Brentwood dentist restores smile with CEREC technology

New technologies in dentistry are bringing about a revolution that is slashing appointment and waiting times as well as vastly improving the standard and accuracy of treatment.

One such technology is CEREC, a state-of-the-art new system that uses the latest in digital x-rays and 3D imaging to create lifelike and perfectly sized crowns and veneers. CEREC stands for CEramic REConstruction and allows dentist to use the latest in computer-aided manufacture and design to create microscopically accurate dental replacements.

For patients with broken, worn or discoloured teeth it is often necessary to use porcelain veneers to repair or cosmetically enhance their teeth. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit over existing teeth to create a more healthy appearance. Previously dentists would need to take several dental moulds and x-rays to create an impression of the patient’s mouth. They would then use this to design and manufacture a veneer. This would take place in a laboratory and could take up to two weeks.

With CEREC a dentist can create an instant impression of the patient’s mouth using 3D imaging sensors. They can then use the computer to design a veneer in a matter of minutes. When satisfied with the projection, the dentist then instructs the computer to manufacture the veneer. Milled from a single piece of porcelain, a new veneer can be ready in as little as an incredible six minutes and can be fitted immediately. It is now possible to completely replace a row of patient’s teeth in one session.

CEREC represents the future of cosmetic dentistry. Not only has the time of treatment been reduced by as much as seventy five per cent but patients spend less time in the chair and are subjected to much less discomfort during treatment because there is no need for uncomfortable dental moulds. The standard of treatment has also increased as dramatically. The use of computers means that crowns and veneers can be manufactured to microscopic levels of accuracy. If you are suffering from a cracked or broken tooth, or if you want to restore the appearance of your badly worn or discoloured teeth, ask a Brentwood dentist about revolutionary CEREC technology and you could transform your smile in an afternoon.