CEREC 3D
CEREC 3D (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is a revolutionary system that allows your dentist to design, create and fit a new crown, veneer, onlay or inlay in a single visit. This procedure would normally take up to three weeks.
The multi-instrument CEREC 3D system consists of an infrared digital camera, a computer with 3D imaging software, and a milling unit with diamond blades for quick, precise, and highly detailed construction of restorations. Developed by Sirona Dental Systems, CEREC 3D is the third model of CEREC, representing marked improvements in design and function over previous models.
How CEREC 3D Technology Works
Your dentist will prepare your tooth in the normal fashion before fitting a crown or a veneer. At this point, instead of using dental putty to take an impression of your tooth, he or she will take a digital picture using the CEREC 3D camera. Using CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) technology, the CEREC 3D software converts this picture to a 3-D virtual model of your prepared tooth. This image is used as a guide to design your new restoration.
Once your dentist is happy with the virtual tooth, the data is sent to an on-site CEREC 3D milling unit, which fabricates your new tooth from a high-quality ceramic block. These blocks come in a wide variety of shades and colors and are selected to match your surrounding teeth. The process usually takes less than 20 minutes.
After the milling is finished, your dentist will polish the filling or crown and bond it into place in your mouth.
The Benefits of CEREC 3D
There are several advantages to CEREC 3D restorations over conventional laboratory-made restorations:
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Single-Appointment Dental Care – With CEREC 3D, you only need to visit the dentist once, instead of the usual two or three visits required with conventional restoration procedures.
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Complete Control by Your Dentist – Since the restoration is designed and fabricated from start to finish by your dentist, he or she has complete control over how it will look and fit. By contrast, a crown made in a laboratory is under the control of a technician who has never seen the patient.
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No Temporary Restorations – Conventional restoration procedures require you to wear temporary restorations while the laboratory makes your new restoration. Temporary restorations can fall off or cause other problems. CEREC 3D eliminates this inconvenience.
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Fine Materials – CEREC 3D uses strong, tooth-colored ceramic materials to restore your teeth to their natural strength, beauty, and function. Not only do they look like the rest of your teeth, these materials closely match the composition of your natural tooth structure, allowing you to eat hot and cold foods without worrying about your tooth cracking from the extreme temperatures.
CEREC FAQ
- How long does the CEREC procedure take?
- Why is CEREC better than conventional restoration procedures?
- How should I take care of my new ceramic tooth?
- Will a restoration using CEREC respond well to extreme temperatures?
- Is a CEREC crown better than a gold crown?
- What can I eat after a CEREC restoration?
How long does the CEREC procedure take?
The entire CEREC procedure is done in only one short visit. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic and prepare your tooth for the restoration, removing decayed and weakened tooth tissue. Next is the optical impression: a 3-D image is taken of your tooth and used to design the restoration. This takes no more than 5 minutes. After this is complete, the tooth is milled, taking up to 20 minutes. Finally, the tooth is bonded to your mouth. You can expect the entire procedure to take as little as 30 minutes.
Why is CEREC better than conventional restoration procedures?
Restorations with CEREC require only one visit to your dentist, as opposed to the several visits that other restoration procedures require. CEREC also allows your dentist to have complete control over the process from start to finish. Further, CEREC eliminates the need to wear temporary restorations, which may fall off or cause other problems.
How should I take care of my new ceramic tooth?
CEREC restorations do not require any kind of special care. You should, however, always remember to practice proper oral hygiene. This will increase the health and longevity of the restored tooth and your other teeth.
Will a restoration using CEREC respond well to extreme temperatures?
CEREC restorations are made of high-quality ceramics that withstand extreme temperatures. If the restored tooth still has a nerve in it, you may experience increased sensitivity immediately after the procedure. The sensitivity will often decrease with time.
Is a CEREC crown better than a gold crown?
CEREC crowns are made entirely of ceramic, giving a more natural look than gold crowns. However, they are not as strong as gold crowns and are more likely to chip. Ceramic crowns are still very durable; we only use a very high quality of ceramics. Your dentist will help you decide which is best for you, depending in part on whether you want a more natural look or a stronger tooth.
What can I eat after a CEREC restoration?
You may experience some increased sensitivity the day of your procedure. In this case you may be more comfortable staying away from hot or cold food or drinks. The sensation should soon return to normal. Otherwise, you can enjoy all the foods you used to eat before the operation.
