Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic, known as CEREC®, is an innovative, state-of-the-art technique for restoring teeth. Using advanced computer-assisted design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), CEREC® allows you to receive durable ceramic restorations like crowns and veneers in just one dental visit. This breakthrough technology eliminates the usual wait time between tooth preparation and final restoration placement. With CEREC®, your restoration is designed and crafted right in the dental chair, making it a cost-effective and convenient option for you and your dentist. These restorations are metal-free and tooth-colored, restoring your smile’s natural strength, function, and beauty. Thanks to CEREC®’s CAD-CAM system, you can enjoy a completely restored tooth in a single appointment.
Request an AppointmentThe CEREC® Process
CEREC® combines CAD-CAM technology to custom design and mill your dental restoration within one visit. Here’s how it works:
Exam and Preparation
Your dentist will first assess whether CEREC® is the best option for your restoration needs. Depending on the condition of your tooth, you might need a simple filling or a crown. After discussing your options, the dentist will numb the area and prepare your tooth by removing decay and any weakened tissue.
Optical Impression
Instead of messy traditional impressions, a digital camera captures a 3D image of your prepared tooth. This high-precision scan creates a virtual model, avoiding discomfort and gagging often caused by impression materials. The CEREC® software then converts this image into a detailed 3D virtual tooth model.
Milling Unit
Using the 3D model and your tooth’s original shade, your dentist selects a matching ceramic block. The milling unit then carves your new restoration with precision — usually within minutes.
Placing the Restoration
Your new restoration is tried in to ensure perfect fit and bite. Once confirmed, it’s polished and bonded securely in place. This means you avoid temporary restorations and extra visits, saving both time and money.
Advantages to Using CEREC®
CEREC® has transformed dental restorations with patient comfort and convenience in mind. Many patients tell us how much they appreciate these benefits:
- Most treatments completed in a single visit, reducing time and cost
- Less discomfort due to fewer injections
- No messy impression materials needed
- No temporary restorations required between visits
- Preserves maximum natural tooth structure
- Long-lasting restorations that can endure over 10 years
- Restores teeth to their natural look, strength, and function
- Metal-free, biocompatible ceramic materials