Why Computer Aided Design Such as CEREC 3d Is the Future of Dentistry

 In CEREC 3D

WHAT IS CEREC AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

The Dental Industry has been swiftly evolving over the years. New technology and techniques continue to surface and Dr Golestani at Dental 359 in Subiaco harnesses this power of innovation to ensure his patients are always able to access the highest quality dental care. One such innovation which continues to yield outstanding results is CEREC. Before and after of CEREC Restorations completed at Dental 359 (below).

WHAT IS CEREC?

CEREC or Cerec (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, or CEramic REConstruction) is a method of CAD/CAM dentistry developed by W. Mörmann and M. Brandestini at the University of Zurich in 1980 for creating dental restorations. Using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing), CEREC aids dentists to design, produce, and insert individual metal-free ceramic restorations directly at the point of treatment (chairside) in a single appointment. The dentist designs a virtual restoration (onlay, inlay, crown, or bridge) without taking impressions and combined with a milling unit, is able to build the actual restoration while you are still in the chair.

While it might sound like a fancy ‘gadget’, CEREC is actually much more. And in the hands of a skilled and experienced CEREC® dentist, it is a powerful tool that propels us into a new way of experiencing modern dentistry which can be efficient, aesthetically beautiful and in many cases cost-effective compared to other dental treatments.

 

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED A CEREC RESTORATION

If you have been told you need a new crown, inlay, onlay or bridge, you may be a CEREC candidate. If you have a cracked tooth, old metal or mercury fillings, or dental decay on your teeth, you may be a CEREC candidate. If you are interested in replacing old metal restorations with biocompatible restorations, you might be a CEREC candidate. Essentially, any large restoration in your mouth may be a possible candidate for a CEREC restoration. If an old restoration needs replacing, CEREC may be a good option for you.

 

HOW IT WORKS

The equipment and software are highly advanced and allow 3D digital scans of the teeth and surrounding tissues to be taken; eliminating the need for impressions. The cavity preparation is first photographed and stored as a three-dimensional digital model and proprietary software is then used to approximate the restoration shape using biogeneric comparisons to surrounding teeth. The practitioner then refines that model using 3D CAD software. When the model is complete, a milling machine carves the actual restoration out of a ceramic block using Diamond Head cutters under computer control. This accurately designed restoration is milled while you wait comfortably in the dental chair. When complete, the restoration is bonded to the tooth using a resin. Restorations look outstanding, are long-lasting, and are biocompatible and metal-free.

 

HOW CAN CEREC HELP YOU AS A PATIENT?

CEREC restorations such as inlays, onlays, veneers and crowns, delivered in a single appointment, are the superior choice for tooth restoration in many cases. Clinical studies show an 84% success rate of CEREC restorations after 18 years (1). This far exceeds the lifespan of conventional restorations.

The quality, accuracy, durability and function of a CEREC restoration absolutely outshines older materials and methods of restoring and preserving dentition.

Dr Golestani is passionate about aesthetic dentistry; the art and beauty of smiles. And with CEREC, he is able to provide just that without compromising on strength and longevity.

After painless preparation of the teeth indicated, CEREC restorations are intricately milled while you wait. CAD/CAM technology and specialised milling provide absolute precision restorations every time. The unique restoration is then bonded to the tooth with specialised resins.

 

THE FUTURE OF DENTISTRY

CAD/CAM dentistry such as CEREC is the future of dentistry. Utilising modern technology, a dentist can produce an accurate, safe, biocompatible dental crown, inlay, onlay, or bridge, in just one visit. Technological advances make the system easier to use, more accurate (so you get a

better fit right away, which means great comfort and fewer adjustments later), and faster (saving you time in the chair). More dentists are turning to this new technology. Some are new to the system. Others (like us) have been using it for years. In fact, Dr Golestani has been using the CEREC system for over 16 years and upgrades the equipment regularly to stay at the cutting edge of dental technology.

Interested to see if you are eligible for a CEREC restoration? Phone our team on 1300 625 625 to schedule your next examination.

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