Congress Dental Group in downtown Boston offers advanced CEREC same-day dental crowns, giving busy Boston and South Station patients beautiful, high-quality crowns in just one visit. Using CAD/CAM technology, Congress Dental’s Dr. Robert Page and his team can design, mill, and place a custom porcelain crown in about an hour. This one-visit crown solution eliminates multiple appointments and uncomfortable impressions, making smile restoration fast and convenient for commuters and residents in the Financial District and South Station area.
What Are CEREC Same-Day Crowns?
Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) is an in-office CAD/CAM system for designing and milling ceramic crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers. Instead of sending molds to a lab, Congress Dental uses high-resolution digital cameras to scan your prepared tooth and create a virtual 3D model. Specialized software then designs a custom porcelain crown right on the computer. A milling machine carves the crown from a solid ceramic block in minutes. Because all the steps happen in the office, the entire process—from tooth preparation to final placement—can be completed in one visit.
CEREC crowns are made of tooth-colored compressed porcelain that closely matches natural enamel. This material is biocompatible and highly aesthetic. In fact, Congress Dental Group’s brochure notes that CEREC crowns provide “beautiful, high-quality” restorations in “a matter of minutes,” with no need for temporary crowns or messy goo impressions. For Boston patients near South Station and Faneuil Hall, this means you can get a permanent ceramic crown on your lunch break or between meetings—without sacrificing quality.
How the CEREC One-Visit Crown Procedure Works
At Congress Dental Group, the CEREC same-day crown procedure is straightforward and efficient. After your exam, the dentist numbs the tooth with local anesthesia (only one injection is typically needed). Any decay or old filling is removed, and the tooth is shaped for a crown. A digital intraoral camera (CEREC Omnicam or Bluecam) then captures a precise 3D image of the prepared tooth and surrounding bite. This scan is sent to the CEREC design software, where your dentist customizes the crown’s size and shape while you watch on screen.
Once the design is approved, the information is sent to the in-office milling unit. The CEREC machine automatically selects a ceramic block that matches your tooth color and mills the crown within minutes. You can actually watch the machine grind out the restoration right in the operatory. After milling, the crown is checked for fit and polished. Any final adjustments are made, and then the crown is bonded permanently to your tooth. The entire visit typically takes 1–3 hours, and when you walk out the door, your smile is complete.
Steps of the CEREC crown process at Congress Dental Group include:
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Preparation: Remove decay and shape the tooth under local anesthetic.
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Digital Scan: Use a small camera to take a digital impression (no mess or putty).
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CAD Design: The dentist designs the crown on a computer, with you seeing the virtual tooth model in real time.
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Milling: The CEREC machine carves the custom crown from a solid porcelain block in about 15–20 minutes.
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Placement: The crown is tried in, checked for fit and color, then bonded to your tooth. The result is a permanent restoration in one visit.
Benefits of CEREC Same-Day Crowns
CEREC same-day crowns offer many advantages over traditional lab-made crowns, especially for busy Boston patients:
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One Visit Convenience: Everything happens in one appointment. You avoid weeks of waiting and a second visit to place a crown. This is ideal for commuters near South Station who need quick service.
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No Temporary Crown: CEREC eliminates temporary restorations. Your permanent crown is placed that same day, so you never have to wear a provisional cap.
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Digital Impressions (No Messy Putty): The procedure uses a digital scanner instead of traditional impression trays. This means no gooey, bad-tasting putty in your mouth. It’s faster and more comfortable, especially for patients with a strong gag reflex.
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High-Quality, Natural Results: Crowns are milled from durable porcelain that closely matches your tooth color. Skilled dentists fine-tune the color and shape so the restoration blends seamlessly with your smile.
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Durability & Strength: CEREC crowns are made of strong ceramic. Research shows CEREC restorations typically last more than 10 years, and with good care they can last decades. They are often as strong—or even stronger—than traditional lab crowns.
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Less Discomfort: Fewer injections and no second numbing are needed. Many patients find CEREC crowns more comfortable because the process is so fast and efficient.
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Time & Cost Savings: You save on time (fewer office visits) and often on cost. CEREC crowns typically cost no more than lab-made crowns, especially when factoring in the time saved by a single visit.
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Peace of Mind: Patients give CEREC rave reviews. In one survey, dental patients recommended their CEREC dentist 34% more than those without CEREC, citing huge time savings and the convenience of just one appointment. In short, CEREC meets modern expectations for convenient, tech-driven care.
CEREC Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns
It’s helpful to compare CEREC crowns with traditional dental crowns:
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Number of Visits: Traditional crowns usually require two or more visits: one to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and another to fit the lab-made crown. CEREC crowns are done in one visit.
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Impressions: Traditional crowns use physical impressions (often with messy putty). CEREC uses digital scans, eliminating impression trays. This improves comfort and speed.
