CEREC: Faster than ever before

As much as dental restorative technologies, such as veneers and crowns, can seem like a magical solution to damaged teeth, people may feel that the process takes too long. Having to schedule multiple appointments can be difficult enough, but having to live with damaged or aching teeth during the process can be even more difficult. With the advancement in dental technology, there is now a solution to help people receive the necessary installment in one visit: CEREC.

The current process

The current process for veneers and crowns is still effective but will take more than one appointment. The number of appointments will depend on the condition of each patient, but typically requires a minimum of two.

Veneers are a thin shell that covers the front of the tooth, useful “for correcting stained, chipped, decayed or crooked teeth,” the American Dental Association, ADA, states. While crowns are a tool that resembles the top of a tooth and “can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance,” the ADA adds. A veneer can come in a tooth-colored appearance and will give the appearance of a new and clean tooth.

As the ADA explains, “Veneers are made by a dental technician, usually in a dental lab, working from a model provided by your dentist.” The process to create a veneer in the dental lab can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The patient may get a temporary implant to fill the gap until the lab completes the final product. Regardless, the wait can be tedious for the patient and interrupt the regular lifestyle.

However, CEREC, also known as Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (or CEramic REConstruction) can speed up the process to only one day.

In one visit

With any dental implant or oral appliance, the patient will only receive the full benefits from a customizable treatment set to his or her needs. If a patient buys or uses a generic oral appliance from the store, say a night guard, the appliance will not fit and cause discomfort. With a veneer or crown, the personalization is what gives the product the ability to last in the long-term.

By using the computer aided design (CAD) and the computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), CEREC can prepare the appliance in office quickly and to the patient’s exact specifications. While dental labs may use computers as well, a CEREC dentist can guarantee high-quality results at a fast rate.

In the Journal of the American Dental Association, JADA, Werner H. Moörmann writes about his work in establishing the groundwork for the CEREC system. “Early in 1980, the author anticipated the attraction of restoring posterior teeth with tooth-colored material,” the abstract explains. Dr. Moörmann continues that, “He conducted studies and developed the clinical concept of bonded ceramic inlays, at the same time raising the issue of the fast fabrication of the ceramic restorations.”

Now, CEREC is a proven method helping patients receive the necessary dental care in an efficient manner. As the website, Sirona.com comments about CEREC, dentists “can provide your patients with inlays, onlays, crowns and veneers in only one appointment.” Where patients once had to make return trips before the fitting took place, they can now leave with their necessary implant or oral appliance after one appointment.

With a CEREC dentist, the patient is not losing quality due to the faster completion time. In fact, Sirona.com writes that CEREC produces “Outstanding initial patient-specific design proposals as a result of analyzing the complete scan.” If you believe that CEREC is the program for you or a loved one, call and schedule a consultation.

Carlos E. Sanchez, DDS

At Carlos E. Sanchez, DDS, in Tracy, CA, we will customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule. Our professional staff creates a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. If you have any questions or are unsure of what is causing the pain in your teeth, do not hesitate to call us.

We will answer any questions and make sure you get all of the necessary information. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of pristine oral health. At Carlos E. Sanchez, DDS, your experience with us and your dental health are our prime concern.