subject: Knowing the ABC of CEREC [print this page] Every year, it seems that the field of dentistry has newer, better techniques, methods and modalities that make life so much easier on the dreaded dental chair. One of these better techniques is the CEREC. So, if you are interested in knowing about the system because dental health is on top of your list for staying healthy, read on and learn its ABC. A is for About the System An acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, it is the revolutionary system that allows the dental practitioner to design, fabricate and fit ceramic dental restoration appliances including crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays in a single visit, and in just a matter of minutes to boot. Keep in mind that the average time for completion of dental restoration procedures is pegged at 2 weeks. So, how does the CEREC technology developed by Sirona Dental in Bensheim, Germany work? Well, thanks to the technology behind the digital camera, your dentist will take an impression of your tooth for treatment, which was prepared in the traditional manner. The digital image is then converted into a 3D computerized model that will then be used to design your ceramic dental restoration appliance. Said 3D image is used as guide by the onsite milling machine for actual fabrication of the new tooth. The entire process can take anywhere from 6 minutes to half an hour, which is still very short compared to the old way of doing things. Of course, the ceramic blocks manufactured by the CEREC machine offers a wide range of shades and colors that make it very easy to match the new tooth with the surrounding teeth. Your new tooth is then cemented into your prepared tooth as the final step in the dental restoration process. B is For Benefits of the System The many benefits of the system can be implied from the abovementioned discussion of the system. Said advantages include:
You can save on time because the entire procedure will only take a single visit instead of the 2-3 visits necessary with the traditional system.
You will be subjected to only one lot of local anesthetic injections. If you have a fear of needles, this is definitely good news.
Your dentist is better able to fit your new tooth since he can see, refine and adjust it as soon it is finished by the CEREC onsite milling machine. Now, contrast that with the traditional method where an offsite lab technician makes the new tooth.
You will not suffer through the inconvenience of temporary restorations, which include falling off and causing other dental problems.
Your new tooth is made up of stronger porcelain that can blend better into the surrounding teeth, thanks to the system's capacity to yield exact duplicated of your prepared tooth. C is for the Cost of Treatment One of the misconceptions about the technology is that it is an expensive one. In reality, you will spend more on the traditional method since dentist visits are made 2-3 times, thus, adding up on the cost of the professional fees, the transportation expenses and the opportunity costs on top of the price for the ceramic new tooth. CEREC technology is heaven-sent to people who care about shiny, new smiles on top of good dental health. So, go ask your dentist about it today.
