Computerized Ceramic Restoration (CEREC)
What is Ceramic Restoration?
Ceramic Restoration is the outcome of a new tooth restoration
technology called CEREC.
The CEREC system uses an optical scanning procedure (in place
of the conventional dental impression) and computer (instead
of a technician in a dental laboratory) to design and manufacture
extremely accurate and natural looking ceramic/porcelain fillings
and crowns. The patient is in and out in minutes.
Why might I consider this type of restoration? :
- One-visit – The procedure is done in minutes, instead
of days. With a silver or gold restoration, the patient
needs to come in for impressions, gets a temporary filling/crown
and then returns a week or two later for a permanent restoration.
- Very conservative – The ceramic restoration is bonded
to the existing tooth structure, preserving the maximum
amount of your tooth.
- No Mercury – Large amounts of mercury-amalgam or
“silver” fillings can lead to severe breakdown
and fracture of the tooth.
- Esthetic and Durable – The restoration is color
matched to your natural teeth and it reestablishes its original
strength.
How does this procedure work?
The ceramic procedure (whether inlay, onlay,
crown or veneer) is completed in three steps:
- The damaged tooth is prepared by the dentist, then photographed
or scanned with the CEREC camera to get a 3-dimensional,
digital image.
- The CEREC program uses this optical impression to design
the restoration. The patient can actually watch the process
on the computer terminal. Once the design is completed,
the milling portion of the CEREC program manufactures a
solid block of color-matched ceramic/porcelain to fit the
tooth.
- The dentist then bonds the finished restoration to the
existing tooth structure. The repair is completed in 20
minutes.
|