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Temporary Crown: With traditional crowns, you wear a temporary restoration for 1–2 weeks. CEREC crowns need no temporary; the permanent crown is ready immediately.
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Material: Both methods use high-quality ceramic materials. CEREC crowns are milled from solid porcelain blocks, while lab crowns may use layered porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal. Importantly, CEREC crowns are entirely metal-free, which can reduce sensitivity issues.
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Accuracy: Digital design allows very precise fit. Dentists say CEREC crowns can be more accurate and natural-looking than traditional crowns.
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Treatment Time: Traditional lab crowns take 1–2 weeks to fabricate (plus two visits). CEREC crowns are done in hours.
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Cost: Studies show CEREC crowns cost about the same as lab crowns. You get all the benefits of traditional porcelain with no extra charge, plus the savings of one visit.
In short, CEREC crowns offer the same—or better—quality as traditional crowns, with much greater convenience.
Longevity and Care of CEREC Crowns
A key concern is how long CEREC crowns last. Clinical experience shows that CEREC ceramic restorations are long-lasting. Research indicates most CEREC crowns last more than 10 years, with many patients enjoying durable restorations for 15–30 years. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups help maximize longevity. (Factors like teeth grinding or poor care can shorten any crown’s life, so we may recommend a nightguard if needed.)
Caring for a CEREC crown is the same as caring for a natural tooth: brush twice daily, floss once daily, and see your dentist regularly. Avoid chewing extremely hard foods on the crowned tooth, especially during the first day. Over time, your crown will behave just like a real tooth: it can be cleaned with standard tools and won’t require special maintenance. If the crown ever chips or becomes loose (rare), Congress Dental can repair or replace it quickly—often with the same CEREC technology.
Congress Dental Group emphasizes that CEREC crowns have biocompatible, high-strength porcelain material. Unlike metals, this ceramic will not cause allergic reactions or metal sensitivities. Patients report that CEREC crowns look and feel completely natural. In fact, Congress Dental’s own information notes that CEREC allows an “aesthetic” and “beautiful” result. Your new crown will blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth in color and shape.
Why Choose Congress Dental Group for Your CEREC Crown
When considering CEREC same-day crowns in Boston, the choice of dentist matters. Congress Dental Group stands out for several reasons:
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Experienced Dentists: Our downtown Boston team, including Dr. Robert Page, has extensive training in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Robert Page is skilled in CEREC technology and consistently delivers precise, natural-looking crowns.
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State-of-the-Art Equipment: We use the newest CEREC systems to ensure efficient, high-quality results. From digital scanners to the milling machine, all technology is on-site at our Federal Street office near South Station.
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Convenient Location: Congress Dental is located at 160 Federal Street, just steps from South Station and Faneuil Hall. Our proximity to major transit makes it easy for busy commuters and city workers to get same-day care. You can pop in on your lunch break or between errands and return to work with your permanent crown in place.
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Comfort & Quality: We prioritize patient comfort with a relaxing atmosphere. With CEREC, you avoid gag-inducing impressions and multiple injections. Plus, we use advanced materials (tooth-colored porcelain) so your restoration looks great.
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Transparent Costs & Promotions: Congress Dental offers competitive pricing and payment options. Our CEREC crowns are competitively priced with traditional crowns (insurance typically covers them similarly). We also offer new patient specials and financing plans to make treatment affordable.
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Excellent Patient Experience: Many local patients praise our friendly staff and efficient care. As one South Boston practice notes, having a dentist “ready to provide prompt care” near South Station is invaluable. We extend this same commitment at Congress Dental—providing high-quality, emergency-capable dentistry conveniently downtown.
By choosing Congress Dental Group for your Boston same-day crown, you get a one-stop solution: expert advice, a precise CEREC crown, and a central Boston location. Our team will answer all your questions and guide you through the process smoothly.
People Also Ask: CEREC Same-Day Crowns in Boston
How long do CEREC crowns last? CEREC crowns are very durable. Most last 5–15 years, and many exceed 10 years with good care. Some studies report CEREC restorations lasting up to 30 years under ideal conditions.
Are CEREC crowns as strong as traditional crowns? Yes. CEREC crowns are made of high-strength ceramic. In fact, digital design and milling often make them stronger and more accurate than traditional lab crowns. They can be used on back teeth (molars) and withstand normal chewing forces.
Are CEREC crowns more expensive? No. CEREC crowns generally cost about the same as traditional porcelain crowns. You get all the benefits of a custom crown (biocompatible porcelain, one visit) without extra cost. Many patients choose CEREC because they save on time, even if the price is similar.
Does insurance cover CEREC crowns? Typically, yes. Most dental insurance plans cover CEREC crowns just like any other crown. Since CEREC crowns use the same FDA-approved materials, insurers usually pay a portion. Your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your plan’s coverage for crowns.
