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Aesthetic Restorations

Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry FAQ's

Manhattan, New York Dentist

How does the CEREC dental restoration system work?
After the injured tooth is prepared for treatment, an electronic camera scans the tooth, allowing you to see the image on a video monitor. The restoration is designed from this scan and automatically milled from a solid ceramic block. This procedure is done so precisely that the restoration can be accurately fitted and bonded to the prepared cavity. "Repairing" teeth using older, traditional methods can be extremely complicated with various impressions and temporary fillings taking considerably more time. Now, with CEREC, this can be simply achieved in just one visit.

Of what type of material is the CEREC restoration made?
CEREC restorations are made from ceramic, a natural substance with the same characteristics as healthy dental enamel. Like enamel, the ceramic is able to withstand everyday rigors such as grinding food or tolerating hot and cold food temperatures. Also, with the CEREC restoration, you will not experience the side effects of traditional metal fillings - metallic tastes or effects from electrical currents often caused when different metals are in neighboring teeth.

Does the CEREC restoration look natural?
With the CEREC restoration, we can use ceramic materials that match the natural color of your teeth. Your repaired tooth will appear as the original. Not only is your tooth restored - your self-confidence will be too!

Is the CEREC restoration as durable as traditional materials?
CEREC restorations are nearly as strong as dental enamel, the hardest of all materials in the human body. This strength and durability comes from the ceramic material as well as from the precise bonding of the restoration to
the tooth. A CEREC restoration, bonded accurately and firmly, gives your teeth great stability. This frequently means no need for a full crown.

What is a crown?
A crown, also called a 'cap,' is a tooth-like restoration that is placed over a prepared existing tooth to restore the function, contour, appearance and strength of the damaged tooth. Crowns serve to support the tooth when there is no longer sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling. Crowns may also be used to protect the structure of a tooth that is fractured, broken, or has had root canal treatment.

When is a crown recommended?
A crown is placed for a number of reasons:

What is CEREC?
CEREC is a revolutionary way to restore damaged teeth in a single visit. Repairing teeth can be an extremely complicated process. The traditional restoration can take several visits, requiring impressions and temporary restorations. CEREC does away with impressions, temporaries, outside lab work and the need for multiple office visits.