The Dentist - 63 The High Street Buntingford

What is Cerec?

CEREC is a dental restoration product that allows us to produce a ceramic dental restoration using computer assisted technologies. We take a 3D photograph of the tooth or area concerned and then convert it into a 3-dimensional virtual model on the computer.

When the model is complete a machine carves the actual restoration out of a ceramic block using diamond head cutters. When this astoundingly accurate block is complete, the restoration is bonded to the tooth using a resin. The whole procedure is done in a single appointment, start to finish.

Why patients are choosing CEREC?

CEREC by Sirona Dental Systems is the world's only system for the fabrication of all ceramic dental restorations in one office visit. With CEREC at your dentist's side, you can be in and out in a single visit with a permanent, all ceramic crown, onlay, or veneer! For you, the patient, this means fewer injections, less drilling, and less time out of your hectic schedule for dental care. So, why are thousands of people world-wide choosing the CEREC restorative technique for their dental needs?

Single Appointment Dental Care

Most dental restorative methods involving laboratory work require more than one visit to the dentist. This means that on the first visit, you get an injection of anaesthetic, your tooth prepared, an impression taken, and a temporary restoration put on your tooth. You make a second appointment for a couple of weeks later, get another injection, and have a permanent restoration put on. Why go to the dentist a second time when you don't have to? With CEREC, the procedure is done in a single appointment, start to finish.

The materials used closely match the composition of natural tooth structure. This means that when you eat hot food and then drink something cold, the restoration and tooth expand and contract at almost equal rates. So, your tooth does not crack, and you can go on enjoying your evening. Also, the materials are chemically bonded to your tooth, so your dentist can save as much healthy tooth tissue as possible while providing you with a dental restoration that strengthens your tooth.

Smile Enhancement

Your dentist can use CEREC for more than just crowns and fillings. CEREC is capable of producing any single tooth restoration. Chipped or discolored front teeth can be repaired with beautiful CEREC porcelain anterior crowns or veneers. Your smile makes a lasting first impression. Enhance it with CEREC.

The CEREC Procedure

Exam and Preparation

First, your Dentist examines the tooth and determines the appropriate treatment. It could be a simple filling, or a full crown, depending on how much healthy tooth structure is remaining and the clinical judgement of your Dentist. Next, he or she administers an anaesthetic and prepares your tooth for the restoration, removing decayed and weakened tooth tissue. This preparation is just like he or she would do for many other restorative techniques.

Optical Impression

Then, your Dentist takes an Optical Impression of the prepared tooth. Instead of filling a tray with impression "goop" that you must bite into and hold in your mouth until it hardens, your Dentist coats the tooth with a non-toxic, tasteless powder. A camera is then used to take a digital picture of your tooth. This whole Optical Impression process only takes a minute or two.

No Temporaries

Next, the CEREC machine helps the Dentist create the restoration for your tooth. The CEREC 3D software takes the digital picture and converts it into a 3-dimensional virtual model on the computer screen. Your Dentist then uses his or her dental expertise to design the restoration using the CEREC 3D computer program. Within a few minutes, your Dentist clicks a button, and the restoration design data is sent to a separate milling machine. A ceramic block that matches your tooth shade is placed in the milling machine.

About 10 - 20 minutes later, your all-ceramic, tooth-colored restoration is finished and ready to bond in place. Finally, your Dentist tries the restoration in your mouth to ensure proper fit and bite. The restoration is then polished and bonded to the prepared tooth. Your tooth is restored with no "temporary" or return trip necessary. All of this is done in a single appointment! Ask your Dentist about CEREC today.

What is CEREC?

CEREC is an acronym...

Chairside: The technology is in the dental operatory and used while you are in the chair.
Economical: The procedure is economical for both dentist and patient.
Restorations: The procedure restores your tooth to its natural beauty, function, and strength.
Esthetic: The restorations are metalfree and tooth-coloured.
Ceramic: High-strength ceramics are used that are close in composition to your natural tooth structure.

An advanced dental restorative system that allows your dentist to restore decayed teeth, place crowns, remove defective amalgam fillings, or place cosmetic veneers in just one appointment. This allows you to have the highest quality, most lifelike dental restorations in just one visit to the dentist...in, out, and on with your busy life.

The state of the art CEREC system was developed in 1985 at the University of Zurich in Switzerland by a dentist, Dr. Werner H. Moermann, and an electrical engineer, Dr. Markus Brandistini.

If you would like to see more information, visit the Sirona dental technology company's website at www.sirona.com or click here to go directly to the CAD/CAM page on their site. Or for more information and advice, come into the Buntingford Dentist and make an appointment to see one of our dental staff.