How Much Does a CEREC Crown Cost?
The price of a CEREC crown varies based on your individual circumstances‚ but knowing the price range or potential cost beforehand can help you prepare for your treatment․ CEREC‚ short for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics‚ is a process through which your dentist can design‚ build and place a customized crown in one treatment using state-of-the-art digital technology․ While convenient‚ this advanced approach can increase the cost compared to a traditional crown․
In general‚ a CEREC crown can cost between $1‚000 and $2‚500 per tooth․ Factors like location‚ the individual dental practice‚ and the restoration procedure required‚ contribute to a person’s cost for a CEREC crown․ In general‚ the cost of a CEREC crown is similar to or slightly more compared to that of a traditional crown‚ but has the added benefits of technology and efficiency of a same day procedure․
The condition of the tooth that needs the crown is also a factor․ If the tooth has to be prepared more extensively to remove decay or for other reasons‚ or if reinforcement is needed before the crown is placed‚ the cost may be higher․ For example‚ if the tooth has had a root canal, then it may also require reinforcement․
The materials used in CEREC crowns may also affect the cost․ CEREC crowns are typically made from high-quality ceramic, which can be adjusted to closely match the color and translucency of your natural teeth․ This aesthetic benefit is part of the reason people choose to have their restoration with CEREC‚ especially in a visible area such as the front teeth․
Consideration includes the technology used‚ with CEREC systems employing digital imaging and computerized design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to produce highly precise restorations․ Using CAD-CAM (computer-assisted design‚ computer-assisted manufacturing)‚ the dentist can take a 3D image of the tooth‚ design the crown on a computer screen‚ and mill the crown in house․ This technology reduces the need for temporary crowns‚ extra office visits and faster fabrication times․ Both the design and manufacturing technology requires additional training․
Depending on your dental insurance provider‚ a portion of the crown’s cost may be covered by dental insurance‚ particularly if the crown is deemed medically necessary․ If a crown is needed to restore a damaged or weakened tooth‚ most dental insurance companies will provide some coverage․ Coverage usually ranges from 50% to 80% after deductibles‚ but details vary by policy‚ so it may be helpful to obtain your benefits and review them with your dental office․
If insurance does not cover the entire cost of the procedure‚ some offices will allow the cost to be paid over time‚ through a payment plan‚ installment payments‚ or through a third-party credit service․
The initial cost of a CEREC crown may seem expensive‚ but over the long term‚ the cost of restoration of a damaged tooth by a CEREC crown is worthwhile as ceramic crowns are long-lasting and if maintained properly‚ can withstand force and pressure in the mouth for many years․
If you have more questions about CEREC or how it could help you achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if CEREC is the best treatment plan for you.
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