In just about every area of life, computers and technology have dramatically improved products and services. The science and art of dentistry is no different. Now with the aid of CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) which has been used in the manufacturing industry for years, dentists are now able to create superior crowns and veneers. Here's what you need to know about this exciting advancement in dental technology.

What IS CEREC?

CEREC in the acronym for ceramic reconstruction. Crowns and veneers manufactured by CAD/CAM are made from ceramic, which is usually made primarily from a combination of the mineral feldspar and other materials. Feldspar is also high in silica, sometimes called quartz. Essentially, the final result is similar to a strong glass.

What Is The Traditional Method Of Making A Crown?

In order to fashion a crown the conventional way, an impression must be taken. This requires a warm wax-type substance that must be worked with quickly before it sets up. It is used to take an imprint of the tooth or, if the tooth is missing, the abutting teeth. This must then be sent to a dental lab, where the fake tooth is made. The resulting tooth is largely a combination of skilled guesswork and art, and while impressive, many times the process will need to be repeated, particularly if the initial impression was poorly done.

How Does This Differ From Crowns Made By CAD/CAM?

When your tooth (or the absent area between two teeth) is scanned by a computer, the resulting implant is far more accurate than the archaic, messy wax method. The computer reads the detailed measurements that the scanner took and then creates the tooth. The dentist can make subjective changes to measurements if needed during that visit rather than having to send the crown back to the lab for adjustments again and again. The dentist can also determine the tooth shade rather than just guessing.

This entire process can all be done in one visit, from scanning to manufacturing the CERAC crown and installing the finished product. This saves the hassle of repeated visits. It also means you don't have to leave the office with an unsightly, temporary metal crown, which frequently fall out, leaving you with extreme sensitivity. The advantage of one visit becomes even more obvious when it comes to repairing a damaged front tooth. You don't have to have the embarrassment of a broken or chipped front tooth for any length of time. 

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