What is CEREC?

CEREC stands for “CERamic REConstruction.” This is a method of dentistry that uses digitized design and manufacturing to create customized dental reconstructions. Ceramic dental reconstruction includes crowns, inlays, outlays, and veneers.

Using CEREC to digitally map the inside of your mouth, your dentist can order and create a ceramic reconstruction custom-fitted to your tooth in a single visit. This technology was developed in 1985, has become more and more advanced over the years, and has a great track record as a safe and effective method of creating reconstructions.

When is CEREC used?

Because CEREC is used to make ceramic dental reconstructions, it’s a great tool for inlays, onlays, crowns, and veneers. When a tooth is damaged by decay or trauma, a ceramic reconstruction protects the structure of your tooth and improves its appearance.

Your dentist will use CEREC to digitally map out the new reconstruction based on the shape of your tooth. This process is painless and avoids the discomfort of having an impression made. The digital information is then sent to a machine that creates the requested reconstruction out of ceramic in just a few minutes.

Why is CEREC a good option?

CEREC is a great option for several reasons. Most obviously, this method allows for the most quick and convenient fitting. Rather than waiting several weeks for a crown to be created in a lab and sent back to the office, your dentist is able to create and place the reconstruction in a single visit. This way, you avoid the discomfort of having a physical impression made of your tooth, and you no longer have to wait weeks for your new fitting while wearing a temporary crown.

Additionally, whereas dental reconstructions are sometimes made of amalgam or gold, ceramic is the material most like an actual tooth, both physically and in appearance. And because the CEREC technology has been here for 30 years, we have hundreds of clinical studies showing that reconstructions created by CEREC are safe and extremely durable over the course of several years, provided that you follow good dental hygiene practices.

Does every dental office offer CEREC?

No–many dentists use CEREC, but some offer only lab-made reconstructions. Although both are reliable, safe, and effective methods of creating fittings, we offer CEREC to provide our patients with the newest technology and the most efficient option for dental reconstructions.

A lot of people have dental problems caused by grinding their teeth. In fact, it’s estimated that almost one out of ten adults grind their teeth. There are many possible causes of grinding, although many people have trouble pinpointing why they grind their teeth.

Causes of teeth grinding include:

• Stress, anxiety, or frustration
• Hyperactivity disorders
• Side effects to certain medications
• Improper alignment of the teeth (underbites or overbites)
• Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea

How do I know if I’m grinding my teeth?

Some people find themselves grinding their teeth in moments of stress, intense focus, or high energy. However, you might also grind your teeth without realizing it or while you’re asleep. If this is the case, you may find that you frequently get dull headaches, earaches, or a sore jaw. Even if you have no symptoms, you might have been told by someone close to you that you are grinding your teeth in your sleep, or your dentist might point it out to you during a routine visit.

How does grinding affect your teeth?

Grinding is very damaging to the teeth. It wears the teeth down over time, and can even cause the teeth to fracture or become loose. If this happens, you might need a dental procedure such as a crown fitting, root canal, or implant. Grinding your teeth is also bad for your jaw.

How can I stop grinding my teeth?

Physical tension caused by stress can cause or exacerbate grinding. If this is a problem for you, it’s a good idea to try training yourself to relax your muscles, especially your jaw, when you feel tense. Cutting back on alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine can also help. Meditation, therapy, and exercise are other methods of relieving the tension that causes grinding.

If you chew on pencils or gum when you are nervous or stressed, try to break yourself of that habit. This makes you more likely to grind your teeth, and it’s healthiest for your teeth to chew only on food.

If your grinding is caused by the misalignment of your teeth or a condition such as sleep apnea, your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard that will keep you from grinding your teeth at night, and help you sleep better.

No matter the cause of the grinding, it’s always a good idea to talk to your dentist to learn what tools can help you protect your teeth. Call us today to schedule a consultation!

