re unsure, your dentist can walk you through both options—what each one involves, how they’ll look, and what’s best based on your specific case.
At Dimples Family Dentistry in Norwalk, we offer both traditional and CEREC crowns so you’re never limited to just one choice.
The goal is always the same: a crown that protects your tooth, looks natural, and fits like it belongs.
One of the most common questions patients ask is: How long do CEREC crowns last?
The short answer: 10 to 15 years on average, but many last even longer with the right care.
While CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic that’s strong and durable, their lifespan—just like natural teeth—depends on how you treat them day to day.
✅ Brush and floss like normal
Just because it’s a crown doesn’t mean you can skip brushing around it. Floss gently at the margins to keep the gums healthy and prevent buildup around the edges.
✅ Avoid chewing on hard objects
Ice, pens, fingernails, and even hard candy can damage both crowns and natural teeth. Being mindful helps protect your investment.
✅ Watch for grinding or clenching
If you grind your teeth at night (even unknowingly), your dentist may recommend a nightguard to prevent long-term wear on your crown.
✅Schedule regular checkups
Your dentist will keep an eye on the crown’s integrity and your bite. Catching every minor issues early can help you avoid replacements or repairs later on.
If you’ve been putting off dental work because of time, discomfort, or the hassle of multiple appointments, CEREC crowns might be the solution you didn’t know you were looking for.
At Dimples Family Dentistry in Norwalk, IA, we offer same-day CEREC restorations using state-of-the-art digital technology—so you can get back to smiling with confidence, often in just a single visit.
What sets us apart isn’t just the technology—it’s the way we use it. Our team takes the time to get every detail right, ensuring that your new crown fits comfortably, looks natural, and supports your long-term dental health.
We’ve helped countless patients restore damaged or worn teeth with CEREC crowns that look great and hold up beautifully over time. Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth or replacing an old restoration, we’re here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Dimples Family Dentistry proudly offers CEREC crowns right here in Norwalk—no temporary crowns, no waiting. Just fast, personalized results from a team that puts your comfort first.
Dr. Roos was raised in West Des Moines, IA. He attended Valley High School and went to college at Luther College in Decorah, IA. He graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 2004. He has attended numerous post-graduate courses in endodontics and orthodontics. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Iowa Dental Association, and the American Orthodontic Society.
Dr. Roos is married to his wife Sara and they have 6 children. He enjoys spending time with his wife and children, gardening, landscaping, and farming with his cousin on their family farms in Avoca, IA.
I've been seeing Dr. Ethan Roos at Dimples Dentistry for over 5 years and have always been happy with the care I've received here. The staff has always been very welcoming, as if you are part of the family. I highly recommend!!
Called Dimples and wish I called them first. Their receptionist was SO kind and SO helpful. Even offered to call to have my records sent to them in hopes to save me some money from doing x rays again. She was nothing but sweet! Got me scheduled within 2 days. Went above and beyond and was kind when I arrived.
Dr. Roos and his staff are incredibly professional, kind, and knowledgeable. Their pricing is also extremely reasonable, even for those without insurance. We had an excellent experience with a dental emergency exam; they also had availability to fit us in for a routine exam and cleaning after the emergency exam.