The future of cosmetic dentistry has finally arrived in the shape of new technology from Cerec. Also commonly known as ‘chair-side restoration’, Cerec has revolutionised the way dentists are able to manufacture and fit ceramic restorations such as dental crowns, porcelain veneers and inlays for fillings.

In the past, if a patient needed a dental crown to repair a tooth damaged by decay or accidental damage then a dentist would need to take several dental moulds as well as a series of x-rays. The x-rays would take several hours or days to develop and the dental moulds were not always completely accurate. They would then need to construct a crown or inlay for the patient’s tooth in a laboratory using the x-rays and the moulds. This involved making a layered metal and porcelain restoration that could often take days or weeks and even then still require minor adjustments.

Cerec technology allows the dentist to take several digital x-rays, which can produce three-dimensional images almost instantaneously on a computer screen. This allows the dentist to create a perfectly fitting crown or veneer on the computer. Then comes the really incredible bit, when the dentist sends this information to a computer-guided mill, which can sculpt a new crown or veneer from a single piece of porcelain in a mater of minutes. All of this can be achieved in little more than an hour per tooth for a crown and significantly less for veneers. Combined with the use of resin bonding, it is possible for a patient to have a crown designed, manufactured and installed in a single appointment at a Braintree dentist. Compared to the old methods of crown dentistry, Cerec represents a huge leap forward and expect to see this technology in all dentist surgeries in the near future. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

There are two main types of veneers that can be placed over the top of damaged or discoloured teeth to restore the cosmetic appearance of a smile. Composite veneers are made of a resin and are made in laboratory or even constructed in the mouth during an appointment. The other type of veneer is made entirely from porcelain and is cemented over the top of teeth using dental bonding.

Although composite veneers are cheaper, they do not look nearly as realistic as a porcelain veneer which are specially designed to resemble tooth enamel. Composite veneers are more suitable for individual teeth that are damaged or for repairing small cracks or chips. When it comes to replacing a whole dental arc that has been damaged by staining or discolouration there really is only one option. Also, as technology advances, new tools are being developed to speed up the manufacturing process of porcelain veneers and with technology such as digital x-rays and Cerec, it is now possible to sculpt veneers from a single piece of porcelain in a matter of minutes.

Other modern porcelain veneers are incredibly thin, some the same width as a contact lens, which can be fitted over the teeth with no enamel removal and can be completely removed themselves should the need arise. They are in fact so thin that they can fit over existing veneers and other dental repair work.

As well as completely restoring the appearance of damaged teeth, porcelain veneers from a Colchester dentist also play an important protective role. Acting as a second layer of enamel they protect the teeth from decay adding another important barrier to tooth decay. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

Dental veneers are ceramic shells that are custom made to fit over the top of teeth repairing damage done by injury, erosion or discolouration.

Common tooth injuries that require repair are teeth that are either chipped, cracked or broken due to head trauma from physical injury. Porcelain veneers can restore the structural integrity of the tooth while also enhancing the tooth’s cosmetic appearance. In some instances, such as discoloured or worn teeth, the veneers are for purely cosmetic reasons. A row of veneers across the dental arc can completely change the appearance of teeth in one afternoon. Modern veneers are made form incredibly thin porcelain that replicates the translucent appearance of tooth enamel.

Teeth can become stained or discoloured for a number of reasons. Sometimes it is the result of a hereditary condition or certain medical treatment, but more often than not it is the result of time and certain substances such as tobacco or red wine. Patients with fragile enamel often have teeth that are badly worn which need protecting to prevent further erosion. For all of these concerns, dentists can fit porcelain veneers to restore the integrity and appearance of real teeth.

Previously, porcelain veneers needed to be manufactured in laboratory conditions after the dentist had measured the existing teeth using dental moulds and x-rays but modern computer technology has significantly reduced treatment time and accuracy. The latest digital x-rays and 3D imaging means dentists have access to exact three-dimensional representations of the patient’s teeth almost instantly. Using computer-aided technology they can manufacture the veneers in as little as six minutes per tooth. Because modern veneers are so thin they can be fitted over existing teeth with minimal enamel removal. Some modern veneers are also completely removable.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, or think on or more of your teeth needs strengthening, ask a Chelmsford dentist about porcelain veneers at your next appointment. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

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.

Today we finished treatment on a guy from Rainham in Essex. He first attended in this summer where we whitened his teeth, then placed a combination of crowns and veneers followed by the replacement of his old metal fillings. His full case pictures can be found on our case of the month page.