CEREC (CEramicREConstruction) restorations were introduced in 1987, and after 2+ decades of clinical research over 25 million restorations have been placed worldwide.
Tradition crowns typically require two visits to the dentist. Usually at the first visit, your tooth is prepared and an impression taken. A temporary crown is made and then put on your tooth. A couple of weeks later, during the second appointment, your temporary crown can be removed and the final restoration applied. With CEREC, the procedure is done in a single appointment, start to finish! No messy impressions, no waiting two to three weeks, no temporaries are needed for this state of the art procedure.
CEREC TECHNOLOGY
The CEREC Acquisition Unit is mobile and houses a computer and the CEREC BlueCam. The BlueCam’s LED technology takes digital impressions to the highest level of precision and efficiency for impeccable results. By simply positioning the BlueCam lens over the area to be acquired, BlueCam senses when the area is in focus and automatically captures the digital impression. The computer and CEREC 4 software converts the digital picture to a three dimensional virtual model of your prepped tooth. Dr. Reed then designs your restoration right on screen using the software while you wait. This software can assist with designing any single tooth restoration such as, crowns, inlays and onlays, and veneers.
Once Dr. Reed has designed your restoration (about 5 minutes), he clicks a button and the design data is communicated via a wireless radio signal to the CEREC 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 6-10 minutes depending on the size and type of restoration.
Ultimate in Dental Materials – IPS e.max CAD
A CEREC tooth restoration isn’t just convenient, it is also healthy. Dentists used to have few options to repair decayed and damaged teeth other than amalgam, gold, and other metals. With CEREC, we can use strong, tooth colored ceramic materials to restore your teeth to their natural strength, beauty, and function. These materials closely match the composition of natural tooth structure. This means when you eat hot food and then drink something cold, the restoration and tooth expand and contract at almost equal rates. So, your tooth does not crack, and you can go on enjoying your evening. Also, the materials are chemically bonded to your tooth, so your dentist can save as much healthy tooth tissue as possible while providing you with a dental restoration that strengthens your tooth.
Please view the following video for more information on CEREC restorations and how they are created.