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/

San Diego Dentist Revolutionizes Dental Industry By Going Green

Categories: Press ReleasesAuthor: jared

The Center for Natural Dentistry (www.NaturalDentistry.us) is leading the “green revolution” by reducing waste and protecting the environment.

April 10, 2009 — In the renewed national focus on green energy, one San Diego Dentist is leading the way.

The Center for Natural Dentistry, located in Encinitas, has gone beyond fluorescent lights and low-flow faucets with an infusion of Green Dentistry in its “Green” quest.

“In a dental office, it’s not easy to reduce our water, energy, and paper waste, but we wanted to make a real difference for our environment and our patients. We chose to be bio-compatible in as many ways as possible, including our sterilization and disinfection procedures and the materials we choose for our patients,” states founder Dr. Marvin, a holistic dentist.

The Center for Natural Dentistry — a holistic dental practice integrating natural procedures with traditional science-based dentistry — is focused on improving whole-body wellness through proper, effective dental care with an eye on the environment.

Historically, the dental industry has had a devastating affect on our environment: poisoning waterways by improperly disposing of mercury fillings. Dumping noxious chemicals in the trash. Creating mountains of inorganic waste. It has all taken it’s toll on our planet.

The worst polluters are found in “silver” fillings, which are loaded with mercury — arguably the most toxic metal on Earth.

“Being a holistic dental office, we never place mercury fillings,” says Dr. Marvin. “Not only are they unsafe for the patients who receive them, but every filling that’s placed or removed releases toxic mercury vapors into the office, endangering other patients and anyone who enters. Most excess mercury and old fillings are disposed of improperly, further contaminating Earth.”

Removing mercury fillings and proper disposal is a priority at The Center.  In fact, The Center for Natural Dentistry prides itself on stringent mercury removal procedures and bio-hazard reduction policies. “Less than 1% of dentists employ the extreme measures we take, but we want to protect our patients and our environment,” states Dr. Marvin.

How else is The Center for Natural Dentistry helping protect the environment? To date, they have implemented:

• Eco-friendly, yet effective, cleaning solutions for proper disinfection and sterilization
• Reusable cotton towels to reduce waste
• Strict operating procedures to ensure toxic chemicals don’t pollute our environment
• Electronic medical records to reduce paper consumption

Every little bit helps in the quest to “Go Green,” and Dr. Marvin is proving that there’s a difference between “doing your part” and “taking the future into your own hands.”

About The Center for Natural Dentistry:
The Center for Natural Dentistry provides San Diego residents with safe, effective alternative dental care. The Center offers stress-free dentistry without using toxic chemicals, expensive surgeries, and needless drilling. For information — including a free guide to mercury fillings and green dental tips — visit http://NaturalDentistry.us/GoGreen or (888) 825-5351.

Contact:
Dr. Marvin
The Center for Natural Dentistry
888-825-5351

http://naturaldentistry.us/

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Composites Versus Amalgam/Mercury Fillings

Categories: Holistic DentistryAuthor: admin

Composites VS Amalgam/Mercury Fillings

Here at The Center For Natural Dentistry we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental care possible for our patients.  This includes filling cavities with white composite material only (as opposed to mercury containing amalgam fillings).

The average amalgam is 50% mercury bonded to 30% silver and a bit of copper, tin, and zinc.

We, at The Center For Natural Dentistry, do not use amalgams for the following reasons:

1.    A tooth colored filling is stronger because it actually bonds to your tooth.  The composite bonds all the remaining walls of the tooth together.  Because amalgams do not bond to tooth structure, there is a gap between the filling and the tooth, which significantly decreases the strength of the tooth.  This gap provides a pathway for bacteria and acids to get into and cause further decay.

2.    Amalgam fillings expand and contract so much, they create a wedge in the tooth leading to a weakened tooth structure.  The tooth, over time will eventually break apart and the only thing remaining in your mouth will be the filling.

3.    Silver fillings are ugly.  We like to give people beautiful teeth.

Currently insurance companies cover 80% of amalgam fillings but do not cover 80% of composite fillings.  Although we realize there is an increased cost to our patient, we feel that the quality of dental care associated with composite fillings greatly outweighs the added cost incurred.

The Center For Natural Dentistry will always offer our patients leading edge technology with a caring and professional attitude.  We will only recommend to you what is best for your dental health and what we provide for our families and ourselves.

Dentistry In San Diego

Categories: Author: admin

Our office, located in San Diego, California, caters to the people that know what they want. These people want high quality dentistry, personalized attention, newer technology, and at a fair price.

We at the Center For Natural Dentistry are all of those and more…

Our focus, as opposed to most San Diego Dentists, is on health… rather than disease.

What is health? Oral health goes beyond cavities and gingivitis. Oral health is important to your whole body.

That’s why we focus more on you. We ask you the important questions to get to the “Root Cause” of the problem, because the mouth is not a separate “eco system” from the rest of your body… they’re interrelated.

So if you are this type of person who looks at their health from a whole-body perspective, then I encourage you to visit our San Diego Dental office.

We are located at:

• 317 N. El Camino Real
• Suite 106
• Encinitas, CA 92024
• Call 760-536-6795

Call or become a patient today and see what Dr. Marvin, a Holistic San Diego Dentist, can do for you.

Dentistry in San Diego is a booming industry! Many patients desire long-lasting results utilizing the newest techniques and Dr. Marvin is a San Diego cosmetic dentist that will work with you to help achieve your goals!