Technology today is changing our everyday lives. Many people, however, aren’t aware that technology also is impacting dentistry in new and exciting ways. Cutting-edge innovations in dental instruments are requiring less time in the dental chair, causing less discomfort and creating satisfying results. One breakthrough instrument, called CEREC®, allows dentists to quickly restore damaged teeth with natural-colored ceramic fillings, saving patients time and inconvenience.

What is CEREC®?

CEREC® is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Translated, it means that a dentist can economically restore damaged teeth in a single appointment using a high-quality ceramic material that matches the natural color of other teeth.

How does the instrument work?

CEREC® uses CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) technology, incorporating a camera, computer and milling machine in one instrument.  The dentist uses a special camera to take an accurate picture of the damaged tooth. This optical impression is transferred and displayed on a color computer screen, where the dentist uses CAD technology to design the restoration.  Then CAM takes over and automatically creates the restoration while the patient waits. Finally, the dentist bonds the new restoration to the surface of the old tooth.  The whole process takes about one hour.

What does this innovation mean for a patient?

A tooth-colored restoration means no more silver fillings discoloring smiles. The filling is natural-looking, compatible with tissue in the mouth, anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant. Dentists no longer need to create temporaries or take impressions and send them to a lab. Because of this, the traditional second visit has been eliminated.  The CEREC® has over a decade of clinical research and documentation to support the technology. The restorations have been proven precise, safe and effective.

How can I find out if this is an option for me?
Call the office of Dr. Peter Ahpin at 780-962-3414. We will be happy to answer your questions on this new technology.

CEREC® technology allows us to create strong, customized, tooth-colored ceramic restorations right here at the office, usually within a single appointment. No temporary or second visit is required and the aesthetics are beautiful.

Inlays:

CEREC® inlays can be used instead of traditional amalgam or composite fillings to create smooth, tooth-colored replacement of tooth material lost to cavities. CEREC® inlays are designed and custom-fabricated using state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology to perfectly match your tooth and bring it back to its natural strength.

Onlays:

CEREC® onlays take the place of extensive amalgam or composite fillings to create a smooth, tooth-colored replacement of tooth material lost to cavities. Onlays are more extensive than inlays, covering on or more of the cusps on the chewing surface of the tooth. Onlays can also be called partial crowns. With a CEREC® onlay, you may be able to avoid the need for a full crown.

Crowns:

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape and size, strength or improve its appearance. A crown may be needed to protect a weakened tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth, to restore a broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down, or to replace old, failing restorations. The CEREC® crown provides a beautiful looking, single-visit restoration.

Veneers:

Whether caused by trauma or the natural shape and alignment of your teeth, smile imperfections can make you self-conscious and less likely to smile your greatest smile. With CEREC® veneers, you can have the beautiful, long lasting smile you’ve always dreamed of. CEREC® veneers are custom-designed in-house to provide a precise match to your existing teeth in a single visit.

Multiple Restorations:

CEREC® provides you with the opportunity to make the most efficient use of your time in the dental chair and complete multiple restorations in the same appointment. CEREC® technology allows the dentist to design and fabricate restorations at the same time.