The term CEREC is becoming mainstream in the field of dentistry. It stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Technology is revolutionizing the dental industry and computers are not left out of the equation. CEREC dentistry involves using CAD/CAM systems and 3D technology. Although it has been around since 1987, dental practices are increasingly using this technology to treat broken, weak, or decayed teeth and provide fillings and crowns faster than before.

Why CEREC Is Preferred

Literally hundreds of studies have proven the safety of CEREC tooth restorations and about 30 million of them have been completed. Dentist can now use 3D photography and a CAD/CAM system to design a crown, bridge, or onlay/inlay. No impressions are needed, saving time and contributing to a more comfortable experience for the patient (no gagging). The system also includes a milling unit, so restorations can be produced while the patient is sitting in the chair.

For patients, CEREC is convenient and efficient. The results are long-lasting plus one does not have to wait long or even make a second appointment to complete their dental restoration. Crowns and bridges are made in the dental office. One does not have to deal with a crown, for example, coming back from the lab with an incorrect fit.

In addition, all materials are biocompatible and contain no harmful metals that can lead to health problems later. CEREC also replaces amalgam fillings with composites that are safe. These do not have the toxic compounds known to exist in mercury and other metal fillings.

CEREC Is Making Dentistry More Efficient

The experience for dentists and patients is changing thanks to this advanced revolutionary technology. Restorations can be completed in one appointment, and computer technology is helping to more easily obtain a perfect fit and look. The bonding technology is stronger as well, and includes highly durable ceramics and resins.

CEREC eliminates the need for patients to wear temporary crowns, a traditional inconvenience associated with restorations. There is also no need to wait for an outside dental lab to complete the finished product, nor are there messy molds to deal with. The process is therefore more convenient for the dental professional, as it is simpler and patients are more receptive to the treatment. More dentists are switching to CEREC than ever before, so tooth restorations don’t have to be unpleasant for anyone involved in the process.

Think of your teeth as a great wall. If one or more pieces of the wall are missing, it allows a place for foreign intruders to enter. In this case the intruders could be bacteria, which can lead to other problems and be very uncomfortable. Your local medical or dental professional can assist you through the procedure of dental implants to bring your smile back. Whether you were struck, involved in an accident or altercation, or just have a bad tooth, there are several reasons why you should always make sure your “wall of teeth” are kept in tact.

Shifting Teeth

When a tooth is missing, it can cause the teeth around the missing tooth socket to shift. They will start to grow in more crooked and this can alter your bite and have lasting consequences. Your top jaw and bottom jaw will also fall out of alignment, which can lead to TMJ Syndrome. Your beautiful smile will start to be affected and this is why it’s important to see a dentist about implants right away.

Gum Disease

Your teeth aren’t the only things affected by leaving a tooth missing. Your gums might be affected by the bacteria that can creep into the missing tooth socket. Your other teeth being shifted may also prevent you from being able to brush your gums correctly and this is another way bacteria can build up.

Face Shape Alteration

Eventually, if a missing tooth is not tended to properly, your jawbone may start to deteriorate and this can lead to your bone structure being altered. What was once a preventable predicament involving a simple dental implant has now grown into a larger problem affecting your outward physical appearance.

These are just some of the reasons it is important to maintain regular dental check ups and brush/floss your teeth daily. By getting into the habit of this now, you will be decreasing your chance of having complications due to missing teeth. If you are in an accident or end up having a missing tooth, seek out an implant dentist and they’d be happy to help you through this ordeal. It is much better to seek help sooner rather than later as time passing without a tooth can have tremendous consequences down the line. Keeping your wall of teeth in tact will also leave you with a more approachable and confident smile.

If you have had porcelain veneers put in, you probably know that from time to time they can become dirty. Veneers are tricky and if you have the older, coarse material veneers you may want to think about an update. The porcelain is more durable but they can still get dirty. Unfortunately whitening gels do not work on porcelain veneers, but there are several ways to ensure that your veneers stay as glowing as the day you got them.

Polishing

Make sure that you are going in for a routine polishing every couple of months. The dentists have tools that can dig deep into the veneer and polish it back to its bright and white originality. Sometimes after a while, food or dark drinks like red wine can collect at the top of the veneer. This, combined with the gums natural recession with aging can create a small brown ring around the veneer. This can be taken care of by stopping by your local dentist. They will polish your veneers and get rid of the nasty brown line. This will hopefully bring your smile and veneers back to their original whiter selves.

Trauma

If you’ve experienced any kind of striking or trauma to the face, it can directly affect your veneers. While the veneers themselves can not be whitened. It might be possible to whiten the entire tooth. Your teeth contain dentin, which is the tissue inside a tooth. If you are struck, your dentin can start to brown. This may give the appearance of your veneers starting to brown. Try this…place some whitening gel on the back of the affected tooth. Do this routinely and the whitening gel should slowly seep through and restore the tooth’s dentin. This will then, in turn, restore the appearance of the porcelain veneer and bring your smile back to its original color.

If you have questions about caring for or maintaining your porcelain veneers it is a good idea to schedule a time to talk to your friendly neighborhood dentist. They will be able to offer advice that is specifically geared towards your predicament and they will be able to take you through the steps for proper at home treatment of the veneers. Porcelain veneers can be tricky but you don’t have to lose hope if they start to darken. Usually a simple polish is all they need to keep you smiling confidently!