CEREC Restorations
A recent innovation available in the offices of some cosmetic dentists is the "Computer-assisted design—Computer-assisted manufacture" crown, or "CAD-CAM." The company that is foremost in this technology is CEREC. This crown is milled by a computer to fit your tooth precisely, thus eliminating the laboratory step in manufacturing the crown. Examine the pros and cons of this system.
A One Visit Procedure
A typical crown takes two visits. On the first visit, you get an injection of anesthesia, your tooth prepared, an impression made, and a temporary restoration put on your tooth. At the second appointment a couple of weeks later, get another injection, have the temporary removed, and have a permanent restoration cemented in place.
With CEREC, the procedure is done in a single appointment, start to finish.
How The CEREC Restoration Is Made
The CEREC Acquisition Unit is mobile and houses a computer and the CEREC camera. Your dentist uses the camera to take a digital picture of your prepared tooth. This picture is used instead of a traditional impression. The computer and CEREC 3D software converts the digital picture to a three dimensional virtual model of your prepped tooth. Dr. Stannard then designs your restoration right on screen using the software while you wait. This software can assist Dr. Stannard with designing any single tooth restoration: crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers.
Once your restoration has been designed (about 5 minutes), he clicks a button, and the design data is communicated via a wireless radio signal to the CEREC Milling Unit. A ceramic block is selected that matches the shade of the tooth being repaired and inserted into the Milling Unit. The data from the Acquisition Unit is used to direct two diamond coated burs to carve the block into the indicated shape of the restoration. This process usually takes 10 to 18 minutes depending on the size and type of restoration. After the milling is finished, the restoration is tried in and adjusted as needed, then Dr. Stannard will custom stain and glaze it in a high temperature porcelain oven before bonding into place.
PHONE: (315)478-1001