A recent innovation available in the offices of some cosmetic dentists is the "Computer-Assisted Design - Computer-Assisted Manufacture" crown, or "CAD-CAM." The company that is foremost in this technology is Cerec. This crown is milled by a computer to fit your tooth precisely, thus eliminating the laboratory step in manufacturing the crown. Examine the pros and cons of this system.
CEREC – A One Visit Procedure
To have a traditional crown applied takes two visits to the dentist.
During the first visit, you will receive an injection of anesthesia
so that your tooth can be prepared and an impression taken. A temporary
restoration will then be put on your tooth. A couple of weeks later,
during the second appointment, you will receive another injection
so that the temporary tooth can be removed and the permanent restoration
applied. With CEREC, the procedure is done in a
single appointment, start to finish!
How The Crown Is Made
The CEREC Acquisition Unit is mobile and houses a computer and the
CEREC camera. The camera will take a digital picture of your prepared
tooth and this picture is used instead of a traditional impression.
The computer and CEREC 3D software converts the digital picture to
a three dimensional virtual model of your prepped tooth. Dr. Simmons
then designs your restoration right on screen using the software
while you wait. This software can assist with designing
any single tooth restoration such as, crowns, inlays and onlays,
and veneers.
Once Dr. Simmons has designed your restoration (about 5 minutes), he clicks a button and the design data is communicated via a wireless radio signal to the CEREC Milling Unit. Dr. Simmons then selects a ceramic block that matches the shade of the tooth being repaired and inserts the block into the Milling Unit. The data from the Acquisition Unit is used to direct two diamond coated burs to carve the block into the indicated shape of the restoration. This process usually takes 8 to 18 minutes depending on the size and type of restoration. After the milling is finished, Dr. Simmons polishes the finished filling or crown and bonds it into place.
Special Offers
$50 off any Dental, Sleep Apnea, or TMJ/Orofacial Pain treatment
