Cerec
At our office we have the ability to make crowns in one appointment using Cerec technology. Cerec technology was developed in 1980 and we have been making crowns in-office at Steveston Smiles since 2006.
The Cerec machine uses 3D CAD/CAM technology to repair teeth in a single visit. A conventional crown requires two appointments; one for impressions and one to seat the crown in your mouth. A temporary crown is placed on the tooth in-between visits. Using Cerec you leave the same day with your final crown, no second appointment needed.
How does Cerec work?
First your tooth is prepared to remove any decay, damaged tooth structure and defective restorations. Digital images are taken of your prepared tooth, the opposing teeth and your bite using a special intraoral camera. After the images are collected the computer uses them to create virtual 3D models of your mouth. Dr. Doug or Dr. Michele then design the crown on the computer to fit your teeth and bite. Once the crown is designed a solid block of porcelain is placed into the Cerec milling machine and is less than 15 mins a crown that fits exactly to your tooth and mouth is made. Specialized diamonds with lots of water are used to cut the solid block into the crown that was designed using the Cerec software. Some patients have compared it to a 3D printer. It still amazes us every time that we see a solid block of porcelain turn into a custom fitting crown in just minutes.
Not every tooth can have a Cerec restoration, ask us next time you are in the office if a Cerec one-appointment crown is right for you.
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