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Restorative

Same-day crowns. One visit.

No temporary crowns, no messy impressions, no second appointment. With CEREC technology, we scan, design, and mill your custom crown right here — often in about two hours. Perfect for busy professionals who can come in after work.

CEREC same-day crown technology at Smile Spot Mawson Lakes
Same day Crown in one visit
Digital scan No messy impressions
Precise fit Computer-designed
Evening hours Mon–Thu until 7pm

What is CEREC?

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. In plain terms, it's computer-aided technology that allows your dentist to design and create a ceramic crown, inlay, onlay, or veneer right here in the practice — while you wait.

Instead of the traditional process that requires two or more appointments spread across weeks, CEREC allows the entire restoration to be completed in a single visit. For people with busy schedules, this can be a significant advantage.

How CEREC works — three steps, one visit

Step 1 — Digital scan

Your dentist uses a small intraoral camera to take a precise 3D scan of the prepared tooth. There are no uncomfortable impression trays or messy putty. The digital scan captures your tooth and surrounding teeth in detail, creating a virtual model on screen.

Step 2 — Computer-aided design

Using the 3D scan, your dentist designs the restoration on a computer — shaping, sizing, and contouring it to fit your bite and match the surrounding teeth. You can see the design taking shape on screen as it happens.

Step 3 — In-practice milling

The design is sent to a milling unit in the practice, which carves the restoration from a solid block of high-quality ceramic. In approximately 15 to 20 minutes, your custom restoration is ready to be bonded into place — colour-matched and fitted precisely.

Benefits of CEREC restorations

  • One appointment — no need to come back for a second visit
  • No temporary crown — you leave with your permanent restoration
  • No messy impression materials — a quick, comfortable digital scan
  • Precise computer-aided design for an accurate fit
  • High-quality ceramic — natural-looking and tooth-coloured
  • Evening appointments available — get your crown after work

What can CEREC make?

CEREC technology can be used to create several types of dental restorations, including:

  • Crowns — full coverage for a damaged or weakened tooth
  • Inlays — a filling-like restoration that fits within the cusps of a tooth
  • Onlays — a larger restoration that covers one or more cusps
  • Veneers — thin ceramic shells for the front of teeth

Your dentist will assess whether CEREC is appropriate for your situation during your consultation. Not all cases are suitable for same-day restorations — your dentist will let you know if a different approach would be better for your specific needs.

Who is CEREC for?

CEREC is particularly well-suited for people who:

  • Have a busy schedule and want to avoid multiple appointments
  • Dislike messy impression materials
  • Prefer not to wear a temporary crown for days or weeks
  • Want a tooth-coloured, metal-free restoration

With our evening hours (Monday to Thursday until 7pm), you can book a CEREC appointment after work and leave with your permanent restoration the same evening. No need to take time off.

Frequently asked questions

Most CEREC restorations can be completed in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from preparation to placement. This can vary depending on the complexity of the restoration and the specific tooth involved. Your dentist will give you a more accurate estimate during your consultation.

CEREC restorations are made from high-quality ceramic blocks that have been used in dentistry for decades. Studies suggest they perform comparably to traditional lab-made restorations over time. As with any dental restoration, longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, diet, and whether you grind your teeth. Your dentist can discuss what to expect for your specific situation.

Health fund coverage for CEREC restorations varies depending on your provider and level of cover. The item numbers used for CEREC restorations are the same as those used for traditional crowns, so coverage is typically similar. We recommend checking with your health fund before your appointment, and we can provide a quote to help with this.

Yes. We have evening appointments available Monday to Thursday until 7pm, and a CEREC crown can typically be completed within this timeframe. Book an afternoon or early evening slot and you can have your permanent crown placed before heading home — no time off work needed.

Not at all. The intraoral camera is a small wand that takes images of your tooth as it moves around your mouth. There's no gagging, no mess, and it takes just a few minutes. Most patients find it considerably more comfortable than traditional impression trays.

Important information: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding with treatment, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Not all clinical situations are suitable for CEREC restorations. Your dentist will assess your individual circumstances and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Individual results may vary.

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Ready when you are

Need a crown that fits your schedule?

Book an evening appointment and get your permanent crown in a single visit — no time off work required.

(08) 8258 06501/3 Coventry Street, Mawson Lakes SA 5095 Mon–Thu 10am–7pm · Fri 9am–2pm · Sat–Sun Closed