3 minute read
Great Advances in Restorative Dentistry
The Great Advance in Restorative Dentistry
BY DR. ADAM BIRK, DMD
he finest advanced
Tdigital technology enables us to provide dental restorations - crowns, inlays, veneers, and bridges - that are more attractive, accurate, comfortable and long-lasting. And to be able to do it all in one visit to our office. This revolution covers all phases of dental restorations: modeling the restoration, designing, manufacturing, and cementing it in place.
MODELING
Traditionally, to make the models used for molding crowns, inlays and other tooth restorations required the time-consuming process of taking a physical impression. This was done by inserting a tray full of gooey impression material into your mouth and waiting 5 minutes and carefully removing it without pulling other dental work with it. The mold then needed to be disinfected, packed and shipped to a dental lab. Now we make digital models with the CEREC Primescan, a wand about the size of an electric toothbrush that glides comfortably over your teeth, capturing continuous three-dimensional video images and actually modeling them on a screen in real time. Unlike previous digital scanners, no spray powder is required to get an accurate digital model. In a matter of minutes, I can view, rotate or enlarge a very precise image of your teeth in fine detail. This allows us to more accurately assess the preparation and precise dimensions to create the final restoration.
DESIGNING THE RESTORATION
After analyzing the completed scan, the CEREC software proposes a custom design for your restoration. After the software proposes the restoration, I customize and approve the design for manufacturing your restoration.
In previous scanning and milling systems one company made the scanner, another made the manufacturing equipment and a third made the software that connected the system together. There were frequent issues in getting the three companies’ systems to work together. CEREC represents a huge step forward because they provide the scanner, the milling and finishing equipment as well as the software that seamlessly connects it all together.
MANUFACTURING IN OUR OFFICE
This is where the system is really revolutionary. Instead of the time and expense of packing and shipping a model, or even transmitting images, to a lab where the crown, inlay or other restoration is manufactured, the digital images are immediately transmitted directly to a countertop milling unit right in our office. The restorations are then fired and glazed in the CEREC Speedfire furnace. The short firing time and simple operation completes restorations of Zirconia and other ceramics in about 14 minutes.
This complete end-to-end CEREC system enables us to model, design, manufacture, finish and insert your dental restoration in minutes, making it possible to complete the whole process in one visit. In addition to the quick turnaround time, the result is a higher quality, more precise restoration that fits better, functions better and looks better than any restorations ever made before.
Left: Digital Scanning and below, Completed Scan Above left: Restoration Material. Above right: Customizing Restoration. Above: Primemill Milling Unit DR. ADAM BIRK is owner of Westport Dental, located in the 77 Building in Westport Plaza. Dr. Birk employs these and many other advanced technologies to enable more accurate, safe, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing dental solutions, while assuring patient comfort. To schedule an appointment with Adam Dr. Birk, you can call his office at 314-434-7300, or visit their website www.westportdentalstl.com. All County Health guidelines are observed to protect patients and staff.
CEREC Speedfire Furnace, Primemill and Digital Scanner
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