What Is CEREC? (And Why Does it Matter?)

Categories: Articles, Bridges, CEREC, Crowns, General Dentistry, NewsAuthor: admin

At our holistic dental practice in Encinitas, we use the latest and most technologically advanced equipment. Part of our advanced “tool set” is Sirona’s new CEREC AC unit (as well as the new milling unit). While that may just sound like a fancy way to increase prices, it’s actually much more (and in fact, this unit has allowed us to reduce some of our prices).

So what is CEREC? How can CEREC help you, the patient? Why should you choose a CEREC doctor? I’ll try to answer those questions and more, below.

WHAT IS CEREC?
CEREC stands for Ceramic Reconstruction and is a sophisticated system of designing and making high quality, metal-free dental restorations in one patient visit. Developed by Sirona, CEREC utilizes 3D photography and CAD/CAM technology to assist a dentist in designing a virtual restoration (onlay, inlay, crown, or bridge) without taking impressions and, when combined with a milling unit, is able to build the actual restoration while you are still in the chair.

The computer system and camera in the CEREC AC unit have been upgraded substantially from prior units, allowing even a new user to create near perfect restorations on a routine basis.

After being a “CEREC” doctor for almost a decade, I understand the value of what CEREC brings to a practice and a patient. That’s why we recently upgraded to the latest and greatest machine, the CEREC AC. This machine allows us to take digital impressions for restorations (no more gagging on impressions!) and make precise restorations that look excellent, fit perfectly, and last a long time — all out of biocompatible, metal-free materials and all in very little time (a typical crown appointment lasts less than 2 hours, and you don’t need to come back to finish the work… it’s all done in one visit).

HOW YOU BENEFIT:
By upgrading our CEREC machine, we are able to do same-day restorations on almost all procedures (you can have a complete crown done in under two hours, in one visit), including inlays, onlays, crowns, and even some bridges, often at a lower cost to you. Restorations look outstanding, last a long time, and are biocompatible and metal-free. Fewer visits and a lower cost… that’s a pretty good benefit!

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED A CEREC RESTORATION?
If you have been told you need a new crown, inlay, onlay or bridge, you may be a CEREC candidate. If you have a cracked tooth, old failing restorations, or otherwise large damage on your teeth, you may be a CEREC candidate. If you are interested in replacing old metal restorations with biocompatible restorations, you might be a CEREC candidate. Essentially, any large restoration in your mouth may be a possible candidate for a CEREC restoration (this is NOT to say that just because you have an old crown, you need a new one… IF an old restoration needs replacing, CEREC may be a good option for you).

HOW IT WORKS:
The cavity preparation is first photographed and stored as a three dimensional digital model and proprietary software is then used to approximate the restoration shape using biogeneric comparisons to surrounding teeth. The practitioner then refines that model using 3D CAD software. When the model is complete a milling machine carves the actual restoration out of a ceramic block using diamond head cutters under computer control. When complete, the restoration is bonded to the tooth using a resin. CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. (courtesy http://www.cerec.net/index.php/index.html/_/news/products/what-is-cerec-r2)

HISTORY:
The system is manufactured by Sirona Dental Systems in Bensheim, Germany . 1980 Development of the CEREC method at the University of Zurich W. Mörmann, M. Brandestini). 1985 Treatment of the first patient with CEREC (University of Zurich, material: VITABLOCS Mark I). 1986 Siemens acquires the license to market and further develop the CEREC equipment. 1987 CEREC 1 is introduced (chief indication: single and dual-surface inlays; material: VITABLOCS Mark II). 1990 International CEREC Symposium at the University of Zurich. 1991 Hydraulic machining drive replaced by an electronically controlled motor. 1994 CEREC 2 is introduced (range of indications: inlays, onlays, veneers). 1996 CAD/CAM Symposium to mark a decade of CEREC (University of Zurich). 1997 Sirona was formed as the result of the sale of the Dental Division of Siemens AG. 1997 CROWN 1.0 program for producing full-ceramic posterior crowns. 1998 Second material manufacturer partnership is formed (lvoclar, ProCAD). 1998 CROWN 1.11 program for producing posterior and anterior restorations. 2000 CEREC 3 is introduced (compact Windows-based CAD/CAM system). 2000 Third material manufacturer partnership is formed (3M Paradigm MZ100). 2002 More than 2,500 CEREC users in the United States and over 5,000,000 CEREC restorations placed worldwide. 2003 3D software version is released, allowing users to see 3D views of teeth and models. 2006 CEREC Celebrates 20 Years. 2006 Sirona releases BIOGENERIC version of software. This software allows for the machine to accurately reconstruct the missing tooth shape and surface. 2007 More than 23,000 CEREC users world wide. 2008 Sirona release the MCXL milling unit, this milling unit can produce a crown in 4 mins. 2009 Sirona release CEREC Acquisition Center (AC) powered by Bluecam (courtesy http://www.cerec.net/index.php/index.html/_/news/products/what-is-cerec-r2)

THE FUTURE OF DENTISTRY:
CAD/CAM dentistry such as CEREC is the future of dentistry. Utilizing modern technology, a dentist can produce an accurate, safe, biocompatible dental crown, inlay, onlay, or bridge, in just one visit. Technological advances make the system easier to use, more accurate (so you get a better fit right away, which means great comfort and fewer adjustments later), and faster (saving you time in the chair). More dentists are turning to this new technology. Some are new to the system. Others (like us) have been using it for years. While it isn’t perfect (some adjustments will need to be made, and you still need to spend a good amount of time at the dentist), anything that saves you time and money while increasing quality and comfort is a good thing for both the patient AND the dentist.

