Why are patients choosing CEREC?

CEREC CAD/CAM by Sirona Dental Systems is the world's first CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) system for the fabrication of all ceramic dental restorations in one office visit.  With CEREC at your dentist's side, you can be in and out in a single visit with a permanent, all ceramic crown, onlay, or veneer!  For you, the patient, this means fewer injections, less drilling, and less time out of your hectic schedule for dental care.  So, why are thousands of people world wide choosing the CEREC restorative technique for their dental needs?

Single Appointment Dental Care

Most dental restorative methods require more than one visit to the dentist.  This means that on the first visit, you get an injection of anesthesia, your tooth prepared, an impression taken, and a temporary restoration put on your tooth.  Then on your second appointment a couple of weeks later, you get another injection, have the temporary pried off (if it hasn't fallen off already), and have a permanent restoration put on.  But why go to the dentist a second time when you don't have to?  With CEREC, the procedure is done in a single appointment, start to finish

Finest Dental Materials

A CEREC tooth restoration isn't just convenient, it is also healthy.  Many years ago, dentists had few options to repair decayed and damaged teeth other than amalgam, gold, and other metals.  With CEREC, your dentist can use strong, tooth colored ceramic materials to restore your teeth to their natural strength, beauty, and function.  These materials closely match the composition of natural tooth structure.  This means when you eat hot food and then drink something cold, the restoration and tooth expand and contract at almost equal rates.  So, your tooth does not crack, and you can go on enjoying your evening.  Also, the materials are chemically and mechanically bonded to your tooth, so your dentist can save as much healthy tooth tissue as possible while providing you with a dental restoration that strengthens your tooth.

Because Your Dentist Values YOUR Time

Let's face it, very few of us have perfect teeth, free of decay and fillings.  You can probably see a filling or two in your own mouth, which do just that -- "fill" a cavity, or hole, in your tooth left from the excavation of decayed tooth structure.  In many cases, those fillings are made of metal material and can go bad, weaken the tooth, or get additional decay under or around it.  In fact, 1.2 billion of these metal fillings will need to be replaced in the next 10 years.*  CEREC is a method used by thousands of dentists worldwide since 1987 not only to replace these fillings, but also to restore any tooth that is decayed, weakened, broken, etc. to its natural strength and beauty.  Better yet, it's done with all-ceramic materials that are tooth colored in a single appointment! 

So, how does the CEREC procedure work?

Exam and Preparation

First, your Dentist examines the tooth and determines the appropriate treatment.  It could be a simple filling, an onlay (partial crown) or a full crown, depending on how much healthy tooth structure is remaining and the clinical judgment of your Dentist.  Next, he or she administers an anesthetic and prepares your tooth for the restoration, removing decayed and weakened tooth tissue.  This preparation is just like he or she would do for many other restorative techniques.

Optical Scan

Then, your Dentist takes an Optical Scan of the prepared tooth.  Instead of filling a tray with impression "goop" that you must bite into and hold in your mouth until it hardens, your Dentist uses a 3-D camera to take a digital scan of your tooth.  This whole Optical Scan process only takes a minute or two.

No Temporaries

Next, the CEREC machine helps the Dentist create the restoration for your tooth.  The CEREC 3D software takes the digital scan and converts it into a 3-D virtual model on the computer screen.  Your Dentist then uses his or her dental expertise to design the restoration using the CEREC 3D computer program.  Within a few minutes, your Dentist clicks a button, and the restoration design data is sent to a separate milling machine in the office.  A ceramic block that matches your tooth shade is placed in the milling machine.  About 10 - 20 minutes later, your all-ceramic, tooth-colored restoration is finished and ready to bond in place.  Finally, your Dentist tries the restoration in your mouth to ensure proper fit and bite.  The restoration is then polished and bonded to the prepared tooth.  Your tooth is restored with no "temporary" or return trip necessary.  All of this is done in a single appointment!  Ask your Dentist about CEREC today.

What are the benefits of CEREC restorations?

One of the most beneficial aspect of a CEREC crown is that it looks and feels like natural tooth. The ceramic material is matched to your tooth color and the 3D imaging technology accurately fits the crown to your bite and gum line. Some traditional crowns have metal and sometimes you can see it along your gum line or on the biting surface of your tooth. The CEREC crown process is typically more comfortable for patients and easier to fit into your schedule with just one appointment.

What is the difference between a CEREC restoration and a tooth-colored filling?

A CEREC restoration is made from a high-tech ceramic (porcelain) material which is far stronger than a tooth-colored filling, which is made from resin. While resin fillings are great at restoring small decay or replacing small failing fillings, anything larger may require a more robust material to complete its "renovation," and ceramic is a great material for anything larger than a small-sized restoration. Most resin fillings are not indicated for restoring large areas due to their lack of strength. The great advantage of CEREC is that not all restorations bigger than a filling needs to be a crown. The size of the restoration can be customized to your needs. For example, a medium sized restorations can be restored with a medium sized ceramic restoration called an onlay, and a larger sized restoration can be restored with a crown.

Are CEREC restorations more expensive?

CEREC crowns cost the same as traditional crowns, but it requires one less visit which will save you valuable time. If you have dental insurance, CEREC crowns may be covered by your dental insurance just like a traditional crown, but the level depends on your plan. You can speak with our insurance specialist to find out how much of the procedure your insurance will cover before you decide on a CEREC crown.

How do I take care of my teeth after I get a CEREC restoration?

Most patients do not experience any symptoms after the procedure. However, some patients may experience some sensitivity or soreness for a few days afterwards. Avoid chewing on the restoration for at least 24 hours (ideally 48 hours if possible), especially sticky or chewy foods, as the cement will set more and the restoration will be stronger if left alone. Continue practicing your regular oral hygiene routine after your appointment, especially near the gum line, as this area is still susceptible to decay. Continue to visit your dentist regularly for your dental checkups and hygiene appointments to maintain your healthy smile!