When a tooth is too damaged to support just a regular filling dental restorations may be required. In our office, we like to keep as much of the natural tooth as possible. Thus CEREC porcelain crowns, inlays and onlays are some of the most used dental restorations in our office.
The use of crowns, inlays and onlays are more than just cosmetic dental treatments. These restorative treatments function just like any other healthy tooth. They will help preserve the remaining structure of your teeth, maintain the correct alignment of your jaw as well as provide durable and long lasting benefits. And now, with CEREC technology these procedures are less invasive than ever.
The CEREC Technology System
Old technology often required dentist to get a physical mold or scan of their patients’ teeth and sending that information out to a separate dental laboratory. At the lab they would create the restorations and send them back for the dentist to fit, place, and bond. These procedures required several visits to the dental office. The also meant the placement and removal of a temporary restoration, as well as multiple uses of anesthetic or sedation. Thankfully technology has turned the table on these types of procedures.
CEREC, or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, has so many advantages. Now we can provide you with one visit crowns, inlays and onlays. With CEREC technology at Richard Bruce D.D.S. we can complete most dental restorations with just one visit to the office, for most cases in just one hour. The CEREC technology includes digital scanning equipment and software as well as a milling machine to make the restorations on site.
Crowns, Inlays or Onlays?
If teeth are structurally damaged by decay, but do not need to be completely replaced, then porcelain crowns provide optimal results. If your tooth is broken, fractured, or severely chipped then it might require a crown. The damaged portion of the tooth will be removed and a CEREC porcelain crown will be used as a cap. The material looks and acts just like the natural enamel of your teeth, retaining both the form and function of your smile.
Porcelain inlays and onlays are very similar. They are used as a mid-way treatment between regular fillings and a full on dental crown. Unlike fillings though, inlays and onlays are milled and casted restorations. Inlays are fitted between cusps, or the bumps on top of your teeth. Onlays are meant to cover one or more cusps, perhaps even reaching just beyond the biting surface of your teeth. Not every situation will require an inlay or onlay, but with the help of a trained dentist we can find the right solution.
Advantages of CEREC Porcelain Crowns, Inlays and Onlays
- Conserve more natural tooth structure.
- Protect the tooth against recurring decay.
- No need for any temporary restorations.
- Look and function like natural teeth.
- Technology provides as exact fit.
- Fewer in office visits.
- Long lasting restorations.
If you are suffering from severe tooth damage do not wait any longer. You should seek prompt treatment. Contact us to learn more about CEREC porcelain crowns, inlays and onlays. Find out which method is right for you and get proper treatment today.