How long does the CEREC crown procedure take? The office visit for a CEREC crown usually takes 2–3 hours. (This includes preparation, scanning, milling, and placement.) The hands-on “milling” part often takes only 15–20 minutes, but the entire appointment is a couple of hours. You leave with a permanent crown the same day.
Does it hurt to get a CEREC crown? No more than a regular crown. We use a local anesthetic before working on the tooth, and only one injection is needed for the whole process. Many patients find CEREC crowns more comfortable overall because the visit is faster and there’s no need for a second appointment or dental dams.
What is the difference between CEREC crowns and lab crowns? The key difference is in workflow. Traditional crowns require a temporary and a lab wait; CEREC crowns are made in-office in one session. Both are made of durable ceramic. CEREC uses digital scans, so it avoids physical impressions and temporaries. Otherwise, the final result—a strong, tooth-colored crown—is essentially the same quality.
Who can get a CEREC crown? Almost anyone needing a crown is a good candidate. CEREC works for most teeth—especially single crowns. Exceptions may include patients who habitually break ceramic restorations or have unusually deep bites. If you grind your teeth heavily, your dentist may recommend a nightguard or an alternative material. Otherwise, most adult patients can benefit.
Are CEREC crowns safe? Yes. The porcelain used in CEREC crowns is biocompatible, meaning it’s safe for oral tissues. The CAD/CAM process is precisely controlled. CEREC crowns have been used for decades with excellent safety records.
What materials are CEREC crowns made of? CEREC crowns are made from solid blocks of tooth-colored porcelain or ceramic. This material mimics natural enamel in color and translucency. No metal is used, so there’s no risk of metal sensitivity. The ceramic is durable and can be matched to your surrounding teeth for a seamless look.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a same-day crown? A same-day crown (CEREC crown) is a full-coverage tooth restoration that is created and placed in a single dental visit using in-office CAD/CAM technology. Unlike traditional crowns that require a dental lab, a same-day crown is milled from ceramic on-site so you leave with a permanent crown immediately.
How do I know if I need a crown? Your dentist may recommend a crown for a tooth that is cracked, decayed, or has had a root canal. Crowns restore strength and appearance. CEREC crowns can address all the same issues as traditional crowns (broken tooth, large filling replacement, covering an implant).
Is the CEREC process comfortable? Yes. Digital scanning is gentle and often more comfortable than trays. Only a local anesthetic is needed for the tooth preparation. Patients report minimal discomfort because the visit is fast and efficient.
Can I eat with the crown right away? Usually yes. Once the crown is bonded, it’s immediately functional. We recommend waiting until the anesthetic fully wears off before eating to avoid biting your tongue. Chewing carefully for a few hours is wise, but you can generally resume normal eating that same day.
How do I take care of my new crown? Care for a CEREC crown just like a natural tooth: brush twice daily and floss every day, paying special attention to the crowned tooth. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important. Avoid extremely hard or sticky foods that could damage any crown.
What if my crown ever chips or needs repair? One advantage of CEREC is that if a crown chips, we can replace or adjust it quickly. We can use the saved digital scan or remill a new one, usually in a single visit. Many small chips can also be repaired with bonding.
Do CEREC crowns look natural? Yes. The porcelain used is customized to match the shade and shape of your teeth, so CEREC crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. The precision fit and polish give a very life-like result.
Who performs the CEREC crown procedure at Congress Dental? Our experienced dentists, led by Dr. Robert Page, perform the procedure. They have specialized training in CEREC technology and restorative dentistry. You’ll be in skilled hands at Congress Dental Group.
Where is Congress Dental Group located? We are conveniently located at 160 Federal Street, 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02110 – just a few blocks from South Station and Faneuil Hall. Our downtown office is easily accessible by public transit and walking from the Financial District.
Why should I choose Congress Dental for a same-day crown? Congress Dental offers the latest CEREC technology in a patient-friendly setting. We focus on convenience (one-visit crowns), comfort (no messy impressions), and quality (we use only top-quality ceramic). As one local dental office notes, having a dentist near South Station means you don’t have to search far for prompt, high-quality care. At Congress Dental, you get expert care right in downtown Boston, backed by our 5-star patient reviews.
Conclusion: Restore Your Smile Today with CEREC Crowns in Boston
If you’re looking for a faster, more convenient way to repair a damaged tooth, CEREC same-day crowns at Congress Dental Group offer the perfect solution. With cutting-edge digital technology, expert dentists, and a centrally located Boston office near South Station, you can restore your smile in just one visit—no messy impressions, no temporary crowns, and no second appointment. Whether you’re a busy professional, student, or city resident, Congress Dental provides a comfortable, efficient experience and long-lasting results.
Ready to restore your smile in just one visit? If you need a crown and value your time, consider CEREC same-day crowns at Congress Dental Group. Call our Boston office today at (617) 574-8700 to schedule a consultation or to learn more about CEREC technology. Our team will explain your options and help you get a durable, beautiful crown—on your schedule.