CEREC®

Crowns & Veneers Same Day

CEREC® is a new state-of-the-art method of reconstructing tooth restorations. CEREC® uses computer-assisted design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to offer single-day restorations for patients. This new technology has revolutionized ceramic restorations such as crowns and veneers for patients so that there is no longer a wait between preparing the restoration and finally receiving the finished product. With CEREC®, the crown or veneer is fabricated and cemented in one visit. The restorations created are metal-free and tooth-colored to restore your tooth to its natural beauty, strength, and function. With CEREC®’s CAD-CAM technology, these ceramic restorations are done in one visit to our office.

The CEREC® Process

CEREC® uses CAD-CAM technology to design and mill custom restorations during one visit to the dentist. So how does this process work?

Exam and Preparation
Before you get started, your dentist will determine if CEREC® is right for you. Depending on how much healthy tooth structure you have remaining, it may be a simple filling or you may need a crown. After reviewing your options, the dentist will begin the process by administering an anesthetic and preparing your tooth for restoration by removing decay and weakened tooth tissue.
Optical Impression
In order to make the desired restoration, a 3-dimensional image of the tooth that needs to be restored must be created from a digital camera scan of the tooth. This three-dimensional image will be used to create the restoration without the need to take a messy impression. This means no horrible tasting impression material for you to gag on. The computer and CEREC® 3D software then converts the digital image into a three-dimensional virtual model of the prepared tooth.
Milling Unit
This device is used to create the custom restoration needed for the tooth. Based on the original color of your tooth, the dentist is able to select the correct colored ceramic block and in a few minutes, the milling device is able to create the restoration needed.
Placing the Restoration
After the restoration is made, it is ready to be tried on to ensure that you get proper fit and bite. When it is ready, the restoration is polished and bonded into place by your dentist. Therefore, no temporary restoration is needed and no return trip is necessary, saving you time and money.

Advantages to Using CEREC®

CEREC® has revolutionized the restorative process. It was created with the patient in mind in order to make a visit to the dentist as pain-free as possible. Some of the benefits to using CEREC® are:

Most procedures can be done in one visit – less costly and less time-consuming
Less getting teeth numb due to single-visit
No need to take messy impressions
No need to have a temporary restoration for in-between visits
Ability to save as much natural tooth structure as possible
Longer lasting restorations – may last over 10 years
Restores teeth to natural beauty, function and strength
Metal-free restorations

How can CEREC® help you?

One of the biggest advantages of CEREC is its convenience. If you need a crown, inlay, or onlay, you can get your teeth restored during a single trip to Discovery Dental. Traditionally, these procedures require two trips to the dentist.

During the first, the dentist cleans the tooth, makes a mold, and places a temporary restoration onto the tooth. In a couple of weeks, after the permanent restoration is ready, you need to return to the office so that the dentist can remove the temporary fix and place the permanent one.

The CEREC process lets you receive your permanent restoration right here in our Washougal, WA office, so you do not have to live for weeks with a temporary fix and schedule another appointment. In addition, Dr. Dave Stinchfield and Dr. Tom Stinchfield and our team use digital impressions to make a mold for the filling. This is more comfortable and accurate than traditional impressions with plaster.

Another benefit of CEREC is that it uses a single block of solid ceramic materials instead of pressed ceramic and metal. CEREC restorations are able to withstand moderate chewing so yours will last for years. The lifespan of a CEREC restoration is longer than similar work with traditional methods. In addition, the color of CEREC ceramic is closer to the color of your natural teeth, which will make your restoration virtually unnoticeable.

"Always the best dentist experience. Dr. Yates made my smile beautiful! I definitely recommend!"

Anna W

"I have been a patient of Dr. Yates at Norwich Aesthetic Dentistry for about a year. My experience up until today had been for cleanings. When I found out I needed a crown I was initially a bit apprehensive. I don't know why I was worried. Dr. Yates and his assistant Valerie were fabulous. Dr. Yates really took the time to look at the tooth that needed work and expertly fashioned an impressive crown. He was meticulous in its crafting as well as its fitting and made sure that my bite felt as natural as it had always felt. I walked out of the office feeling like a million bucks.

There is no bull when it comes to Norwich Aesthetic Dentistry. No hard sell for anything. Great Experience!"

Melanie B

" Dr. Yates and his employees have always taken great care of me and my family. They are professional, courteous, and take the utmost care of our dental needs."

Elizabeth B