Lombardi Brothers Dental

New and Improved Crowns: What CEREC Can Do for You

Although dental crowns are an effective way to treat damaged or infected teeth, some patients avoid crowns because of apprehensions about the time commitment. With the convenience of CEREC’s crown in a day technology, there is no need to put your tooth restoration on hold.

What is CEREC?

CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, is a form of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) dentistry. This advanced technology provides patients with a quick, comfortable method to receive customized porcelain crowns. The CEREC method uses a three-dimensional scanner to take digital tooth impressions. These images are uploaded to the CAD/CAM software, allowing your dentist to examine the damaged area of your tooth with the highly detailed imaging system. The software allows your dentist to see exactly where the decay is and plan according. By planning your treatment with the CAD/CAM software, your dentist is able to create a more conservative crown placement plan.

How does the CEREC System work?

Not only is the CAD software able to pinpoint where decayed matter is, but it is also capable of designing more accurate impressions than traditional trays and molds. This is because of the device’s ability to scan all surfaces of teeth, even those between your teeth. As the 3D digital scans are uploaded to a computer, your dentist is able to use the manufacturing aspect of the software to design a porcelain crown that will fit in naturally with your dentition. A porcelain block is chosen by your dentist to match the natural color of your teeth. It is placed into the machine, and once the crown is crafted, the piece is ready for a fitting. With a final polish, the crown is virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

What are the Benefits of CEREC?

Usually, the entire treatment can be done all in one appointment, saving you time, money and anxiety. This also eliminates the need for temporary crowns, which can sometimes fall out or break before the placement of the permanent prosthetic and cause discomfort within the treated tooth. These modern porcelain crowns are also more durable than traditional metal crowns. As the crowns are all-porcelain, the crown expands and contracts the same way that your teeth do, allowing you to enjoy your restoration without fear of your further damage. Since CEREC is metal free, patients are not exposed to harmful materials, such as those found in amalgam or mercury fillings.

Ask your Foothills dentist if you’re interested in learning if CEREC crowns are right for you.