CEREC technology has altered how dentists approach designing and fabricating crowns. Now, instead of multiple visits, patients can receive a dental crown in a single appointment.
Knowing how this technology works can help you know what to expect during your treatment at our Brisbane City practice.
Beyond the Traditional Impression: The Role of 3D Intraoral Scanning
Traditional crown impressions involve placing putty-like material in your mouth, which causes gagging and discomfort for many patients. Instead, CEREC uses a high-definition intraoral camera that captures thousands of data points in seconds, creating a detailed “digital twin” of your tooth and surrounding structures.
CAD Technology: Custom-Designing Your Restoration in Real-Time
Once your dentist completes the scan, CAD software allows them to design a restoration tailored to your unique dental anatomy. This customisation happens while you're still in the chair, and your dentist can adjust the design to ensure the crown fits properly and fits comfortably with your bite.
The Milling Process: Precision Engineering from a Single Ceramic Block
After finalising the design, the data is transferred to an in-office milling unit. This technology uses diamond burs to carve your restoration from a single block of medical-grade ceramic that matches your natural tooth shade.
While the total appointment takes one to two hours, the milling process itself typically takes no more than 30 minutes. The machine follows the exact specifications of the design in CAD software for a perfect, customised fit.
Final Clinical Steps
Once milling is complete, your dentist will try in the restoration to check the fit and make necessary adjustments. The crown is then bonded or cemented to your prepared tooth. This bonding process is a clinical procedure that requires professional expertise to ensure proper integration with your natural tooth structure.
Is CEREC Suitable for Every Case?
While CEREC technology is a versatile tool, it's not appropriate for every situation. Your dentist will perform a thorough clinical examination to determine whether CEREC technology is suitable for your particular case.
If you would like to discuss whether CEREC crowns in Brisbane City might be an option for you, please call Edward St Dental to arrange an appointment.