CEREC Stories | Cosmetic Dentistry Success Stories

What Are The Alternatives To Dental Implants?

May 14, 2020March 24, 2024 by CERECstories, posted in dental implants

Here at CEREC Stories, we often get asked about dental implants and how they will affect CEREC. Dental implants are the superior choice when it comes to tooth replacement options. It is because of their very high success rate and the fact that they are long-lasting. They also usually look like real teeth and function in the same way. However, everyone is different, and for some people, dental implants may not be the best choice. This may be due to medical reasons, personal preferences, or if they have insufficient bone mass to support the implants. So, what are the alternatives to dental implants? Read on to find out more.

Full Mouth Dentures

Dentures are usually the go-to restoration dentistry option for people who have lost almost all their teeth. Full mouth dentures are a great option if you are missing all of your teeth or are planning to remove all the remaining teeth due to disease or damage. The good thing about them is that they look like your real teeth; therefore, you have nothing to worry about. They are also aesthetically pleasing and will improve your speech over time. The other benefit of full mouth dentures is that they will preserve your facial structures and prevent jaw misalignment. However, these dentures are not usually permanently fixed; therefore, you can remove them to clean them, and when you are sleeping. Also, they are not as effective as dental implants or natural teeth when it comes to chewing; hence you may be limited in your diet choices.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are an option if you have only lost several of your teeth, not all of them. They are a perfect option if you have some healthy teeth, and only a few are missing. They are usually composed of a plastic base that matches the color of your gums, whereby artificial teeth are attached. As DentalHealth.org details, metal clasps are then attached to the surrounding natural teeth. Since the synthetic base matches the color of the gums, they are practically unnoticeable. The good news about partial dentures is that they will allow you to speak and eat more efficiently. They are also simple to remove for cleaning. However, these dentures can be a bit uncomfortable sometimes and may need more repairs than their other counterparts.

Fixed Bridges

Fixed bridges, unlike full and partial dentures, are usually fixed in place. Here, only the dentist can remove the bridge, as a unique bonding material installs it. Since they are fixed in place, you do not have to worry about them coming loose in the mouth. Also, they will feel and work like natural teeth, which will be a bonus. You also do not have to remove them for cleaning or while you are sleeping, which lessens the chances of you losing them or breaking them. Bridges are usually custom made for each patient; therefore, yours may be different from your friend’s. This makes them fit more securely and comfortably in the mouth. However, fixed bridges put the neighboring natural teeth under a lot of pressure, and you might need to remove some of the natural teeth to make room for the bridge. Also, cleaning may be quite a task as you cannot remove them, as is the case with the full and partial dentures.

When it comes to tooth replacement options, the patient needs to have a discussion with their dentist on the best option. This is because there are many options in the market, and you need to know what will work best for you. With the above options, you will be able to come to a decision more efficiently based on the information provided. With the right dentist, you will; be able to have aesthetically pleasing and functional teeth in no time.

References

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dentures
https://www.dentalhealth.org/bridges-and-partial-dentures

CEREC versus a Lab Made Crown

September 23, 2017September 19, 2023 by CERECstories, posted in CEREC

Do you have a damaged tooth due to too much soda? Do you need to cover an implant? Do you need to strengthen a damaged tooth? Or Do you need to change the appearance, alignment or the shape of your teeth? Did you already get your teeth whitened in Encino, CA and are wondering if it’s safe to now get a CEREC crown? If yes is the answer to all your questions, then a Crown is a solution you have been looking for. You are probably asking yourself what crowns are?

You need to win back your natural smile. Dental crowns are the solution for damaged teeth. It is very useful to cap or entirely cover your damaged tooth. Apart from strengthening your damaged tooth, crowns are also used to align, shape and improve the appearance of your teeth. With that said, crowns can also be placed on top of an implant so as to provide a tooth-like structure or shape. Ceramic or porcelain crowns can be designed to match the color of your precious teeth. Some of the materials used to design crowns include; metal alloys, gold, and ceramic. Here is a closer look at a CEREC crown.

