CEREC® Dentist Chicago, IL

Benefits of CEREC Technology

CEREC technology rivals the lost-wax casting method, which uses wax to make a second mold for the dental restoration piece. The American Dental Association details how the dental CAD/CAM systems use scanners to take measurements and collect all details of the teeth and gums quickly and precisely. Automating production using this data helps simplify what is otherwise a lengthy laboratory process.

The CEREC system makes the restoration process faster, easier, and less expensive. CEREC restoration benefits include the following:

• Better fit:CAD/CAM systems produce high-quality restorations. The process eliminates errors as the system relies on the precise digital data that it collects. When compared to CEREC, the laboratory process is more prone to having subjective or human errors.
• Better product:The manufacturing process results in a one-unit restoration piece rather than separate pieces. This single-unit process is especially beneficial for bridges and other multi-piece appliances. It also adds to the durability and strength of the finished piece.
• Faster process:CEREC software allows dentists to see three-dimensional images created from oral scans. Based on this information, the dentist uses the system to design the restoration piece with the necessary bite adjustments. The CAM unit then creates the appliance using the finalized design.

CEREC Is the Healthier Option for Dental Health

A CEREC restoration is not only the quicker, more convenient option; it is also the healthier option. This technology allows dentists to use more of the natural tooth than before. Other methods use amalgam to fix tooth damage, but CEREC uses ceramic to save as much healthy tooth tissue as possible.

The CEREC restoration is chemically bonded to teeth to restore its natural beauty and strength. The restoration positioning is non-invasive to the gums and results in a faster healing time. The use of additional dental tissue helps to aid in overall tooth and gum maintenance.

Expected Processing Time for CEREC

After removing any tooth decay, intraoral scanners collect measurements for the CAD/CAM system. The restoration design may take anywhere from a few minutes for a simple piece to thirty minutes for a bridge.

Once complete, the cosmetic dentist will fit the piece into the patient’s mouth and examine it for fit and proper function. It is then glazed and fired before a second fitting with the patient, where the restoration is cemented into place and polished. The entire process takes about two hours, with the patient waiting 30 to 45 minutes in total between fittings and finalization.

What To Expect After Receiving CEREC Care

In order to ensure tooth restorations fit well and function properly, regular care and maintenance are required. Patients should avoid chewy, sticky, and hard foods for up to two days after receiving a CEREC restoration to allow the cement to harden. Teeth may feel sensitive for as many as two weeks afterward, but pain medication may ease this discomfort.

Regular, twice-daily brushing and flossing is the best way to ensure the longevity of any restoration, as well as existing teeth. Crowns and other dental restorations can last for several years with proper care and bi-annual checkups. We recommend patients inform their providers as soon as they notice any changes or concerns with their restoration, no matter how small.