CEREC Technology at Dr. Sherrard’s Office
Technology today is changing our everyday lives. Many people, however, aren’t aware that technology is also 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.
Furthermore, new bonding techniques allow us to retain a greater percentage of the natural tooth structure, creating a stronger, more permanent result. Using an optical impression obtained with a specialized digital camera and milling the restoration in-house, we are now able to complete a restoration in a single appointment, so that you can quickly get back to the more important things in life, and smile on your way.
What is CEREC Technology?
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 your 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 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 two hours.
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 now 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. Restorations are proven precise, safe and effective.
How can I find out if this is an option for me?
Call Dr. Sherrard at 503.246.4712 to schedule a consultation.
