Smile Lines - Spring 2005

Introducing CEREC®

Gilbert Implant Dentist Technology today is changing our everyday lives. Many people, however, aren't aware that technology also is impacting dentistry in new and exciting ways. Cutting-edge innovations in dental instruments are requiring less time in the dental chair, causing less discomfort and creating satisfying results. One breakthrough instrument, called Cerec®, allows Dr. Sullivan to quickly restore damaged teeth with natural-colored ceramic fillings, saving patients time and inconvenience.

What is Cerec?

Cerec is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Translated it means that Dr. Sullivan can restore damaged teeth in a single appointment using a high-quality ceramic material that matches the natural color of other teeth.

How does the instrument work?

Cerec uses CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) technology, incorporating a camera, computer and milling machine in one instrument. Dr. Sullivan uses a special camera to take an accurate picture of the damaged tooth. This optical impression is transferred and displayed on a color computer screen, where Dr. Sullivan uses CAD technology to design the restoration. The CAM takes over and automatically creates the restoration while the patient waits. Finally, we bond the new restoration to the surface of the old tooth with a high strength adhesive. The restorations contain no metal and are very natural in appearance and function. The whole process takes about one hour, and the results are far superior to traditional fillings.

What does this innovation mean for a patient?

A tooth-colored restoration means no more silver fillings discoloring smiles. The restoration is natural-looking, compatible with tissue in the mouth, anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant. In most cases we no longer need to create temporaries or take impressions and send them to a lab. Because of this, the traditional second visit has been eliminated. The Cerec has over a decade of clinical research and documentation to support the technology. The restorations have been proven precise, safe and effective. We recently treated a patient who previously had experienced a high degree of dental anxiety. Utilizing Cerec combined with oral conscious sedation we were able to complete her restorations in one simple Anxiety Free appointment! She was amazed at how easy her appointment was for her!

Humanitarian Mission

Gilbert Cosmetic Dentist Collette, our full time hygienist, will once again travel to Lima Peru in April to volunteer at the San Marcos University's Dental clinic with the LDS Academy of Dentistry.

In addition to treating hundreds of indigent people, the LDS academy of Dentistry donates Dental equipment and supplies that are much needed in this third world country.

Collette's responsibility is to deliver local anesthesia and teach hygiene techniques to hundreds of Peruvians. Special thanks to our patients the Lance Richards family, and Susan Damnon for their donation of funds and supplies for this worthy cause. We celebrate Collette's willingness to give of her time and talents for this cause even though she is a busy mother of seven children. If you are interested in making a Tax Deductible donation for this cause please contact our office and speak with Collette.

Spring Tooth Tips

Brush after every meal or at least twice a day.
Use a fluoride toothpaste.
Go for brushes with soft nylon bristles and a flat surface.
Replace your brush about every three months.
Use a mouthguard if you play contact sports.
Floss every day.
See your dentist regularly!

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Sheldon Sullivan, DDS - Providing cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and sedation dentistry to the Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and Phoenix, Arizona areas.

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