Using CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology at our Tomball, TX, office, Dr. Louis Russell, Jr can create beautiful and natural-looking same-day dental crowns and bridges. This technology creates custom porcelain restorations with great precision in the span of a single visit to our office. In the past, it took at least two visits over the course of two weeks or more to restore our patients’ smiles with porcelain dental crowns or bridges. Now, we can provide relief faster than ever before.
What is CEREC?
CEREC uses computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to design and create porcelain restorations in the office. Computer-guided milling tools can create custom restorations from a single block of porcelain chosen to match the shade of your teeth.
In about an hour, your crown or bridge will be complete. Dr. Russell can then cement the restoration in place and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your comfort.
How Does it Work?
Rather than using messy wax, an intraoral camera is used to capture digital impressions of your smile. These high-definition 3D images are then transmitted to the CEREC unit. The CAD software then creates an approximate design for the crown or bridge. Dr. Russell can then refine that design so that the restoration will provide a proper fit. He will also carefully select the right shade of ceramic for your restoration. This will ensure your crown or bridge blends with your smile for a natural look.
Once the design process is complete, the manufacturing process begins. The machine carves the restoration from a block of ceramic. In about an hour, your crown or bridge will be complete. Dr. Russell can then cement the restoration in place and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your comfort.
Are CEREC Restorations Right for Me?
CEREC technology is a landmark in the manufacturing of porcelain crowns and bridges. However, it is important to understand that if you choose a premium material such as zirconia or e.max®, your restoration must be created using the traditional method of sending impressions to an offsite lab.
Porcelain is highly durable and can be used to create very lifelike restorations. In fact, with proper care, you can expect that your porcelain crown or bridge will last several years. However, in addition to providing excellent aesthetics, zirconia and e.max provide even greater durability. If you play contact sports or work in a profession such as law enforcement or the military that places you at a high risk of facial trauma, you may want to consider a more durable option.
During your consultation at our office, Dr. Russell can explain the attributes of each option and help you choose the material that is best for you.
Learn More about CEREC Restorations
Dr. Russell uses sophisticated technology at his practice in order to provide patients with care that is not only beneficial, but prompt. If you are suffering from damaged or missing teeth, contact us online or call (281) 351-5458 today to schedule a consultation. Together, you and Dr. Russell can determine a treatment strategy to repair your smile and improve your oral health.
