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/

Example of Fluorosis – Symptoms, Treatments, and Causes

Categories: Articles, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Marvin's Blog, encinitas dentist, Fluoride Toxicity, Hot TopicsAuthor: Dr. Marvin

A large percentage of America’s public water supplies are fluoridated. The reason most commonly given is because fluoride helps strengthen teeth. In fact, there is very little evidence suggesting that ingested fluoride has any benefit whatsoever. Instead, there are mounds of evidence proving the negative effects of fluoridated water.

The pictures below (taken in our office) show a 30-year-old male who has been stricken with fluorosis. In the pictures you can clearly see the unsightly white spots and the soft spots caused by fluoride. Ultimately, any attempts to fix the problems caused by fluoride result in very expensive cosmetic dentistry.

Of course, white spots and soft spots are not the only problems linked to fluoride. The most common symptoms of fluorosis are cosmetic:

• Chalky white teeth patches
• Yellow stained teeth
• Brown stained teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Soft Spots (or weak teeth)

For cosmetic problems caused by excessive fluoride intake, the treatment options include teeth bleaching, sand blasting or microderm abrasion, and veneers.

In some cases, drinking fluoridated water can also lead to more serious problems, including Skeletal Fluorosis. According to the Fluoride Action Network “Crippling skeletal fluorosis might occur in people who have ingested 10-20 mg of fluoride per day for 10-20 years.”

So what are the symptoms of Skeletal Fluorosis?

Skeletal fluorosis, a complicated illness caused by the accumulation of too much fluoride in the bones, has a number of stages. The first two stages are preclinical-that is, the patient feels no symptoms but changes have taken place in the body. In the first preclinical stage, biochemical abnormalities occur in the blood and in bone composition; in the second, histological changes can be observed in the bone in biopsies. Some experts call these changes harmful because they are precursors of more serious conditions. Others say they are harmless.

In the early clinical stage of skeletal fluorosis, symptoms include pains in the bones and joints; sensations of burning, pricking, and tingling in the limbs; muscle weakness; chronic fatigue; and gastrointestinal disorders and reduced appetite. During this phase, changes in the pelvis and spinal column can be detected on x-rays. The bone has both a more prominent and more blurred structure.

In the second clinical stage, pains in the bones become constant and some of the ligaments begin to calcify. Osteoporosis may occur in the long bones, and early symptoms of osteosclerosis (a condition in which the bones become more dense and have abnormal crystalline structure) are present. Bony spurs may also appear on the limb bones, especially around the knee, the elbow, and on the surface of tibia and ulna.

In advanced skeletal fluorosis, called crippling skeletal fluorosis, the extremities become weak and moving the joints is difficult. The vertebrae partially fuse together, crippling the patient.

Fluoride Action Network

http://www.fluoridealert.org/s-fluorosis.htm

The fluoridation of public water supplies amounts to forced medication of our citizens. In theory, the practice is bad enough, but when coupled with the cosmetic and physical problems fluoride is known to cause, the practice is irresponsible and negligent.

Lumineers/Veneers

Categories: VeneersAuthor: admin

Lumineers & Porcelain Veneers

Lumineer Veneers by CERINATE®

We offer Lumineer Veneers by CERINATE®. No pain, no drill, no shots! Do you have discolored or crooked teeth, teeth with spaces between them or teeth stained by fillings? You can change the shape, color and length of your teeth using veneers. Veneers are thin, durable shells designed to cover the front of the tooth. They are typically made of porcelain and are extremely durable, stain resistant, natural-looking and easy to maintain. For more information, please visit LUMINEERS® online.

Traditional Porcelain Veneers

Veneers can beautify your smile by improving the color and shape of one or more of your teeth. A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or plastic that’s bonded to a tooth, generally covering only its front and top.

Veneers can be used to close spaces between your teeth, lengthen small or misshapen teeth, or whiten stained teeth. And if your teeth are chipped or beginning to wear, veneers can protect them from damage and restore their original look.

It takes two or more appointments to restore your teeth with veneers. On the first appointment, your teeth are shaped and roughened. From impressions, precise working models are made of your teeth. It’s on these models that the veneers are crafted to exactly fit your teeth.

On the second appointment, your prepared teeth are polished and cleaned. Then an adhesive is used to bond the veneers to your teeth. A harmless high-intensity light hardens the adhesive.

Once in place, veneers virtually become part of your teeth. You can use them like you would your own teeth, because the bond is extremely strong. The final result is a more beautiful and natural looking smile!

Lumineers & Veneers

Categories: Author: admin

Lumineers & Porcelain Veneers

Lumineer Veneers by CERINATE®

We offer Lumineer Veneers by CERINATE®. No pain, no drill, no shots! Do you have discolored or crooked teeth, teeth with spaces between them or teeth stained by fillings? You can change the shape, color and length of your teeth using veneers. Veneers are thin, durable shells designed to cover the front of the tooth. They are typically made of porcelain and are extremely durable, stain resistant, natural-looking and easy to maintain. For more information, please visit LUMINEERS® online.

Traditional Porcelain Veneers

Veneers can beautify your smile by improving the color and shape of one or more of your teeth. A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or plastic that’s bonded to a tooth, generally covering only its front and top.

Veneers can be used to close spaces between your teeth, lengthen small or misshapen teeth, or whiten stained teeth. And if your teeth are chipped or beginning to wear, veneers can protect them from damage and restore their original look.

It takes two or more appointments to restore your teeth with veneers. On the first appointment, your teeth are shaped and roughened. From impressions, precise working models are made of your teeth. It’s on these models that the veneers are crafted to exactly fit your teeth.

On the second appointment, your prepared teeth are polished and cleaned. Then an adhesive is used to bond the veneers to your teeth. A harmless high-intensity light hardens the adhesive.

Once in place, veneers virtually become part of your teeth. You can use them like you would your own teeth, because the bond is extremely strong. The final result is a more beautiful and natural looking smile!