CEREC® Restorations in Cloverdale, CA
One-visit dental restorations!
CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, or CEramic REConstruction) allows Dr. Richard Nicholls to create dental restorations using computer-aided technologies, including 3D photography and CAD/CAM.
The CEREC® system can be used for inlays and onlays, crowns, bridges and veneers, and done in one visit. And yes, in most instances we can replace those unsightly metal fillings with CEREC® ceramic—with the same characteristics of healthy dental enamel.
CEREC®, 100% metal-free restorations
Yes, you can have a 100% metal-free restoration that’s as beautiful and natural looking as your original tooth.
We’re proud to make available the CEREC®, a state-of-the-art, computer-controlled system that creates a tooth replacement from a single block of white, biocompatible, plaque-resistant ceramic. The process and its effect on your smile must be seen to be believed!
Not only is the restoration far more natural than old-fashioned metal fillings, the procedure can be performed in a single appointment—usually in a couple hours. That’s because with CEREC® there’s no need for us to make an impression and send it to the lab.
The CEREC® Process
Instead, we use a special camera to take a picture of the tooth (actually, a pin-sharp optical impression). Computer technology then helps us design the restoration from the optical impression. You watch the image of your new tooth take shape on our color video monitor!
Then CEREC® creates an extremely precise restoration, also while you watch—milling it out of a solid block of ceramic material. Finally, we bond the new restoration to your tooth using the latest techniques in adhesive dentistry.
Replace your old amalgam “silver” fillings with composite ones!
Ask Dr. Nicholls about CEREC® restorations. There’s never been a better time to replace your old amalgam “silver” fillings. With CEREC® we create a natural and brightened smile your friends, colleagues and family will compliment you on.
In the past, patients would have endured many procedures, and a lot of lag time in between those, to restore damaged teeth with crowns, onlays, inlays or porcelain veneers. With CEREC®, patients do not have to wait because CEREC® has the ability to make ceramic restorations in minutes. This means that some procedures will restore your teeth in just a single visit.
CEREC® FAQs
Frequently asked questions about CEREC® technology.
What is the CEREC® system?
What is the CEREC® system?
The CEREC® system is also referred to as a CAD-CAM system. Simply put, CAD stands for “Computer Assisted Design” and CAM stands for “Computer Assisted Milling.” Therefore, CEREC® uses computer design and a milling device to create custom-made restorations.
The CEREC® system is comprised primarily of the acquisition device, milling device and 3D CAD software. Take a look below to learn more about the different components of the CEREC® system.
Acquisition device
This device uses a high-quality camera and a medical grade computer. The unit works together to photograph the tooth you want restored. The device creates three-dimensional images of the tooth on the computer screen. Dr. Nicholls uses that image to design your custom-made restoration.
Three-dimensional CAD software
This provides Dr. Nicholls with the ability to look at the tooth from every angle. Using this technology, Dr. Nicholls comes as close as possible to examining the tooth in his hands while rotating it on the screen.
Milling device
This unit makes the custom restoration based on the specifications from the computer. Your dentist chooses a ceramic block that provides the closest match to your existing tooth color. That block is then placed into the unit. After a few minutes, the milling device produces the restoration designed by Dr. Nicholls.
Is the CEREC® restoration procedure complex?
Is the CEREC® restoration procedure complex?
No. CEREC® makes it easy for your dentist to customize your new restoration. Below you will find detailed steps about the procedure:
- Dr. Nicholls prepares the tooth by removing all decay and creating a divergent occlusal axial wall. Dr. Nicholls creates that wall to make the opening of the tooth wider than the actual base.
- Dr. Nicholls takes an impression of the tooth using titanium dust. The dust works with the camera to take a detailed photo of the tooth being restored.
- The camera takes those detailed images of the tooth using optical imaging with an infrared wavelength.
- The image becomes transposed on the computer screen. This is where Dr. Nicholls views the tooth from all angles so he/she has the needed visuals to design the restoration.
- Dr. Nicholls completes the design and transmits it to the milling unit.
- Dr. Nicholls chooses a block of ceramic that closely matches your teeth’s color. This creates natural looking and virtually invisible results.
- Within 15 minutes, the milling unit creates the crown, onlay, overlay or veneer using compressed porcelain instead of laboratory-layered porcelain. Compressed porcelain makes stronger and more durable restorations and saves patients time and money.
- Dr. Nicholls then places the dry restoration to ensure fit. Once Dr. Nicholls determines the fit, he will polish the restoration and affix it to the tooth using dental cement.
That completes the process and you do not have to go back for a second fitting!
Will CEREC® benefit me?
Will CEREC® benefit me?
CEREC® benefits many patients looking for a ceramic restoration device. Some advantages include:
- Permanent (no temporary ones) and long-lasting restorations
- High-quality devices that save more natural tooth
- Less-invasive procedures for patients
- Fewer injections resulting in less discomfort for patients
- Fewer dental visits means fewer costs to patients
- Biocompatible solutions that do not harm the body
- No horrible-tasting impressions
- No time-consuming transfers to and from a lab
Some exceptions apply. If you have a history of breaking these types of devices or you have a deep bite, you should speak to Dr. Nicholls because these products may not be the best option for you.
How long do CEREC® restorations last?
How long do CEREC® restorations last?
We know that CEREC® devices last for over five years. Now, research shows that most CEREC®-created restorations may last for more than 10 years.
Dr. Nicholls can provide additional information and answer any questions you have regarding CEREC®.
