Let’s be honest: nobody gets excited about the words “dental crown.” What usually comes to mind is a two-step process, a numb mouth, a temporary crown that feels weird, and then another appointment weeks later hoping the permanent one fits right.
At Howard County Smiles, we think that process is a little outdated. Thanks to a piece of technology that Dr. Ray Becker has been mastering for over 30 years, we’ve turned that two-viste grind into a single, relaxed appointment. It’s called CEREC, and it stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. But really, it just stands for getting your life back faster.
What Exactly is CEREC?
CEREC is a sophisticated 3D printing and milling system that allows us to design and create your permanent crown right here in our Columbia office while you wait. There are no goopy impression molds that make you gag. No temporary crown glued on with the fear it might pop off while eating a bagel. And definitely no waiting weeks for a dental lab to send something back.
Here is how a same-day crown appointment actually works:
- Prep and Scan: After preparing your tooth, we use a small, handheld digital camera to take a 3D scan of your mouth. It’s quick, clean, and incredibly accurate.
- Digital Design: The software takes that scan and builds your new tooth on the screen. Dr. Becker and Dr. Breanna design the crown to fit your bite perfectly, matching the color and shape of your natural teeth.
- Milling While You Wait: That design is sent wirelessly to our in-office milling machine. A solid block of high-strength ceramic is carved down into your custom crown in about 10-15 minutes.
- Placement: We check the fit, make any tiny adjustments, and bond the permanent crown into place. You could walk out the door with a finished tooth.
The “World Record” Experience You Didn’t Know You Needed
Now, here is where Howard County Smiles is a little different from other offices that might offer same-day crowns.
Dr. Ray Becker wasn’t just an early adopter of this technology. He was the first dentist in Maryland to use CEREC back in 1991. Since then, he has completed over 45,000 restorations with it. In fact, he is currently recognized as the longest continuous user of CEREC technology in the world.
Think about that for a second. If you were learning to play the guitar, you’d want to learn from a musician who plays stadiums, not the one who just picked up a guitar last week. When Dr. Becker places a crown, he isn’t just using a machine; he is applying three decades of experience. He has helped develop the software that other dentists use and has traveled the world teaching them how to use it.
For you, that means peace of mind. When you sit in our chair, you aren’t getting a generic dental procedure. You are getting the precision of a true expert in the field.
Is a Crown the Right Solution?
Crowns are incredibly versatile. We use them to protect weak teeth from breaking, restore a tooth that is already cracked, cover a dental implant, or even just cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth for a smile makeover.
Because we use CEREC, we can also handle emergencies with ease. If you chip a tooth on a weekend, we can often get you in, fix it, and send you home with a permanent restoration in the same day. No walking around with a temporary tooth while you wait for round two.
Designed With You in Mind
Our office on Stanford Boulevard was designed with patient comfort in mind. Dr. Becker worked with industry leaders in ergonomics to create a space that feels calm and welcoming. Whether you are here for a routine cleaning or a complex restoration, we want you to feel like family, not just a patient number.
If you have a tooth that needs some extra love and support, or if you are just tired of the “old way” of doing dental work, give us a call. We’d love to show you how far dentistry has come. To schedule your consultation, call Howard County Smiles today at (410) 415-9013 or request an appointment online.
