The Future of Dentistry: A Look at CEREC Technology
Every so often, a breakthrough occurs in dentistry, and you know things are never going to be the same again.
Just think about the shift in the last 50 years from pulling teeth to the focus on preventing decay. Then Invisalign burst onto the scene twenty years ago and took the world by storm. Now, CEREC technology is here and promises to have just as big an impact.
CEREC technology allows dentists to cut down waiting times for patients. They can get bespoke restorations without having to wait for days or weeks for labs.
Let’s explore exactly how CEREC technology works and why it’s the future of dentistry.
What Is CEREC Technology?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic. That probably hasn’t cleared up what it is.
In the past, if you needed a dental crown, the dentist would trim the tooth and make an impression. They’d then place a temporary crown on top. The impression would be sent to the lab where your final crown would be made.
You’d return several days later when the crown was ready to have it trimmed and fitted. This involved quite a lot of work as the temporary crown and adhesive had to be removed first.
How CEREC Works
CEREC cuts out the middleman. It also does away with the need for traditional, gloopy, uncomfortable impressions.
Your dentist will take digital impressions – essentially photos – of your mouth. The CEREC machine then uses CAD to create a digital model of your new tooth. The really cool part is that it uses CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) to produce a high-quality, ceramic crown right there and then.
Your dentist can then trim and fit the crown in a single procedure.
What Can CEREC Make?
CEREC can make far more than simple crowns. It can also manufacture:
- Inlays and onlays
- Partial crowns that cover a section of the tooth
- Dental Implants
- Artificial teeth that attach to an implant embedded in the jawbone
- Veneers
- Water thin ceramic coatings for the fronts of the teeth
- Bridges
- An appliance that bridges the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth
This is just a sample of the many types of dental appliances it can manufacture. Because it uses the latest computer-aided design, CEREC creates bespoke appliances that fit perfectly and are highly durable.
What Are the Advantages of CEREC?
The major benefit of CEREC is that it improves the experience of dental treatment for patients. And it does this while still providing high-quality crowns, bridges, and other dental appliances.
Immediate Restoration of Function
When you get dental crowns made by a CEREC machine, you immediately regain the use of your tooth. You have a bespoke crown that was designed and made just for you. This is much better than a temporary crown which can be uncomfortable and will not fit as precisely.
Did you know that you should eat a soft foods diet when you have a dental crown? That would seriously cramp your style. Thanks to CEREC’s advanced dental technology, you’ll be eating all the foods you love on the same day.
Less Disruption to Your Life
It can be a challenge to schedule time for dental appointments around work and family commitments. CEREC allows you to get the treatment you need in a single visit.
Visiting the dentist can also be stressful for some people. If you’d rather keep visits to a minimum, CEREC is the way to go.
Advanced Dental Technology
CEREC makes use of such advanced dental technology that their dental crowns are often a better fit than those made in the lab. This makes the crown more comfortable, looks better, and gives you a better bite.
Attractive, yet Strong and Durable
CEREC crowns are made of 100% porcelain.
Porcelain has a translucent quality that is very similar to tooth enamel. This makes it the most natural-looking material for dental appliances.
It’s also extremely strong and does not degrade over time. With good care, it should last for up to 15 years.
Commonly Asked Questions About CEREC
CEREC is a great choice for most patients. These commonly asked questions can help you to determine whether it’s the right treatment for you.
Can CEREC Be Used in All Cases?
CEREC can create most types of dental appliances.
However, some types of crowns are too complex for CEREC technology. This includes crowns for teeth that are broken below the gumline. Because the digital scanner cannot create an impression of this area, you will need to use a traditional mould instead.
Are CEREC Appliances as Strong as Regular Ones?
Unlike many lab-made appliances, CEREC appliances are made entirely of porcelain. This makes them slightly less strong than those that are made with a metal base.
In most cases, this is not an issue. But if you have problems with your bite, this may put extra pressure on dental crowns and other appliances. In this case, your dentist may recommend a traditional appliance.
Are CEREC Crowns Safe?
Yes, they’re just as safe as regular crowns. Ceramic is completely biocompatible. This makes them suitable for people who are allergic to metals.
The crown is fitted immediately – no need to worry about a temporary crown coming offer while you wait.
Is CEREC Right for Me?
CEREC offers unbeatable convenience, but as we’ve seen, it’s not the right choice for everyone.
When your dentist examines you, he or she will talk you through all your options. They’ll only recommend CEREC if it can do as good, or better, a job than a traditional dental appliance.
Ready to Try CEREC For Yourself?
CEREC technology is changing the way people visit the dentist the world over.
If you need a dental crown or other restorative treatment in Northcote or The Bays, talk to Northmed Dental Centre. We’ll be happy to talk you through your options – including CEREC – so that you can get the very best treatment.
Call us on 09 884 8262 (Northcote) or 09 886 5680 (The Bays). Alternatively, schedule an appointment online today!
