Technology has brought advances across many industries, and dental care is one of them. One of the newest breakthroughs is CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) technology. This cutting-edge system creates ceramic tooth restorations on a same-day basis. Patients must no longer wait for their crowns or veneers to come back from the lab as this state-of-the-art process crafts them in the office.
CEREC is available at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. Schedule a consultation with our team and learn more about this system and whether it is the right choice for you. Contact our office at (858) 748-2101 to make an appointment today.
Understanding how CEREC works
CEREC is also known as Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, or CEramic REConstruction. It uses Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), which has been used in manufacturing for several decades to create precision parts, tools, and even vehicles. Since its introduction to the dental field over two decades ago, this system has become a quick and precise means of producing ceramic veneers, crowns, bridges, and more.
CAD/CAM dentistry helps CEREC dentists to effectively perform complex dental restorations, providing patients with high-quality, durable, and natural-appearing replacement teeth. p>
"Since its introduction to the dental field over two decades ago, this system has become a quick and precise means of producing ceramic veneers, crowns, bridges, and more."
Benefits of choosing a CEREC restoration
Choosing a CEREC restoration over a traditional dental restoration has its advantages. Three-dimensional imaging means no messy impressions to induce gagging. The path to getting a permanent CEREC restoration is quick, lasting hours or days instead of weeks or months like the lost-wax casting method requires. As the restoration is created quickly in the dental office, there is no need for an interim temporary crown.
CEREC restorations are strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. The restoration is ceramic, so there is no visible metal to block transparency. The restoration material matches natural teeth and looks and feels like the rest of your teeth.
"Choosing a CEREC restoration over a traditional dental restoration has its advantages."
CEREC is the healthier option for dental health
A CEREC restoration is not only the quicker, more convenient option; it is also the healthier option. This technology allows dentists to use more of the natural tooth than before. Other methods use amalgam to fix tooth damage, but CEREC uses ceramic to save as much healthy tooth tissue as possible.
The CEREC restoration is chemically bonded to teeth to restore its natural beauty and strength. The restoration positioning is non-invasive to the gums and results in a faster healing time. The use of additional dental tissue helps to aid in overall tooth and gum maintenance.
"A CEREC restoration is not only the quicker, more convenient option; it is also the healthier option."
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After removing any tooth decay, intraoral scanners collect measurements for the CAD/CAM system. The restoration design may take anywhere from a few minutes for a simple piece to thirty minutes for a bridge.
Once complete, the cosmetic dentist will fit the piece into the patient's mouth and examine it for fit and proper function. It is then glazed and fired before a second fitting with the patient, where the restoration is cemented into place and polished. The entire process takes about two hours, with the patient waiting 30 to 45 minutes in total between fittings and finalization.
"The restoration design may take anywhere from a few minutes for a simple piece to thirty minutes for a bridge."
Questions answered on this page
Q. How will CEREC affect my dental health?
Q. What is the expected processing time for CEREC treatments?
Q. What are the benefits of CEREC?
Q. How should patients take care of their CEREC restorations?
People also ask
Q. What is it like to go through the process of receiving a dental crown?
Q. When is a dental restoration necessary?
Q. What additional treatments are available at a general dentist?
Q. What are the benefits of restoration dentistry?
Q. What is entailed in the process before getting a dental crown?
What to expect after receiving a CEREC restoration
The CEREC restoration should be treated gently for the first 24 hours so the adhesive can cure completely. Beyond a bit of discomfort and sensitivity for the first few days, no complications are expected. Recommendations include no chewing of hard or sticky foods, such as ice or chewy candy. Even after 24 hours, care should be taken not to damage the restoration.
All teeth should be brushed and flossed daily, and the patient should continue to have regular checkups and cleanings at least every six months. Getting a CEREC restoration is a reliable choice as it tends to be strong and likely to last and resist abrasion. The advanced technology is also a better choice for your overall dental health as there is less risk for tooth decay, and they are metal-free.
"The advanced technology is also a better choice for your overall dental health as there is less risk for tooth decay, and they are metal-free."
Frequently asked questions
CEREC restorations cost around the same amount as traditional ones. Although insurance usually covers CEREC at the same rate as traditional restorations, each patient should request a detailed estimate from an insurance provider in advance. CEREC does not require an additional appointment like other restorations do and may save some patients the cost of another appointment.
Having a CEREC machine on-site means the dentist does not have to send impressions to a dental lab to create crowns. Most restorations take one day to complete. A CEREC restoration does not take as long as a traditional, lab-created crown to make.
Before the restoration, the cosmetic dentist will apply a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort. It is normal for teeth to feel sensitive for up to two weeks after the procedure. Patients may experience discomfort when eating or drinking anything sweet, hot, or cold.
According to a BMC Oral Health study, chairside CEREC machines can also use zirconia blocks. As zirconia is crystalline at room temperature, it has to be heat-treated to form a solid block for the milling machine. Once the zirconia crown is milled, it is heated again before being cemented in place.
Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots. Individual implants require crowns to complete the restoration and create functional prosthetic teeth. CEREC crowns can bond to implant abutments, just like traditional crowns. CEREC crown strength makes them an excellent choice for dental implants.
Dental terminology
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person's teeth, gums and/or bite.
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Call us today
Oak Tree Dental in Poway now offers CEREC technology to help patients receive quick and accurate dental restorations. To find out if this same-day restoration is right for you, call us at (858) 748-2101.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.