Do you feel anxious when you know you have to go to the dentist’s office? Would you rather be anywhere but there? Does your pulse race when you think about your appointment? If so, you might have a fear of the dentist. Worry not — almost 15% of Americans also fear the dentist, usually because they had a bad experience in the past with pain. However, avoiding the dentist is not a good way to help your fear, and it’s not good for your teeth either.

Eventually, you’ll have to return to the dentist for a cleaning or other dental service. Rather than panic, there are some strategies you can consider when you go to the office for your appointment.

Breathe In And Out

Relaxation techniques are an effective option to calm down at the dentist. An easy way to do this is concentrate on your breathing. Breathe in for a few seconds, then slowly let your breath out, and count when you’re doing it. This helps distract you from the procedure going on, keeping your mind occupied. Another tip is to ask the dentist if you can listen to music while they do their work. Then, you can just focus on the music instead of what’s happening in your mouth.

Be Open With Your Dentist

A good dentist will understand that you might feel pain during a procedure. Determine a way to signal to your dentist that you are feeling pain, because often you can’t say it aloud. Talk to your dentist beforehand to get a better idea of what the procedure will entail. This will help you be less nervous because you’ll know exactly what’s happening.

Be Optimistic

Remember that dentists are experts in their field and they have to do numerous procedures every day. It’s unlikely that they encounter many mishaps during that time. The likelihood that something severe will happen to you specifically is low. Be optimistic that everything will turn out fine, and consider matching that feeling with relaxation techniques. You should feel better knowing that everything will turn out OK in the end.

Being afraid of the dentist is a fairly common fear — you’re not the only one. But overcoming that fear is important when it comes to maintaining your oral health. Keep up your dental hygiene, and you won’t need to visit the dentist as often as others, but when you do, remember that there’s nothing to fear!

At Bridgeport Family Dental, we’re proud to have a comfortable environment and the knowledge to help patients with dental anxiety. Give us a call today to schedule your next dental checkup!

Just like everywhere else in health and wellness, the dental world has seen its fair amount of myths surrounding teeth and gums. Generally, these myths involve misinformation about tooth cleanliness and dental procedures. As someone who cares about your teeth, consider acquainting yourself with these myths so you know which ways of thinking you should avoid when it comes to oral health.

Teeth Whitening Is Unhealthy

One common dental myth is that whitening your teeth is unhealthy for them and may damage the tooth enamel, which is the hardest part of your teeth. In fact, teeth whitening and bleaching is becoming much safer to the point that many whitening procedures are harmless. The best whitening programs are ones recommended by your dentist. Talk to him or her if you’re considering a whitening procedure. Remember that the over-the-counter products actually can sometimes damage your teeth, though that is rare.

Chewing Gum Ruins Teeth

While chewing gum can become a habit, gum itself isn’t generally bad for your teeth, especially sugar-free gum. Sugar-free gum helps you clean your teeth after a meal, though you should never substitute that for brushing them. Gum with sugar can foster bacteria in the mouth, however, so sticking with the sugar-free variety is best.

Fluoride Is Dangerous

Our toothpaste bottles warn us on the label that ingesting too much fluoride is bad for you. That leads some people to think that fluoride is dangerous overall, but nothing could be farther from the truth! Fluoride in our toothpaste greatly improves dental health, and the small amount of fluoride in our drinking water has also improved our tooth cleanliness overall. It’s still a bad idea to try to eat a bunch of toothpaste, so don’t do it, but don’t be afraid of fluoride when you’re regularly brushing.

Don’t Brush Bleeding Gums

Another myth is that brushing your teeth and causing your gums to bleed is unhealthy. Actually, your gums are bleeding because you’re not flossing enough, and they may be swollen or have gingivitis. It’s true that deliberately causing your gums to bleed isn’t recommended, but gently flossing your gums every day will soon fix the bleeding problem. You’ll bleed in the meantime, but that’s not necessarily bad for your oral health.

Next time you go to the dentist or buy a pack of gum, remember these myths. Most of all, remember to keep brushing and flossing every day!