A little knowledge on why this dentist may recommend a crown will go a long way in helping you understand the difference between CEREC crowns vs. Lab Made Crowns.

Why your dentist may recommend a crown:

Allow me to elucidate!!

So as to cover a tooth which just had a root canal
So as to cover your poorly shaped or discolored teeth
So as to cover a dental implant
To be able to attach a bridge
To restore your fractured tooth
To protect one of your weak teeth from fracturing
When you don’t have enough teeth remaining, it can be used to replace a large filling.

If you are experiencing one or many of the above dental challenges, then your CEREC provider might recommend Lab Made Crowns or CEREC crowns. But you are probably wondering, what is the difference between CEREC crowns vs. Lab Made Crowns?

Difference between CEREC crowns vs. Lab Made Crowns

You are probably wondering what the best option between the two is. Let us quickly dive in!!

CEREC also known as SAME DAY porcelain crowns are easily produced digitally with Cone Beam technology and fitted in one visit to your dentist. They are designed without any metal and are meant to provide an appealing, durable and aesthetic dental look.
According to Dr. Linda Maktua, a holistic dentist in Los Angeles, Lab Made Crowns, require a lot more time as compared to CEREC crowns. With Lab Made Crowns, you will be required to visit and follow up your dentists since they require time. It is important to note that Lab Made Crowns despite the time it takes to design them, they achieve more natural results.

According to the California CEREC expert, Dr. Linda Makuta, Lab Made Crowns are preferred for front teeth as they are just plainand CEREC crowns are ideal for inside teeth. From the amazing facts above, it is true that you now know the difference between CEREC crowns and Lab Made Crowns.

Is a CEREC Crown Right for You?

September 18, 2017September 19, 2023 by CERECstories, posted in CEREC

When the dentist tells us that we need a crown that’s enough to make you cringe a little. First it means that you need to get a root canal which is both pricey and painful. Then you need several trips to the dentist to have impressions made, getting a temporary crown until the lab finishes making yours. This means a lot of visits to your dentist and a lot of money out of your wallet. But before you despair we may have a better solution to your dental problems.

What is a CEREC Crown

This technology was initially developed back in the early 1980’s but it wasn’t until 1985 that the treatment was widely used. CEREC or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics is the method of creating a crown using computer technology. It uses computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing technology to create a crown immediately rather than using a lab. This allows your dentist to put together a crown for you in an afternoon rather than over the course of multiple visits.

How Does it Work?

After you have had your root canal the dentist then uses makes a digital impression using a CAD (computer aided design) computer. They use special software and equipment that was created for the CEREC procedure. They can also create the crown on the same day and put it over the tooth during the same visit. There are a lot of benefits to this type of treatment. For you, you can have your complete procedure all done in the same day, no more waiting on labs or multiple visits to make sure that the crown fits properly.

Not only is this convenient the materials that are used in CEREC crowns look and feel more like real teeth as opposed to what comes from laboratory crowns. The fit is also better from a digital impression than it is than those of porcelain crowns. This also works for the dentist as well, he can create crowns right in his own office rather than trying to outsource services to a lab nearby.

Disadvantages of CEREC crowns

While there are plenty of reasons for women to get a CEREC crown, they aren’t ideal in every situation. CEREC crowns look and work best on molars or back teeth, for front teeth you are still better off with a traditional laboratory made crown.

Is a CEREC made crown right for you? That is something you will have to discuss with your dentist and bear in mind that not every dentist does the CEREC procedure. If you want to save time and money then you might want to seek a dentist familiar with CEREC crowns.

CEREC Procedure Enables FM Radio Reception

September 15, 2017September 19, 2023 by CERECstories, posted in CEREC

If you’ve ever had a CEREC procedure and were able to receive FM radio reception through your new tooth, you are not alone. This incredible procedure not only enables you to get a great new tooth the same day, but also can enable you to get the radio straight to your mouth. Now the reception might not always be great, but at least you get some great tunes straight to your head!