In the past few years, there has been a significant increase in people’s desire for tooth whitening procedures. Tooth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic operations performed at dentistry practices. There are many different types of whitening methods from at-home whitening kits, toothpaste, and rinses, to in-office procedures conducted by a professional. These in-office procedures can consist of powerful gels placed on teeth that are activated by special lights.
While at-home tooth whitening practices can be effective, they often take weeks to see any results. Even in-office procedures may require repeat appointments to obtain the shade of white you desire. If you want a whiter and brighter smile in just one simple visit, CEREC Technology is right for you.
Did You Know?
there is a technology called CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) that repairs broken, weakened, and decayed teeth while improving color in one single visit?
Tooth impressions are not needed. Instead, CEREC uses a system that sophistically designs high-quality, metal-free dental restorations using 3D computer-based construction paired with CAD/CAM technology. Teeth are covered in a tasteless powder and a camera is used to take digital photographs of the coated teeth.
Is CEREC Right for You?
Over the years, your teeth can fall victim to bacteria and plaque build-up, resulting in tooth decay and cavities. To fix these issues, dentists typically use fillings to restore tooth structure by “filling in” the decayed part of the tooth. Oftentimes, metal is used to “fill” these weakened teeth, which can weaken teeth and make them appear discolored. CEREC can be used to replace the filling process, repairing the tooth’s natural beauty and strength.
CEREC crowns are carefully crafted from metal-free, ceramic materials, meaning they will not crack or leak over time. As this sophisticated technology only requires one visit to the dentist, it eliminated any need for temporary tooth restoration, uncomfortable impressions, and multiple visits to the dentist.
How is CEREC Implemented?
CEREC technology provides all-around more benefits to patients than other whitening procedures. CEREC requires much less time, less drilling, and fewer injections. First, the dentist will examine your teeth to determine the best preparation approach. Next, the dentist will prepare by cleaning the affected teeth and removing any present decay. An optimal impression is now taken of the prepared teeth.
The CEREC machine is used to digitally design and create the new filling, crown, or veneer. This 3D machine consists of an acquisition unit, 3D software, and a milling unit. The acquisition unit, containing a computer and camera, takes a photograph of the prepared teeth and then creates a 3D model. The dentist will use this 3D model to later design the restoration.
To create the filling, crown, or veneer, your dentist will place a small block of tooth-color ceramic into the milling unit. The milling unit is the machine that will create the restoration based on the computer impression. This process will take approximately 10 to 20 minutes. After this time, the tooth-colored, ceramic restoration is created and ready to be bonded with the patient’s tooth for a complete, glossy finish.
What Are the Uses of CEREC?
Developed in 1980 at the University of Zurich by W. Mörmann and M. Brandestini, CEREC is the only dental method that offers single-visit compete restorations. The first CEREC applications on patients were completed in 1985 by Sirona Dental Systems. Most importantly, CEREC technology offers more than just crowns. This revolutionary procedure is also used to create new onlays, inlays, veneers, fillings, and replace amalgam fillings.
For those who desire whiter, brighter teeth, CEREC delivers long-lasting results in as little as one to two hours. Whether you are interested in enhancing your smile for medical or cosmetic reasons, CEREC is quick, reliable, and offers professional results without the usual hassles. For more information about this popular, trusted system, contact your local CEREC dental provider.