How CEREC Is Used for Dental Restorations
CEREC® technology allows dentists to make dental restorations onsite, eliminating the need for multiple appointments to get restorations placed on teeth. The acronym stands for the Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, and it involves sending data to a CEREC machine that makes restorations in as little as 20 minutes.
The traditional way of getting a restoration like a crown placed on a tooth requires multiple visits to the dentist. The first appointment involves examining the patient’s tooth and preparing it for the restoration. It also includes taking an impression of the patient’s tooth and sending it to a dental lab where restorations are made. It takes up to two weeks for the finished restoration to get back to the dentist. The patient then comes in for a second appointment so their customized veneers can be placed.
CEREC: The more convenient option
Thanks to CEREC, you no longer have to take time off work, school, or whatever else you have planned twice just to get a dental restoration placed on your tooth. It also provides a fast, permanent solution to the issue that brought you to the clinic in the first place.
CEREC restorations also provide better aesthetics than traditional restorations. The technology combines computer-aided design and manufacturing technology to create natural-looking restorations out of solid ceramic blocks.
Some of the restorations that can be made with CEREC technology include:
1. Crowns
Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover the visible part of teeth. They provide cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. A crown restores the appearance of the tooth it is placed on and prevents acids and bacteria in the mouth from making contact with it. A crown also restores the bite function of a tooth and protects it against bite forces.
CEREC crowns are made from ceramics with similar properties to real teeth, like their natural white color and translucence. This leads to excellent aesthetics.
2. Veneers
A veneer is a tooth-shaped cover that is cemented over the front part of teeth. It hides any flaws on a tooth, drastically improving its appearance. Veneers are cosmetic restorations that do not provide any significant therapeutic benefits.
Issues that can be addressed with veneers include discolored, chipped, deformed, short, and crooked teeth. Placing a veneer on a tooth usually involves removing some enamel (the tooth’s outer covering) to make space for the restoration. CEREC restorations are made with a higher level of precision, so less enamel needs to be removed when preparing teeth.
3. Onlays
An onlay is a partial crown that is typically recommended when a tooth is too damaged to be treated with filling but not damaged enough to justify the use of a crown. An onlay can restore teeth with such damage by covering one or more of their cusps. Traditional onlays are made in a dental lab, but CEREC makes it possible to make and place onlays during the same visit.
Restore your smile
Dealing with a dental problem that might require a restoration? Call or stop by our The Colony clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.thecolonydentist.com or call The Colony Dentist at (972) 534-6001 for an appointment in our The Colony office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: CEREC Dentist in The Colony, TX.
Related Posts
You might have heard your dentist mention a CEREC® crown, but perhaps you are unclear about what a CEREC crown is. When you have a damaged tooth, the dentist will suggest several options for repairing the tooth, based on the type of damage and your oral health. Worn-down or teeth damaged by tooth decay are…
Many people know that CEREC® crowns can be used to treat teeth that have been severely damaged by decay or trauma. However, dental crowns can also be used to remedy a misshapen tooth. This can help create a more even, balanced smile that is both aesthetically pleasing and fully functional.There are numerous reasons a child…
Technological advancements in dentistry are bringing CEREC® crowns into the lives of many dental patients. These crowns are ideal for immediate dental repairs and restorations. They remove the hassles you get in getting traditional dental crowns. If you want to find out the advantages of getting custom-fit CEREC dental crowns, here are the details.CEREC milling…
CEREC® relies on CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing). This type of technological combination allows dental practices to provide high-quality dental crowns. Each patient can go home happy with the new custom-fit crowns they have. If you want to learn about the benefits of CEREC CAD/CAM, here are the details.Traditional dental crowns take two…