Cerec CAD/CAM

Cerec CAD/CAM is a system that combines three dimension imagery with a computerised milling machine right in the practice. Queen Street Dental can make crowns and complete a range of treatments and techniques in less time with proven results.

How does it work?

Initially preparation is similar to traditional treatment. The damaged tooth is numbed and the dentist prepares it by ensuring the correct shape for restoration. The dentist has to make sure the CEREC camera can image all of the tooth.

Then an inert powder is sprayed over the tooth to create a uniform look for the wand camera to take a three dimensional image with infra red and special sensors.

At this point the dentist selects the design method that best suits your teeth.

Correlation

If the original tooth was the right shape already, the CEREC computer aided design recreates the original shape.

Database

This could be called “build from scratch” where the surrounding tooth structure is not optimal for long term preservation. The aim is to build up tooth structure that improves on what you have.

Function

This has two modes. In one you can edit out a bad spot on the tooth and have the software create an idealized tooth shape. The other mirror matches the opposing tooth to make sure the new tooth and its opposing tooth fit together smoothly.

Veneer

Creates a ceramic wrap over the tooth, without removing too much of the original structure.

Customising

The technology is smart, but needs to be matched with skilful dentistry to ensure the restoration looks great and solves structural problems in the original teeth.

Milling

Once the design is complete, an ingot of cermaic material is milled by diamond cutters controlled by a computer. This takes about 10 minutes to produce a tolerance of within 20 microns. Then the dentist bonds the new ceramic structure, ensures the fit is perfect, and polishes the result.