Understanding CEREC Crowns
CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, is a state-of-the-art technology that allows dentists to create and place dental crowns in a single appointment. This is a significant advancement over traditional dental crowns, which typically require at least two visits to the dentist. CEREC crowns are customized to match your tooth color and are made from high-quality ceramic. This guarantees a natural appearance and long-lasting durability.
Benefits of CEREC Crowns
CEREC crowns have transformed the way we think about dental restoration, offering a quick, efficient, and highly effective solution for patients needing crowns. Unlike traditional methods that often require multiple visits and longer wait times, CEREC technology streamlines the process, allowing you to leave the dentist's office with a permanent crown in a single visit. Here are some of the key benefits:
- One-Visit Convenience: Avoid the hassle of multiple dentist visits. The entire crown procedure completed in just one appointment.
- Time-Saving: Save valuable time by eliminating the need for temporary crowns and follow-up appointments for crown placement.
- High-Quality Material: CEREC crowns are crafted from a single block of high-quality ceramic, offering durability and longevity.
- Precise Fit: Advanced digital mapping technology ensures that each crown fits perfectly.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: The ceramic material used closely matches the color of natural teeth, providing a seamless appearance.
- Less Invasive: The digital impression technique is less invasive than traditional methods.
- Durable and Strong: CEREC crowns are known for their strength, which reduces the likelihood of future cracks or breaks.
- Metal-Free: For those with metal sensitivities or concerns about metal in their mouths, CEREC crowns are an ideal metal-free option.
Choosing CEREC crowns means opting for a convenient, efficient, and effective dental restoration method that keeps your smile bright and healthy without the traditional wait times and discomfort.
The CEREC Crown Process
The CEREC crown process simplifies getting a dental crown, making it less time-consuming and more comfortable for you. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect:
- Tooth Preparation: Your journey begins with your dentist preparing your tooth for the crown. This step involves cleaning the tooth and shaping it to ensure the crown fits perfectly. Your dentist will remove any decay and might also reshape the tooth surface to make room for the new crown.
- Digital Impressions: Next, instead of using traditional dental putty, your dentist will use a special camera to take digital images of your mouth. This process is quick and comfortable, capturing precise details of your teeth to create a digital impression.
- Creating the 3D Model: These digital impressions are immediately transferred to a computer software program. Here, your dentist or a dental technician uses the images to design a 3D model of your crown. This step is crucial as it ensures the crown will fit seamlessly with your other teeth in both shape and bite.
- Milling the Crown: Once the design is complete, it's sent to an on-site milling machine. This machine carves your crown out of a solid ceramic block chosen to match the color of your natural teeth. The milling process is fascinatingly precise, ensuring the crown is made exactly to the specifications of the 3D model.
- Placing the Crown: After the crown is milled, your dentist will perform a trial fitting to check its fit and comfort. During this step, they can make minor adjustments to ensure the crown sits perfectly on your tooth. This might involve fine-tuning the crown's shape or size for a flawless fit.
- Final Adjustments and Cementing: Once you and your dentist are satisfied with the fit and appearance of the crown, they will permanently cement it in place. Your dentist will also check your bite and make any necessary adjustments to ensure maximum comfort and functionality.
- Aftercare Advice: Finally, your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions to help you take care of your new crown.
Caring for Your CEREC Crown
Taking care of your CEREC crown is straightforward and doesn't require any special tools or procedures beyond what you would normally do for your natural teeth. Here's how you can keep your CEREC crown looking great and functioning well for years to come:
- Brush Regularly: Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. When you brush, pay extra attention to the area around your crown to make sure plaque and debris are removed effectively. This helps prevent gum disease and decay in the remaining natural part of the tooth.
- Floss Daily: Flossing is crucial to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around your crown. Be gentle but thorough, ensuring you clean beneath the gumline without applying too much force, which could damage the crown or surrounding gums.
- Routine Dental Check-Ups: Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. These visits allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your crown and address any issues before they become major problems. Typically, you should see your dentist every six months, unless they recommend a different schedule for your specific needs.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Although CEREC crowns are very durable, biting down on hard foods like ice, hard candies, or nuts can potentially crack or damage the crown. Try to eat these foods with caution or avoid them altogether.
- Prevent Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth at night, consider getting a night guard to protect your crown and natural teeth. Teeth grinding (bruxism) can exert excessive pressure on your crown, leading to wear or even breakage over time.
- Use the Right Tools: If you use a toothbrush, choose one with soft bristles to avoid scratching the surface of your crown. Electric toothbrushes are also a great option, as they can provide a consistent and thorough cleaning without applying too much pressure.
- Limit Staining Foods and Beverages: While CEREC crowns are resistant to staining, excessive exposure to substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can lead to discoloration over time. Moderating your intake of these substances can help maintain the crown's natural appearance.
By following these simple care instructions, you can make sure that your CEREC crown remains a healthy and integral part of your smile for many years. Remember, treating your crown with the same care as your natural teeth is the key to its longevity and performance.
Why Choose Dr. Paul Gibas for CEREC Crowns in Spartanburg?
Dr. Paul Gibas at Skylyn Dental Associates is a leading provider of CEREC crowns in Spartanburg. With his extensive experience and commitment to patient care, you can be confident that you're receiving the highest quality treatment. Plus, Skylyn Dental Associates utilizes the latest dental technology, ensuring you get the best results possible.
Ready to Experience the Convenience of CEREC Crowns?
If you're interested in the convenience and quality of CEREC crowns, we invite you to contact Skylyn Dental Associates. Our team is ready to answer your questions and schedule your appointment with Dr. Paul Gibas. Don't wait to achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve. Call us today at (864) 573-9255. Your journey towards a better smile starts here.