What is CEREC®?

Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic, or CEREC® for short, is a new state-of-the-art method of reconstructing tooth restorations. CEREC® uses computer-assisted design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to offer single-day restorations for patients. This new technology has revolutionized ceramic restorations, such as crowns and veneers, for patients so there is no longer a wait between preparing the restoration and receiving the finished product. With CEREC®, the technology is used while you are sitting in the dental chair, which is both economical and efficient. The restorations created are metal-free and tooth colored to restore your tooth to its natural beauty, strength and function. With CEREC®’s CAD-CAM technology, these ceramic restorations can be done in one single visit.

The CEREC® Process

CEREC® uses CAD-CAM technology to design and mill custom restorations during one visit to the dentist. So how does this process work?

Exam & Preparation

Before you get started, your dentist will determine if CEREC® is right for you. Depending on how much healthy tooth structure you have remaining, it may be a simple filling or you may need a crown. After reviewing your options, Dr. Novak or McGill will begin the process by administering anesthetic and preparing your tooth for restoration by removing decay and weakened tooth tissue.

Optical Impression

In order to make the desired restoration, a 3-dimensional image of the tooth that needs to be restored must be created from a digital camera scan of the tooth. This three-dimensional image will be used to create the restoration without the need to take a traditional impression. This means no waiting for the impression material to set up, or retakes.  The computer and CEREC® 3D software then converts the digital image into a three-dimensional virtual model of the prepared tooth and the restoration design can begin!

Milling Unit

The Mill is used to used to create the custom restoration needed for the tooth. Based on the color of your tooth, Dr. Novak and McGill able to select the appropriate ceramic block and in minutes, the milling device is able to create the restoration!

Placing The Restoration

After the restoration is made, it is ready to be tried in to ensure proper fit and bite. After adjustments are made, the crown is fired and is ready to be bonded into place.  No temporary restoration is needed and no return trip is necessary, saving you time and money!

Advantages To Using CEREC®

CEREC® has revolutionized the restorative process. It was created with the patient in mind in order to make a visit to the dentist as efficient as possible. Some of the benefits to using CEREC® are:

• Most procedures can be done in one visit – less costly and less time consuming
• Fewer injections due to single-visit
• No need to take impressions
• No need to have a temporary restoration
• Ability to save as much natural tooth structure as possible
• Longer lasting restorations – may last over 10 years
• Restores teeth to natural beauty, function and strength
• Metal-free restorations