When you are having trouble with your teeth, one of the worst parts of the experience can be making multiple trips to the dentist instead of getting everything done in one trip. CEREC allows you to save time and get better results by taking advantage of advanced technology to restore your teeth with a crown, inlay, or onlay.
What is CEREC?
CEREC is the short term for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, or CEramic REConstruction. CEREC uses CAD/CAM (computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing) technology to take impressions quickly and generate a precisely fitted filling so you can leave Richard W. Bates, DDS sooner.
How can CEREC help you?
One of the biggest advantages of CEREC is its convenience. If you need a crown, inlay, or onlay, you can get your teeth restored during a single trip to Richard W. Bates, DDS. Traditionally, these procedures require two trips to the dentist.
During the first, the dentist cleans the tooth, makes a mold, and places a temporary restoration onto the tooth. In a couple of weeks, after the permanent restoration is ready, you need to return to the office so that the dentist can remove the temporary fix and place the permanent one.
The CEREC process lets you receive your permanent restoration right here in our Colonial Heights office, so you do not have to live for weeks with a temporary fix and schedule another appointment. In addition, Dr. Bates and our team use digital impressions to make a mold for the filling. This is more comfortable and accurate than traditional impressions with plaster.
Another benefit of CEREC is that it uses a single block of solid ceramic materials instead of pressed ceramic and metal. CEREC restorations are able to withstand moderate chewing so yours will last for years. The lifespan of a CEREC restoration is longer than similar work with traditional methods. In addition, the color of CEREC ceramic is closer to the color of your natural teeth, which will make your restoration virtually unnoticeable.
For more information about CEREC single-visit restorations, contact Richard W. Bates, DDS.