Are your teeth damaged? Are you unhappy with your smile? Do the size, shape, texture or colour of your teeth make you self-conscious? Your smile is often the first impression you make, so it’s very important that you’re comfortable and confident and ready to show off that smile when you walk into a room.

Here at Greenwood Park Dentistry, we use the CEREC system to create dental restorations that look and function just like a natural set of teeth. CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.

What is the CEREC system?

This is a dental restoration system that uses 3D imaging technology to create a virtual image of your teeth that is then used to create a custom-fit crown, onlay or veneer that will perfectly match the size and shape of your natural teeth. This only takes 30 minutes – pretty amazing compared to the older technologies still used in many places.

The entire process of CEREC restoration including the milling other restoration and bonding to your teeth can be done in a single visit. The process is less invasive than other restoration techniques, it’s faster, and it is more natural. They are an easy way to cover cracks, chips and stains.

What is a crown?

A crown is a small cap that’s placed on top of a tooth that’s designed to mimic the texture and shape of your natural tooth. People get crowns to protect a damaged tooth or cover a discolored or misshapen tooth that the patient finds visually unappealing.

CEREC crowns are made using a very strong and durable ceramic material, and if they’re properly cared for, they can last a lifetime. This is a major selling feature because nobody wants to be back in the dentist’s chair in a few years having their crowns replaced.

What is a veneer?

A dental veneer is a thin layer of material that is placed over a tooth to fix cracks or discoloration. They are a very popular way to whiten teeth that are stained and do not respond to traditional bleaching options. Before CEREC, veneers were typically made from either composite or dental porcelain. The main difference between a crown and a veneer is that the crown covers the whole tooth, while the veneer only covers the front of the tooth.

What is an onlay?

An onlay or inlay, also called a partial crown, is a solution to fix a tooth that has decay too severe for a filling. They are cemented into place, making them stronger and longer lasting than a filling. They come in many different materials and are now offered in CEREC by your dentist in Kingston.

If you need a dental restoration and would like to experience the benefits of the CEREC system, call our team at Greenwood Park Dentistry in Kingston today.