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ABOUT: Dr. Marvin is a licensed dentist in California with more than 10 years of experience using CEREC technology. As a holistic, natural dental practice, The Center for Natural Dentistry is proud to offer CEREC services to patients who are seeking high quality, biocompatible crowns, onlays, inlays, and bridges in just one visit. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please contact us at 888-825-5351 or by completing the form at http://naturaldentistry.us/contact-us/

Why Become A Patient

Categories: Author: admin

Improve Your Health, Brighten Your Smile… And Become A Patient

At The Center for Natural Dentistry, we take pride in our patients’ health and in the trust you put in us every time you make an appointment. We also take great pride in the long-term relationships we develop with our patients, which is why we take the time to listen to your concerns and your questions before we propose treatment. We want to make sure that our practice is the right fit for you and that you feel comfortable in our office and with our staff. 

Why Choose The Center for Natural Dentistry?

There are hundreds of dentists who would be happy to take your dental well-being into their hands, so why should you choose The Center for Natural Dentistry? Here are the Top 10 Reasons:

1. We don’t like the drill anymore than you do. While some dentists seem to grab their drill before you even have a bib on, we do our best to keep your mouth a “no-drilling zone.” We always provide safe, natural alternatives before using a drill as a last resort.
2. Our Office Won’t Make You Sick. Even if you don’t have any amalgam (silver) fillings in your teeth, your dentist probably deals with them on a regular basis, which means that every time you sit down in a dental chair, you are inhaling dangerous mercury fumes. At The Center for Natural Dentistry, we adhere to a strict Patient Protocol that ensures you won’t inhale the mercury fumes that can cause serious illness.
3. Full-Body Wellness. We consider your full-body wellness every time we recommend a treatment. Proper dental care can add as many as 10 years to your life… that’s proper dental care. That’s why we always consider how any treatment will affect you entire wellness when we present treatment options. Most dentists just “fix the problem.” At The Center for Natural Dentistry, we “treat the cause.” Further, we always test our materials to ensure that whatever we use is compatible with YOU… there is no “one-size-fits-all” mentality at The Center for Natural Dentistry.
4. Your Body is Natural, Your Doctor Should be Natural. Don’t get us wrong, we believe in science-based medical and dental practices (Dr. Marvin and Dr. Godes are a fully-licensed dentists). But your body is a natural entity. If there is a scientifically proven natural remedy for your symptoms, we believe that should always be your first option. That’s why we will always present you with natural, holistic options as well as traditional dental options. It’s your mouth, your treatment is ultimately your choice. We will present the options so you can make an educated decision of your health.
5. Holistic Treatment is Time Tested and Proven. For centuries holistic practices have been used for all sorts of medical and dental symptoms. In the Western World, science-based medicine has become the dominant player for decades, but the tide is again turning to holistic approaches. Dr. Marvin and Dr. Godes understand that not all problems can be solved naturally, which is why The Center for Natural Dentistry has implemented a healthy blend of traditional holistic approaches with western science, ensuring you always get the best possible treatments for your dental problems.
6. It’s Stress-Free. Why should a trip to the dentist keep you up at night worrying? We want you to feel comfortable with our office, our staff, and our practices, which is why we’ve created a “dental spa” that makes your dental trips as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
7. Cutting Edge Technology. At The Center for Natural Dentistry we have cutting-edge technology to ensure safe, effective, pain-free dentist visits. We have the latest CEREC machine, a 3D Cone Beam CT scanner for diagnostics, a top-notch laser, and a host of other high-end, top-quality tools to provide the best treatment possible. You won’t see outdated equipment or outdated techniques… you will ALWAYS get the best of the best.
8. Experience and credentials you can trust. Dr. Marvin’s fascination with the practice of natural dentistry is firmly intertwined with his credentials as a professional dentist. Dr. Marvin and Dr. Godes are active in numerous leading-edge holistic and biologic dental associations and maintain a rigorous continuing education schedule to ensure they are always at the forefront of the best care possible.
9. We don’t pontificate. We innovate! While others may talk the talk, we actually walk the walk. Dr. Marvin has spent years of his life exploring the links between gum disease and systemic disease and, consequently, developing natural solutions to the real demands of oral hygiene and dental health.
10. You Can Check Us Out For Free! You read that right. It’s free to visit our office and take a tour. We know that holistic dental care is outside the norm for many people and we want to dispel the myths about natural dentistry. That’s why we always offer a FREE “office tour” to new patients. Come in, take a tour of our office, ask questions of our staff, and find out if The Center for Natural Dentistry is right for you.

Your Health is Important

We know you have options when it comes to dental care. We know you probably don’t get excited about visiting the dentist. At The Center for Natural Dentistry we have taken every step possible to make your visit stress-free and effective. We offer traditional and holistic treatment options in a relaxed, stress-free environment. We accept insurance, just like most dentists. We can also cater to any special needs you may have (just please let us know when you schedule so we can be sure to accommodate in the best way possible).

What do you have to lose? Call us today (or use the form below) to schedule your holistic dental appointment or office tour (this is not an exam, but a “get to know us better” preview). The tour won’t cost you anything and our exams are competitively priced (and always performed by Dr. Marvin himself). Give us a call today.. you’ll be glad you did.

To request your exam or office tour:

Call to Schedule:

To schedule your initial appointment by phone, please us at 760-536-1199

We will ask you a few questions and set up a time that is convenient for you to come in and visit with us.

Complete the Form to Schedule an Appointment:

To quickly request an appointment, fill in the form below. We will contact you within 2 business days to schedule your appointment.

Appointment Request

• Full Name *

• Phone Number *

• Email *

• Preferred Appointment Date

• Primary Dental Concern

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Thank You

From all of us at The Center for Natural Dentistry, thank you for your interest in becoming a patient. We look forward to meeting with you and showing you a new way to better health, a brighter smile, and healthier teeth.

Sincerely,
Dr. Marvin and Dr. Godes