In a world where we can get instant gratification, instant answers and even instant coffee, people are no longer accustomed to waiting. In fact, many people will leave a line that’s too long at a store’s cashier or step out of a restaurant when they cannot be seated right away because they’re not used to waiting for anything. So, expecting dental patients to come back for appointment after appointment, or spending hours in the dentist’s chair just isn’t going to work in the dental industry anymore.
Some dentists, such as Daniel Klein D.D.S., realize the need to give patients the care they need, and give it to them as fast as they want it. The solution for many dental offices has been through using CEREC restorations which not only enhance the smile, but can be done in less than three hours.
Why is CEREC faster?
CEREC restorations, explains Klein, are porcelain restorations that are produced using a CAD system, which entirely eliminates the need for your dentist to make impressions of your teeth, temporary teeth, and gets rid of added lab time.
How long has CEREC been used?
CEREC itself has been around since 1987, but the software has improved recently to make it user friendly and more accurate, he says. And, since the program is guaranteed to be precise, dentists are more comfortable using the device on a regular basis, and clients love the results as well.
What procedures can be done using CEREC?
Your dentist can use CEREC to complete crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers, all of which can be fabricated from milled porcelain that is then polished and cemented into your mouth, making it virtually impossible to detect a porcelain tooth from natural, surrounding teeth.
How long does an appointment take?
It used to be that you would have to visit your dentist for a preliminary visit to check the condition of your teeth and to create an impression of your mouth. Then, from that impression, a temporary tooth would be made while the final porcelain one was being constructed. With CEREC however, all that waiting and all those extra appointments are a thing of the past. The entire process will take no longer than two hours and is broken up into two parts, explains Klein:
- One to 1.5 hours of actual work being done on the mouth. This includes anesthesia, virtual impressions and the cementation procedure.
- Design, milling and polishing takes which takes roughly 30 minutes to complete.
Are there any side effects?
For a few days following your appointment, you may feel some slight discomfort in the area of your mouth where the procedure took place.
How long will it last?
Procedures completed with the assistance of CEREC have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years if taken care of properly. With frequent cleanings at home and regular trips to your dentist, keeping your restorations looking natural and strong shouldn’t be a problem at all.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
