CEREC Same Day Crowns in Santa Clara CA
Crowns have long been an attractive solution for restoring or replacing teeth that are not perfect. In the past, fillings were often used to repair cavities or broken teeth. Still, fillings can go bad, weaken your tooth, or develop decay beneath them. It is estimated that over a billion metal or amalgam fillings will need replacing in the next decade.
CEREC crowns are the latest method of restoring damaged teeth and protecting them when fillings fail or when you want an option that looks and feels like your natural tooth. CEREC crowns are ceramic caps that follow the natural contours of your tooth and are color-matched for a lovely, natural appearance. But CEREC’s most significant innovation is that you can get your new crown permanently placed in just one appointment!
What Does CEREC Mean?
CEREC stands for:
- Chairside: CEREC is utilized in our dental treatment suites with no need for patients to leave their chairs.
- Economical: CEREC is less expensive for both patient and dentist because it eliminates the need for a separate dental laboratory.
- Restorations: Your tooth is restored to its original function and strength.
- Esthetic: CEREC restorations match your natural teeth and are attractive.
- Ceramic: CEREC ceramics are durable, strong, and closely resemble the composition of natural teeth.
Exam and Preparation for CEREC
At your initial exam, Dr. Chao examines the damaged tooth and determines whether a CEREC crown is right for you. If they judge that same-day crowns are the appropriate treatment, an anesthetic is given, and any decay or weakened tooth material is removed.
Optical Impression
Next, we take an impression of the tooth using optics rather than the “goop” you may be familiar with from past dental treatments. Instead, we coat the tooth with a tasteless powder and use a miniature camera to produce digital images of your tooth. The process takes just a few minutes and does not have that “suffocating” feeling old-fashioned impression goo can give you.
Say Goodbye to Temporary Crowns
The CEREC unit is a compact machine that enables the creation of a perfectly sculpted crown out of ceramic. CEREC software uses the digital images of your tooth to create a computer-generated, virtual model of your crown to guide Dr. Chao in designing the final restoration. The advanced software allows us to design your new crown while you wait. You can even watch the entire process! The completed design is sent to an in-office milling machine that contains a block of ceramic matching the color of your tooth. The milling machine carves out your new crown in less than 20 minutes.
We place the crown over your tooth to check the fit and confirm that your bite is aligned correctly, then polish and permanently bond the crown to your tooth. There is no need to wait for a separate dental lab to manufacture your crown, and you leave the office with a permanent restoration.
What Can the CEREC Unit Manufacture?
Several types of restoration can be created in-house by the versatile CEREC system, including:
- Same Day Crowns
- Inlays & Onlays
- Dental Veneers
- Multiple Crowns
CERECĀ® is a registered trademark of Sirona Dental Systems
Chao Dental Studio features the CEREC system to ensure our patients can get beautiful, realistic-looking dental restorations in just one visit. It is just one way we endeavor to simplify your life while improving your oral health. To learn more about CEREC and same day crowns, call our office at Chao Dental Studio Office Phone Number 408-554-1100 or use our simple online form to schedule an appointment.