Hi! Dr. Jimmy here from Diggers Rest Dental House, part of the Dental House Group.
If you’ve had a tooth removed or needed a big repair, your dentist might have suggested a dental crown to protect it. The good news is, thanks to modern tech, you now have choices, CEREC crowns or traditional lab-made crowns. So, which one’s better, and how do you pick? Let’s break it down!
First, what’s a CEREC crown? CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It’s a crown we can create and place in just one visit using advanced in-office technology. That means no temporary crowns and no waiting weeks for your permanent one. If you need a quick fix, the convenience is a huge plus. Plus, the ceramic material matches your natural tooth color, so it looks great.
Now, on to lab-made crowns. These are crafted outside our office by a specialised lab. Because they’re handmade, they can take a couple of weeks to be ready. However, this longer process allows for incredible customisation and fine-tuning of the color, fit, and shape. They’re perfect if you want that extra level of detail and durability, especially for visible teeth.

So, how do you choose? If your schedule is tight and speed is key, a CEREC crown is probably your best bet. These same-day crowns offer good looks and function, ideal for an efficient solution. But if maximum customisation and detail are your priority, especially for a front tooth, or if your case is more complex, a lab-made crown might be a better fit. Lab-made options also allow for a wider range of materials, including gold, for added strength and aesthetic brilliance.
Both options have their perks, and ultimately, your choice depends on your specific needs, the tooth’s location, your budget, and your dentist’s advice.
Here at Diggers Rest Dental House, we offer both CEREC and lab-made crowns. We’ve helped thousands of patients restore their smiles, so we can definitely guide you through each option to help you make the best choice for your lifestyle and oral health. Plus, we offer flexible payment plans to make restoring your smile even easier.
Just give us a call on 1800 GENTLE, or send us a DM, and we’ll help you organise your consultation! We look forward to meeting you soon!











