If you’re pressed for time, then CEREC tooth restoration could be just right for you. Here at No Gaps Dental, we’re highly experienced in using CEREC technology to restore teeth which are weakened, broken, or decayed. Moreover, this can be achieved in just one visit!
Restoration types include CEREC crowns, CEREC veneers, and large fillings which are known as inlays and onlays. Here is a brief explanation…
- CEREC Crowns – These are used to provide strength and aesthetics to teeth that are decayed, worn-down, chipped, cracked or discoloured and fit over the tooth a bit like a cap.
- CEREC Veneers – These are bonded to the front surface of a tooth and can be used reshape, lengthen, straighten, and conceal cracks and blemishes.
- Inlays and Onlays – These are large custom-made fillings which are also known as indirect restorations since they are fabricated outside of the mouth. Inlays are placed inside a cavity whereas onlays are placed over the cusp of a tooth. Typically, they are used for teeth that are decayed, worn, or fractured. They can also be used to replace old amalgam fillings.
The good news is that you can spend less time at the dentist by having a CEREC restoration created in just one appointment.
What is CEREC exactly?
CEREC is a synonym for Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic and is a modern-day method of reconstructing tooth restorations. CEREC utilises computer-assisted design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to design and craft ceramic restorations in just one visit.
This innovative new technology has revolutionised restorations such as crowns and veneers since patients no longer have to wear ‘temporaries’ and wait weeks before finally receiving their permanent crown or veneer. This makes a CEREC tooth restoration both convenient and economical.
CEREC restorations are metal-free and colour-matched to resemble natural teeth, restoring aesthetic beauty, functionality and strength. Thanks to CEREC’s CAD/CAM technology, patients can take advantage of CEREC crowns and CEREC veneers during the same appointment.
The advantages of CEREC technology are that they have enabled dentists like us to drastically reduce the number of traditional crowns and fillings offered to our patients. Since CEREC restorations are cost-effective, less invasive, and hassle-free, we opt to use them whenever possible.
If you would like to find out more about CEREC technology then come and talk to us, we’d be more than happy to show you how the process works.
So what exactly does the process involve?
Our experienced dentists use CEREC’s CAD/CAM technology to design and mill your custom restoration in just one single appointment. So how does this work?
- Examination and preparation – Before our dentist starts, he or she will first carry out an examination to determine that CEREC is the right treatment for you. Depending on how much of your tooth structure is remaining, you may require a simple filling or a crown. Having determined the best option, the dentist will numb your mouth with a local anaesthetic and prepare the affected tooth by removing any decay and weakened tooth tissue.
- Tooth Scan – You’ll be pleased to know that no messy impression taking is necessary. Instead, a digital camera ‘wand’ is passed over your teeth and several images are taken. These images are sent to a computer and together with the CEREC 3D software, a virtual 3-dimensional image of the natural tooth is created. This enables the dentist to view your tooth from every angle and examine it in order to design the final restoration.
- Milling Unit – The data is sent to the milling unit which creates the CEREC restoration. Our dentist then selects a block of ceramic which is closest in colour to your natural teeth and places it into the milling machine. Within minutes, the milling device has produced your new CEREC restoration
- Restoration placement – Once the restoration is made it’s ready to be tried on for fit and comfort. Any adjustments are carried out and your bite is checked before the restoration is cemented to the tooth. Once securely in place, the restoration is polished so that it blends seamlessly into your smile. No temporary restoration is needed and no return trip necessary. This saves you both time and money.
So now you know what to expect during the CEREC procedure, you may be wondering what the benefits of CEREC are. In other words….
How can CEREC benefit me?
CEREC can benefit almost anyone that needs a ceramic restoration. The few exceptions include patients who have a deep bite and those with a history of breaking ceramic restorations. With good and proper care, CEREC restorations are designed to last 15 years or longer. But that’s not all, CEREC Crowns and restorations have a number of other advantages.
Other advantages of using CEREC include:
- No need for temporary restorations -One fitting is all it takes
- CEREC crowns are high-quality ceramic products – Designed to last many years
- Restorations that are metal-free – No worrying about any metal showing through over time
- Fewer injections – meaning less discomfort
- No messy gag-inducing impressions – Every aspect is computerised
- Minimal invasiveness – see above
- Cost-effective solutions – Saving you time and money
- Less dental visits – Crowns, veneers and inlays are fitted in just one visit
- More of the natural tooth structure is preserved since less drilling is necessary
- Biocompatible solutions – designed to be biocompatible with both teeth and gums
- Teeth are restored quickly to their natural strength, beauty, and functionality
If you need a tooth filling or a dental crown or would like to restore your smile with veneers, why not talk to us about CEREC crowns or CEREC veneers to find out if CEREC would be a good choice for you. Call us today on (02) 8007 6727 or book an appointment online.