CEREC® - Turns Out You Have Better Things to do with Your Time

Technology today is changing our everyday lives. Many people, however, aren’t aware that technology also is impacting dentistry in new and exciting ways. Cutting-edge innovations in dental instruments are requiring less time in the dental chair, causing less discomfort and creating satisfying results. One breakthrough instrument, called CEREC, allows dentists to quickly restore damaged teeth with natural-colored ceramic crowns, veneers and fillings, saving patients time and inconvenience.

What is CEREC? CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Translated, it means that a dentist can economically restore damaged teeth in a single appointment using a high-quality ceramic material that matches the natural color of other teeth.

How does the instrument work? CEREC uses CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) technology, incorporating a camera, computer and milling machine in one instrument. The dentist uses a special camera to take an accurate picture of the damaged tooth. This optical impression is transferred and displayed on a color computer screen, where the dentist uses CAD technology to design the restoration. Then CAM takes over and automatically creates the restoration while the patient waits. Finally, the dentist bonds the new restoration to the surface of the old tooth. The whole process takes about one hour.

What does this innovation mean for a patient? A tooth-colored restoration means no more silver fillings discoloring smiles. The filling is natural-looking, compatible with tissue in the mouth, anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant. We no longer need to create temporaries or take impressions and send them to a lab. Because of this advantage, the traditional second visit has been eliminated. Dr. Ferguson and Dr. Joseph are experts in using CEREC technology and our office has been successfully using CAD/CAM technology to provide exceptional dental restorations in a single visit for over a decade. The restorations we provide are cosmetic, precise, safe and effective.

How can I find out if this is an option for me? Call the office of Ferguson Dental Associates at 973-744-3181. We will be happy to answer your questions on this exciting technology.