Lakefront Family Dentistry Blog

How CEREC Primescan Benefits Our Patients

The cosmetic dentist specialists at Lakefront Family Dentistry are committed to investing in the latest advancements in dental technology. From the Solea Laser to the CEREC dental system, Dr. Hauser and Dr. Phillipe stay up-to-date with technology that provides more efficient and accurate treatment for our patients in the Inland Empire.

One of our practice’s most recent investments was the CEREC Primescan—the most advanced intraoral scanner on the market. In this article, we discuss the CEREC system, how Primescan fits in the mix, and how it benefits our patients.

What is CEREC?

Lakefront Family Dentistry has been offering CEREC dentistry for 18 years. CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. The CEREC system uses computer-aided design (CAD) and software to create permanent dental restorations (such as crowns, porcelain veneers, inlays, and onlays) in just one day.

Before CEREC, creating a crown or veneer took multiple visits and involved taking impressions of a patient’s teeth with a plaster mold—a process that was often sticky and messy. Now, the process takes only one day.

The CEREC machine includes a camera, computer, and milling instrument. These components work together to create a CEREC crown or veneer using the following steps.

  • Exam and Prep. The doctors administer anesthetic and remove decay and weak tooth tissue to prepare the tooth for restoration.
  • The CEREC scanner takes an optical impression of the tooth. Using the CAD software, this image is transformed into a 3D model of the tooth, which can be designed and shaped by the doctor.
  • Once the 3D model is completed, the doctors choose a ceramic block that matches the patient’s tooth shade. The in-office milling machine then fabricates the crown or veneer in just a few minutes.
  • Fitting and Placement. After a “dry fit” to make sure the restoration fits comfortably in the mouth, the crown or veneer is polished and bonded to the tooth using dental adhesive.
sirona cerec mc xl primescan milling machine cosmetic dentist lake elsinore ca
Sirona CEREC MC XL Milling Machine Used to Make Crowns and Veneers During Your Appointment

What is CEREC Primescan?

CEREC Primescan is the latest version of the CEREC scanner—a small, hand-held camera that scans a patient’s mouth and produces the optical impressions of the tooth.

CEREC Primescan creates digital 3D images that are crisper and more detailed. It is also faster, more accurate, and easier to use. This is because the scanner uses a Smart Pixel Sensor, which processes more than 1,000,000 3D points per second—resulting in photorealistic and highly accurate data.

Besides allowing the doctors to create crowns and veneers, the Primescan can also help the doctors diagnose and develop treatment plans for other dental conditions, such as cavities and small cracks or fractures in the teeth.

How Primescan Benefits Patients

With Primescan and CEREC dentistry, the patients at Lakefront Family Dentistry get a better overall dental experience.

Here are some of the benefits:

  • Scans are quicker, easier, and less invasive.
  • There are no plastic trays to trigger a patient’s gag reflex.
  • The process is clean and simple—with no messy and sticky goop.
  • Only one appointment is needed instead of multiple appointments.
  • Because the crown or veneer is fitted on the same day, temporary dental caps are not required, which lessens discomfort and the risk of bacteria leakage.
  • Crowns and veneers look natural and are made of ceramic instead of metal. The ceramic material is completely safe—with no mercury or toxins.
  • The ceramic materials expand and contract in a way that is similar to a patient’s actual teeth—reducing the risk of cracks or fractures.
  • Crowns and veneers fit perfectly the first time. Adjustments are rarely needed.
  • Crowns and veneers may last as long as 10 years.
Who Should Use CEREC Crowns and Veneers?

Dr. Hauser and Dr. Phillipe often recommend crowns to:

  • Protect a tooth that is damaged or that underwent a root canal
  • Cover implants
  • Stabilize dental bridges
  • Restore discolored or misshapen teeth

Porcelain veneers are recommended for patients who want to correct minor cosmetic issues, such as teeth that are stained, discolored, misshapen, chipped, or broken. Veneers are also an alternative for anyone who is allergic to teeth whitening solutions, have older veneers, or whose teeth are worn down from grinding.

CEREC Primescan Cosmetic Dentists in Lake Elsinore with Dr. Mark Phillipe, DDS, and Dr. Derek Hauser, DDS
CEREC Primescan Cosmetic Dentists in Lake Elsinore with Dr. Mark Phillipe, DDS, and Dr. Derek Hauser, DDS

Our top CEREC dentists at Lakefront Family Dentistry are the most referred in the Inland Empire. Call us at (951) 244-9495 during business hours or fill out the make an appointment form through our website anytime.