E4D technology - a first for Cairns at
Cairns Precision Dental Group:
We have recently introduced into Cairns Precision Dental Group the very first CAD-CAM machine called an E4D. It is similar to the Cerec Machine which you have probably heard about recently.
At time of writing, Cairns Precision Dental has the only E4D in Cairns.
It is very new technology having been released in the USA in January 2008 and Australia in September 2008. It has not been released in Europe yet due to the demand in these countries.
The beauty of this machine is that it allows us to prepare a tooth, scan it and design a crown, porcelain veneer, inlay or onlay especially for you which is then milled onsite. The restoration can then be seated at the same appointment saving your precious time.
Temporary crowns are no longer needed nor a second appointment to fit the crown is also not required. The visit however is longer in time to allow for the design of the crown, inlay or onlay and for the milling of the restoration. This process can take up to 40 minutes.
During that time you can perhaps bring a book along to pass the time as we will not need you in the dental chair.
The machine is made up of a few components. The scanning wand is a laser which records the image of the tooth after the dentist has recorded lots of different pictures.
Once the tooth image has been recorded correctly, the tooth crown, inlay or onlay is designed by the dentist on the computer in the surgery. When the dentist is happy with the design, it is sent to the milling area where the crown, inlay or onlay is manufactured from pressed porcelain.
Pressed porcelain is normal porcelain that is put under huge pressure. This produces a material which is very strong because there is no air incorporated in it. We are all very excited about this machine and its possibilities.
Of course every machine has its limitations so sometimes we will still do a 2 stage procedure when it is required. There are some other considerations that the dentist will discuss with you about before going ahead. It is a great addition to our already great practice.
For more information on this exciting technology visit www.d4dtech.com .