Unless you’re having a routine check-up or teeth cleaning session at the dentist, you’d probably expect to have to make more than one appointment. This is taken for granted when talking about tooth restorations like crowns and veneers, which can mean several trips. Your busy lifestyle makes this inconvenient, particularly when it means taking time off work. And as nearly 50% of us admit to having some level of fear of seeing the dentist (with 12% having extreme anxiety), who wants to go more than they need to? Fortunately, the latest innovation in dentistry technology means you can get your tooth restorations sorted in a single visit.
Forward-thinking dental practices are investing in Cerec, a CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) milling and grinding machine. This amazingly clever system produces a highly accurate tooth restoration in four to twelve minutes, while you’re relaxing in the waiting area. It’s then fitted during the same appointment. So how does it work?
Instead of the usual impression tray which can be unpleasant, a small camera is used to make full colour, 3D images of the area to be restored. The system software then analyses the scans and recommends the best restoration options. Because the images are displayed as a 3D rendering, the dentists and dental technicians can see more clearly which restoration will best suit the patient.
Once the design is chosen, a little block of a ceramic substance known as zirconia (zirconium oxide) is placed in the machine, and the software program sends detailed instructions for the milling/grinding. Zirconia is the perfect material for crowns and veneers, as it has a natural look and feel, is slightly translucent, plus is extremely durable.
The milling cubes come in a wide range of shades to match any toothcolour. Cerec creates an incredibly accurate and finely milled restoration in the time it takes you to enjoy a cup of tea. The final touches, such as sintering, and glazing can be done while you’re back in the chair. Once a perfect fit is confirmed, your crown, inlay or veneer can be cemented in place. This video shows how a Cerec tooth restoration is manufactured.
The latest dental technology like Cerec means visiting the dentist for an inlay or crown requires minimum disruption to your schedule, and you know you’re being precisely fitted with a beautifully natural and resilient estoration. Cerec means no impression trays, less inconvenience and greater satisfaction. Does your dentist offer Cerec tooth restorations?
Portman Dental Care Awards
