CEREC Crowns
CEREC dentistry utilizes “Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing” (CAD/CAM) to fabricate functional dental restorations in about two hours. Think of 3-D printing, except that the end product is not a trinket, but instead, a dental restoration. Dr. Robert Solow and his staff have invested years mastering the use of CEREC technology–technology which can be applied to design dental restorations which can be fashioned to address a variety of dental conditions. Better yet, the end result is functional and blends beautifully into your smile.
CEREC dentistry is completed in a single, two hour office visit without messy impressions or the inconvenience of temporary crowns. Digitally produced “teeth” are remarkably accurate in every respect, frequently more so than hand fabricated crowns. The restorations, of course, offer great fit, comfort and function.
Same Day Results
We all have time constraints. Trying to fit all of life’s puzzle pieces into an already tight schedule can be daunting. Add a dental appointment, particularly an unplanned emergency dental appointment, and your stress level rises. Work commitments, school, kids, and pets will always be there. But advancements in dental technology can get you in and out more efficiently when your time is most valuable.
Through CEREC CAD/CAM technology, Dr. Solow designs your crown (veneer, onlay, inlay or filling) by computer while you sit in the dental chair, eliminating the need for a follow-up appointment. You’ll have the opportunity to watch as the contours of you new restoration is designed to match the shape and contour of your bite. The CEREC restoration itself is milled from a solid ceramic block or, in some cases, a block of composite resin selected to match the shade of the surrounding teeth.
Technology at Work
How does the CEREC restoration process work?
Once Dr. Solow has prepared any broken or decayed sections of the tooth and prepare the surrounding tissue, a scanned image, or digital impression is created. This image delivers data to an attached computer which uses proprietary CEREC software. Guided by Dr. Solow and his highly skilled staff, the appropriate restoration is designed to fit precisely into your bite and the data is transmitted to the attached milling machine. The milling machine, in turn, carves the restoration from a solid block of ceramic or composite resin. Because the process is so precise, the fit is often superior to what can be achieved by traditional hand-fabricated restorations.
Dr. Solow checks the newly milled restoration for function and aesthetics, adjusts the restoration to the patient’s mouth, checks the bite, and then permanently bonds it in place. All accomplished in a single appointment of approximately two hours.
IS CEREC RIGHT FOR YOU?
Should you have a CEREC crown restoration? That depends entirely upon your own unique situation. Here are some of the advantages that you might want to consider.
- CEREC crowns can be completed in one visit
- Temporary crowns become unnecessary
- CEREC crowns contain no metal, so they are aesthetically preferable
- CEREC technology can also be used to create fillings, onlays and inlays, which tend to be more durable than traditional composite fillings
If you or a family member are interested in CEREC restorations, we have you covered! Dr. Solow and his staff are happy to discuss the appropriate use of CEREC restorations and whether CEREC is the best option for your needs.