What Is CEREC?
As you explore the treatments available at Thomas F. Brown, DDS, you’re likely to encounter the term CEREC. More and more dentists in Naperville are turning to this innovative technology to make traditional dental procedures faster and simpler for their patients. CEREC has a number of potential benefits for you as a patient.
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic. The word “chairside” refers to the fact that the technology allows dentists to produce certain dental restorations right in the office. “Restoration of esthetic ceramic” means it’s a restorative treatment that improves the appearance and function of your teeth.
CEREC isn’t a treatment on its own, but it is an easy way for dentists to make high-quality, custom restorations during in-house treatments.
When Is CEREC Used?
CEREC may be used as a part of a treatment for:
- Chipped, broken, or damaged teeth
- Tooth decay
- Missing teeth
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Misshapen or badly stained teeth
With CEREC, a dentist can design and create the following types of restorations and appliances:
- Crowns
- Dental implants
- Dentures
- Fixed bridges
- Inlays
- Onlays
- Veneers
- Some orthodontic appliances
How Does CEREC Work?
Typically, treatment assisted by CEREC technology involves the following steps:
- Examination and consultation: The dentist thoroughly examines your teeth, discusses your symptoms, and takes X-rays. They then recommend the treatment plan that’s best for you.
- Preparation: The dentist prepares your tooth for restoration. A local anesthetic may be used to eliminate any discomfort.
- Scanning: The dentist uses a CEREC digital scanner to take highly detailed images of your mouth. These pictures serve as a guide for creating the restoration.
- Designing: Using sophisticated computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, the dentist designs a custom restoration specifically for you.
- Production: Milling and grinding machines located in the office manufacture the restoration.
- Placement: The dentist positions the restoration, adjusts the fit as needed, and permanently bonds it into position.
What Are the Benefits of CEREC?
CEREC offers many benefits compared to the traditional method of producing certain dental restorations. These benefits include:
- Fewer visits. Before CEREC, treatments that improved the appearance and function of teeth usually required multiple visits to a dentist’s office because a dental lab had to manufacture the restoration. Even if the dentist had a lab onsite, the process was time-consuming. With in-office CAM, you can often receive an entire treatment in just one visit.
- No temporary fixes. Without CEREC, you may need to use a temporary appliance or restoration until the finished product is ready. These temporary fixes can make it harder to eat, drink and talk. Plus, you may worry about whether the temporary solution will remain in place. CEREC can usually eliminate the need for temporary treatments.
- Less stress. If you’re one of the many who get nervous about seeing the dentist, CEREC can make your visit less stressful by allowing you to deal with a problem in fewer visits.
- No need for impressions. With CEREC, you normally don’t have to go through the process of biting down on messy molds to receive a restoration.
- Better quality. CAM gives the dentist more control over the production process. As a result, CEREC restorations are precisely engineered for an optimal fit and may improve treatment outcomes.
CEREC greatly simplifies and accelerates dental restorations, but not everyone is a good candidate for the technology. Only our dentist who is trained in and experienced with CAM can determine if a same-day restoration is ideal for your needs at Thomas F. Brown, DDS.
Ready to Learn More About CEREC?
Call our office today for more information regarding CEREC and the innovative technology at Thomas F. Brown, DDS that will bring your dental care to the next level.
