CEREC Gold Coast
Same day crowns, bridges and other restorations at Robina Town Dental
If you've damaged or lost a tooth, having a traditional crown or bridge fitted by your dentist can involve several visits as your custom restoration is designed, manufactured externally and finally bonded into place on different days.
CEREC technology uses computer-aided design and manufacturing to streamline this process, enabling dentists to manufacture crowns right in the dental clinic. This means that all steps of the treatment can often be completed during a single appointment.
At Robina Town Dental, we know that it can be hard to make time for several dental visits. That's why our Gold Coast dentists now offer same-day crowns, veneers and other CEREC restorations to help make dental care more convenient and affordable.
To find out more about CEREC or make an appointment, call our friendly team on (07) 5575 9100 or book online. We're easy to find in Robina Town Centre.
What is CEREC?
The CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Aesthetic Ceramics) system combines 3D imaging, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology and a milling machine. This allows our dentists to design, produce and fit custom restorations, all while a patient is still in the chair.
CEREC crowns and bridges are just as strong and natural-looking as traditional restorations, without the wait. The system can also be used to create other custom restorations to restore or alter the appearance of teeth, such as inlay/onlay fillings or dental veneers.
Why choose CEREC?
Speed isn't the only reason patients choose CEREC dental restorations. Other benefits include:
No follow-up appointments
Getting a traditional crown involves multiple visits to the dentist that can take a week or longer, as the crown needs to be manufactured at an external dental laboratory. Most CEREC treatments only require a single visit, avoiding the time and costs involved in multiple sessions.
Preserves more of the tooth
CEREC's advanced bonding method requires less of the tooth's structure to be removed before a restoration can be fitted. This makes the procedure less invasive and lowers the risk of complications such as tooth sensitivity that can happen if too much enamel is removed.
As less of the tooth structure needs to be present, this also means that CEREC crowns could be an option even if you're not eligible for a standard crown.
No uncomfortable moulds
For a traditional crown or bridge, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth that's used to design your restorations. This material needs to be bitten into for a few minutes, which some people find uncomfortable.
With CEREC, dentists take 3D digital impressions for crowns and other restorations that work in the same way, without the discomfort.
No temporary crowns
Because it takes time for a traditional crown to be made after a tooth is prepared, dentists fit a temporary prosthetic tooth that helps to protect it during the wait. This is weaker and less natural-looking than the finished restoration and more easily damaged.
With CEREC, your finished crown or bridge can be ready within the hour, so there's no need for temporary crowns as a stopgap.
Long lasting
CEREC restorations are made from a strong ceramic, which is resistant to wear, damage and stains and should last for many years when you take good care of your oral health. Allergic reactions to ceramic are rare, making CEREC safer than some conventional crown options.
Natural appearance
Ceramic crowns and bridges are a close match to real tooth enamel in look and feel, with similar translucency and no dark edges that can show up on other crown materials. The CEREC system can restore a natural-looking smile.
Types of CEREC restorations
The CEREC system can treat many types of dental conditions, including repairing chipped, cracked or worn teeth, replacing old fillings and aesthetic improvements. The most common treatments are:
All-ceramic dental crowns can restore the shape of a tooth that's been damaged or worn down, strengthen a weakened tooth, or modify a tooth's shape or appearance. Crowns are also used as part of other dental procedures, such as to support a bridge or to seal a tooth following root canal treatment.
If a tooth has a larger cavity than can be filled by a conventional white filling, ceramic inlays or onlays are a less invasive alternative to crowns that preserve more of the natural tooth.
A dental bridge is one option to replace a missing tooth or several connected teeth. A bridge is a prosthetic tooth, designed to look like a natural tooth, that's usually supported on both sides by crowns.
Ceramic crowns can be bonded to dental implants as a longer-lasting option for replacing a tooth. However, the procedure for an implant is more invasive than for a bridge.
Dental veneers are thin shells attached to the front of teeth to change their appearance for cosmetic reasons. Ceramic veneers look more like natural tooth enamel than composite resin veneers. They're also more durable.
How does the CEREC system work?
If you're interested in CEREC restorations, our dentists on the Gold Coast will explain what the process involves so you know what to expect and can make informed decisions about your oral health. The typical process involves five stages:
1. Preparing the tooth
We'll prepare your tooth or teeth by removing some of the outer layer, matching the thickness of the ceramic restoration.
2. Digital impressions
After the tooth has been prepared, we'll capture 3D images of your mouth and use these to develop your treatment plan.
3. 3D modelling
Using CEREC CAD software, we'll create a 3D model of your crown or other restoration. This is then sent to a CAM milling machine.
4. Creating the restoration
We'll pick a shade of ceramic that matches your natural tooth colour, or a different shade if you prefer. This is then cut into your custom design using diamond-tipped dental burs.
5. Bonding
Once your ceramic restorations are complete, we'll check that they fit comfortably in your mouth and make any adjustments if needed. If you're satisfied, we'll cement them into place.
CEREC FAQ
To schedule an appointment with a CEREC dentist in Robina, call (07) 5575 9100 today or contact us online.
What are the risks of CEREC crowns?
The clinical risks for CEREC restorations are reduced compared to some other crown materials, especially as the need for temporary crowns is avoided.
Possible risks include teeth feeling more sensitive to temperature after a small layer of the enamel is removed and the crown failing if you don't take good care of your oral health. We'll always make sure you understand the possible complications and side-effects before you agree to a treatment.
What does a CEREC CAD/CAM crown cost?
The cost of your CEREC crown or other restoration depends on the number, type and size of restoration you choose, as well as other factors. We can give you a quote during your consultation and discuss the payment plans we offer to help make your treatment more affordable.
If your health fund covers dental treatments, you may be able to claim all or part of your treatment to your insurer. Cosmetic treatments such as veneers are not usually covered.
Why choose CEREC at Robina Town Dental?
Our Gold Coast dental clinic is QIP accredited, which is your assurance that our clinic and our staff meet or exceed national standards for patient safety. We invest in the latest dental technologies such as CEREC to offer you the highest standard of care.