Just imagine getting veneers or crowns in just one single visit to your dentist. Well thanks to CEREC we’ve just made that possible at our No Gaps Dental Clinics.
When you’re having problems with your teeth, one of the worse parts is having to plan in several visits to your dentist. Not only does it mean taking time out of your busy schedule, but travel costs can mount up too.
CEREC saves you time and gives you better results which is why we’re sure you’re going to want to know more.
What is CEREC
CEREC is short for CEramic REConstruction, an advanced technology which uses CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture) to take impressions quickly and generate CEREC veneers and CEREC crowns in just one dental visit.
This innovative CEREC technology has revolutionised ceramic restorations such as veneers and crowns since patients no longer need to wait between preparing the teeth for restoration and finally receiving the finished products.
How can CEREC help you?
In a word – convenience! Whether you need a crown or a veneer, you can get your tooth restored during a single trip to No Gaps Dental.
Traditionally, either of these procedures required 2 dental visits (sometimes more). One to prepare the tooth so it can accommodate a crown or veneer; and the other to fit the permanent restoration.
With the CEREC system, the technology is utilised while you’re sitting comfortably in the dentist’s chair, making it more economical for both you and your dentist.
CEREC veneers and CEREC crowns are tooth coloured and metal-free to restore aesthetics, strength, and function. Because of CEREC’s CAD/CAM technology, these natural-looking restorations can be completed with just one visit to the dentist. Since the CEREC equipment is often placed inside the treatment room, patients can also watch their restorations being created.
What’s the procedure for CEREC Crowns?
Examination and preparation
As with all dental procedures, an initial examination is necessary to determine if a CEREC crown is the best solution. Usually, crowns are used:
- When there is insufficient structure to retain a filling
- When a tooth has been weakened following a root canal
- To top a dental implant
After reviewing your situation, our dentist begins the CEREC process by administering a local anaesthetic to numb the area before removing decayed and weakened tooth tissue.
Impression
To make the CEREC restoration, an impression needs to be taken of the prepared tooth. You’ll be pleased to know there are no messy gag-inducing impressions involved.
Instead, a digital camera scans the tooth and from this, a 3D image is taken This process is more accurate and more comfortable than traditional impressions made from plaster.
The image is then shared with the CEREC software which then converts the digital image into a 3-dimensional virtual model of the prepared tooth.
CEREC Milling unit
The next step is where the magic happens. Your dentist selects the right coloured block of solid ceramic and places into the milling unit and hey presto, in just a few minutes your new CEREC crown has been made.
Restoration placement
Once the crown has been made, our dentist tries it on your tooth for size and checks your bite. Once satisfied, the CEREC crown is cemented securely into place and buffed and polished to fit seamlessly into your smile.
What about CEREC veneers, when are they used and what’s the procedure?
Veneers are very thin shells of strong tooth-shaped porcelain that are custom made with CEREC and bonded onto the front surface of the teeth to create a beautiful smile.
They are often an alternative to a dental crown and can be used in many different applications. For instance, CEREC veneers can:
- Close spaces between teeth
- Correct misshapen teeth
- Conceal stains and blemishes
- Straighten crooked teeth
- Cover worn or chipped teeth
The procedure is similar to that of getting CEREC crowns and involves an initial examination to check their suitability for you. Preparing the teeth to accommodate veneers involves shaving off a minuscule layer of enamel so that the veneers fit flush with the surrounding teeth.
Photos are then taken using one of CEREC’s imaging solutions and used to create 3D images on a screen. The dentist is then able to look at the teeth from all angles in order to design perfect ceramic restorations. Once the design is complete, it’s sent to the CEREC milling unit.
A block of ceramic that closely matches the shade of your natural teeth is placed into the milling device which creates your veneers in a matter of minutes.
Before bonding them on to your teeth, our dentist ‘dry’ fits them to your teeth to ensure they feel comfortable. Once the fit has been established, they are bonded to the teeth and polished to make them gleam.
That’s it – you’re free to go ????
How can CEREC benefit me?
CEREC can benefit practically anyone who needs a ceramic restoration. It’s particularly suited to anyone who is nervous about going to the dentist and who dislikes getting an anaesthetic – because in many cases an anaesthetic isn’t necessary. Other benefits of CEREC include:
- Most CEREC procedures can be completed in just one visit making them less time consuming and costly
- No messy impressions
- No need for temporary restorations between visits
- More of the natural tooth structure is retained
- Long-lasting restorations – often in excess of 10 years
- Restores teeth to their natural beauty, strength and function
- Metal-free restorations
Our expertise in restorative dental procedures and computer technology make No Gaps Dental the ideal dentist for anyone needing a new crown, veneer, or filling using the CEREC system. Book an appointment online or call us at (02) 8007 6727 today and see how CEREC can help you restore your smile.