Quick and Easy Crown Appointments with CEREC
Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics utilizes the acronym, CEREC, and is an innovative device that has significantly cut down on the time it takes to produce dental restorations. The technology uses CAD/CAM software (otherwise known as computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) to create ceramic crowns right within the dentist’s office. The machinery is used to create crowns (as well as other cosmetic restorations), which are tooth-shaped caps placed over one or more teeth in order to enhance the size and better align with the rest of your dentition. When placed precisely, crowns should blend in perfectly with the remaining teeth and make the smile look completely streamlined.
Extensive procedures like dental implants, root canal therapy, dental bridges and others all require crowns as a measure of completion, and often, these treatments take weeks or months to get to a point where a crown can be placed. Before CEREC technology, patients would have to wait an additional week before their crown was created by a master ceramist and sent to the dentist’s office. With innovations, third parties are now unnecessary, and crowns can be customized, crafted and placed all under one roof.
How Does CEREC Technology Work?
Every process is now digital with CEREC. Impressions, fabrication, and precise placement, can all be configured using CEREC technology. Rather than use messy impression material to receive an imprint of your teeth, CEREC can take impressions using a 3D digital CT scan to receive a more precise image of your dentition and bite contact. The specifications of your crown are uploaded onto the machinery, which is then able to construct a replica of the crown out of a block of ceramic material based on the data provided. The process only takes an hour to complete.
Benefits of CEREC technology:
- Restorations are conveniently completed in one day; no second visit necessary
- Crowns no longer require uncomfortable impressions or temporaries
- Crowns are created out of natural, tooth-like ceramic material
- No downtime in between your procedure and crown placement
- Patients receive a new smile in a single appointment
- Crowns are fit more accurately with CEREC technology
- Results blend right in with existing teeth
- CEREC crowns are just as durable and aesthetically pleasing as traditional creations
CEREC can also be used to create veneers as well as inlays and onlays, making many cosmetic procedures shorter and therefore more satisfying for patients. The ceramic material used is one of the most durable substances that can be completely customized to the unique needs of your smile.
Your Crown Procedure
Your procedure will start with a dental examination where Dr. Kohani can locate any underlying issues. You may need a dental crown if you have extensive tooth decay that a filling won’t correct as well as a dental bridge, root canal or dental implant. Once Dr. Kohani analyzes your dentition and determines the best restoration method, he will prepare the tooth as dictated by the treatment you are receiving and take a digital impression to be uploaded onto the CEREC device. You may listen to music, read a book or watch a movie while your crown is being designed, crafted, and prepared using CEREC after which the crown is polished and stained to match your natural tooth color. Dr. Kohani will fit the crown and check your bite contact for any issues. When your new crown feels completely natural, it will be cemented into place.
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