CEREC Restorations ~ Crowns, Inlays, and Onlays
CEREC is an advanced dental restorative system that allows the doctor to create strong, beautiful crowns, inlays and onlays out of porcelain in just one appointment! When a large portion of your tooth is damaged or lost due to decay, wear, or fracture, the tooth requires a crown, inlay, or onlay in order to continue to function. The doctor will use his/her clinical judgement and experience to decide which restoration will best serve the tooth.
What is CEREC?
CEREC consists of two units:
1. The CEREC Acquisition Unit: This is a mobile unit that houses a medical grade computer and the CEREC camera. This camera is used to take a digital picture of your tooth. This picture is used instead of a traditional impression ~ which means no impression trays and impression material for you to gag on! The computer and the CEREC 3D software converts this picture to a 3 dimensional virtual model of your teeth. Your doctor will then design your restoration right on the screen while you watch. A porcelain ceramic block is then selected in the appropriate shade to match your tooth, and then secured in the milling machine. The design data is communicated from the acquisition unit to the milling unit via a wireless radio signal.
2. The CEREC Milling Unit: This unit takes the data from the acquisition unit and carves the ceramic block with two diamond coated burs with amazing precision. This process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on the size and type of restoration. After the milling is complete, the doctor will polish the restoration and bond it in place.
