CEREC® Same-Day Crowns
Dental Crowns in Boulder, CO
A cracked tooth, a large old filling that has started to fail, or decay that has eaten too far into a tooth to patch with a simple filling all point toward the same solution: a crown. It is one of the most common restorative procedures in dentistry, yet the quality of a crown, how well it fits, how it matches your bite, and how long it lasts, varies enormously depending on who places it.
At BOCO Dental & Prosthodontics, we treat every crown as a piece of restorative engineering, not a routine fix. Dr. Marisa Patt’s board certification in prosthodontics means her training centers specifically on how restorations like crowns interact with your entire bite, which shapes how we plan, design, and place every crown we deliver.
Repairing a damaged or broken tooth no longer requires multiple appointments. At BOCO Dental & Prosthodontics in Boulder, CO, Dr. Marisa Patt offers CEREC same-day crowns—a modern, efficient way to restore your tooth in just one visit. Using advanced digital scanning and in-office milling technology, CEREC crowns are crafted on the spot for a perfect fit and natural appearance. Each restoration is made from durable, high-quality ceramic designed to blend seamlessly with your smile. Whether you need a crown after a root canal, to repair a cracked tooth, or to replace an old restoration, Dr. Patt ensures every crown is precise, strong, and made to last—so you leave with a fully restored smile the same day.
Hear Dr. Patt explain
Why Crowns Are Needed So Often
Tooth decay remains widespread among adults, and it is often the reason a crown becomes necessary in the first place. According to the CDC, roughly 1 in 5 adults aged 20 to 64 have at least one untreated cavity, and once decay progresses far enough, a filling is no longer enough to restore the tooth’s strength. A crown covers and protects the remaining tooth structure, preventing further damage and restoring normal function.
Crowns are not only for decay. We also place them after root canal treatment, to repair a cracked or fractured tooth, or to restore a dental implant. Each of these situations calls for a slightly different approach, which is part of why an accurate diagnosis matters as much as the crown itself.
Same-Day CEREC Crowns
For many patients, we offer same-day CEREC crowns, which use digital scanning and in-office milling technology to design and fabricate a custom crown in a single visit. This eliminates the temporary crown phase and the second appointment that traditional crowns typically require, which many patients appreciate given the busy schedules that come with life in Boulder.
Same-day crowns are not the right fit for every case, however. Complex situations, such as crowns that need to account for significant bite changes or work alongside other restorative treatment, sometimes benefit from a more deliberate, lab-fabricated approach. We walk through which option makes sense for your specific tooth and bite before moving forward.
Crowns for Dental Implants
Implant-supported crowns require a different level of precision than crowns placed on natural teeth, since the crown must be designed to distribute bite force correctly onto the implant below it. This is an area where prosthodontic training becomes especially relevant, since implant crown cases sit at the intersection of restorative dentistry and the surgical and structural planning involved in dental implant restorations.
Patients considering more extensive implant work, such as a full-arch solution like All-on-4, often need multiple crowns designed to function together as a complete, coordinated bite. These are among the more complex cases we handle, and they typically represent a significant investment given the level of planning and precision involved.
Why Bite Alignment Matters More Than Most Patients Realize
A crown that looks correct can still cause problems if it does not align properly with the teeth around and opposite it. An ill-fitting crown can create uneven pressure across your bite, leading to discomfort, accelerated wear on other teeth, or even jaw strain over time. This is one of the most common issues we see in patients who come to us after a crown placed elsewhere has not held up as expected.
Dr. Patt’s prosthodontic residency at New York Hospital – Queens gave her focused training in exactly this kind of case planning, evaluating not just the tooth in question but how it fits into your entire bite. For patients who also want a crown to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, we can coordinate crown placement with cosmetic options like porcelain veneers when a broader smile goal is part of the picture.
What to Expect During Crown Treatment
Getting a crown typically starts with an evaluation of the tooth, including imaging to assess the extent of damage and the health of the surrounding structures. From there, we prepare the tooth, take precise measurements or digital scans, and either mill your crown same-day or send the design to a dental lab for fabrication.
Once placed, a well-made crown should feel like a natural part of your bite from the very first day. We check the fit carefully before you leave, adjusting as needed so the crown functions correctly rather than asking you to simply get used to it.
Get a Precision-Fit Crown at BOCO Dental & Prosthodontics
Dr. Patt brings over a decade of advanced prosthodontic training to every crown case, including her specialized residency focused on the relationship between restorations and the entire bite. That background means your crown is planned with long-term function in mind, not just the immediate repair.
If you have a tooth that needs a crown, whether from decay, damage, or as part of implant treatment, we would welcome the opportunity to walk you through your options. Reach out through our contact page to schedule a consultation and find the right approach for your case.
Dr. Marisa Patt is a skilled prosthodontist with extensive expertise in dental restorations. Her dedication to incorporating the latest technology, like CEREC®, ensures you receive the highest standard of care. At BOCO Dental, we provide not only exceptional results but also a seamless, comfortable experience tailored to your needs.
FAQs
About CEREC® Crowns
CEREC® same-day crowns are custom dental restorations designed, created, and placed in just one visit. They use advanced technology to provide a durable, natural-looking solution to repair damaged or decayed teeth.
The entire process typically takes 2–2.5 hours, which includes designing, milling, and placing the crown. You’ll leave with your final restoration on the same day!
Yes, CEREC® crowns are made from high-quality ceramic material and are designed to be just as durable and reliable as traditional crowns, lasting many years with proper care.
Absolutely! These crowns are custom-designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural appearance.
CEREC® crowns offer several advantages, including same-day convenience, no need for temporary crowns, precise custom fit, and a natural look and feel.
No, the process is typically painless. Dr. Patt may use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the preparation stage, but most patients find the experience smooth and easy.
Care for your CEREC® crown just like your natural teeth by brushing twice daily, flossing, and visiting our office for routine dental check-ups.
Yes, CEREC® crowns can be used for both front and back teeth, as they are designed to handle the pressure of chewing and provide an aesthetic match.
The CEREC® system uses 3D imaging to scan your tooth and create a detailed digital model. This model is then used to design and mill your custom crown right in the office.
CEREC® crowns are ideal for patients with damaged or decayed teeth looking for a convenient, one-visit restoration solution. During your consultation, Dr. Patt will determine if CEREC® is the right choice for your needs.
