When your tooth is cracked, chipped, decayed, or damaged, you know you have multiple restoration-related dental appointments scheduled in the near future. It is difficult to take time out of the hectic schedule to sit in the dentist's chair while the dentist pokes and prods around in our mouth. It is not only uncomfortable but also financially taxing.
However, thanks to advancements in science and technology, there is a much superior time-saving alternative to traditional dental restoration known as CEREC. Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic (CEREC) is the most recent technological method in modern general dentistry that manufactures dental restoration devices in no time, saving you both time and money.
Anderson Lake Dental in Eden Prairie, MN is well-known for its highly competent dentists and technicians, as well as their use of cutting-edge technology, CEREC, for dental restoration treatments, allowing people to keep their beautiful smiles.
What is a CEREC Crown?
If you have a root canal, discolored front teeth, or a fractured or chipped tooth, you must need a crown. Previously, you may have needed more than one appointment at the dentist's office, but today you only need one dental visit to get an impression and a crown.
In roughly 20 minutes, a computerized scanner captures the impression and sends 3D images into a computer and milling unit, which creates an exact replica of the patient's teeth. Following the creation of the ceramic model, the dentist will match the shade to your real teeth, polish it, and cement it on your tooth.
Dental crowns made with CAD-CAM technology not only fit your teeth properly but also spare you the pain of wearing temporary crowns while a permanent crown is being manufactured.
How does CEREC® Same-Day Crown Work?
The CEREC technology includes two systems, Computer Assisted Design (CAD) and Computer Assisted Milling (CAM), to produce thousands of natural-looking dental restorative devices. These systems are comprised of three components: an acquisition device, three-dimensional CAD software, and a milling device.
- The acquisition device first captures impressions of the tooth that has to be prepared for the restoration. The dentist then uses the 3D pictures created on the computer screen to design the exact ceramic restoration.
- After that, the dentist examines the tooth using 3D CAD software.
- Finally, the tooth specifications are entered into the computer, and a ceramic block that mimics natural teeth is placed into the milling unit and formed into the desired shape.
All of this takes around 20 minutes, and the finished ceramic dental restorative device is ready to be placed in your mouth.
According to the Journal of Dentistry and Oral Care, CEREC can be used to fabricate crowns, inlays and onlays, fixed bridges, veneers, implants, and dentures.
Traditional Vs. CEREC Crowns
1. Manufacturing time
Traditional lab-manufactured crowns take two weeks to develop since impressions are sent to the dental lab, whereas CEREC crowns take only 20 minutes at your dentist's office.
2. Dental Visits
A traditional crown requires more than two dental appointments, one for impressions and two or three for a dental crown to be cemented, but CEREC crowns require only one visit to the dentist's office, which includes both the impression-taking process and the crown cementing process.
3. Material
Regular crowns are available in a range of materials, including ceramic, metal, porcelain, and zirconia. Whereas, CEREC crowns are made entirely of ceramic.
4. Temporary Crown
You must wear a temporary crown for approximately two weeks while your permanent crown is being created. However, with CEREC crowns, you don't need temporary crowns since you can have your permanent crown in less than half an hour.
5. Manufacturing Error
It is very common for traditional crowns not to fit with your natural teeth and must be sent back to the lab to be fixed, which adds another one or two weeks to your waiting period. This type of waiting period and error does not occur with CEREC crowns as they can be repaired immediately.
Pros and Cons of Same-Day CEREC Procedures
The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of same-day CEREC procedures:
1. Advantages
- CEREC crowns can be aesthetically customized based on the form, size, and color of your natural teeth. They look more natural and aesthetically appealing.
- They can restore your teeth' function almost immediately, without the need for temporary crowns or having difficulty in biting, chewing, or speaking.
- CEREC crowns also protect your teeth from harm since they do not poke around in your mouth like a temporary crown and do not get loose.
- CEREC crowns are extremely cost-effective, saving you money on multiple dental treatments.
- They are absolutely painless and comfortable.
2. Disadvantages
- It is hard to master the art of using CEREC technology since it demands advanced skills to operate.
- CEREC crowns are made of ceramic, which is prone to breakage and general damage.
- CEREC crowns are also less likely than traditional crowns to bond tightly to teeth.
Anderson Lake Dental is one of the few dental clinics with highly skilled dentists that use CEREC for tooth restoration. If you have any further questions regarding how CEREC and CEREC crowns work, schedule an appointment with us today.