CEREC Dental Restorations Explained

CEREC restoration refers to the dentistry procedure where restoration involving the laying of dental crowns, veneers, inlay or onlay which are completed in just a single visit to a dentist. With CEREC – which is sited as standing for both CERamic REConstruction and Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics – the dentist utilizes state-of-the-art computer technology, including CAD (Computer Aided Design), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and 3D photography to precisely carry out the restoration. Similar technologies such as ‘Sirona CEREC inLab’ also allow dental implants to be custom made.

Difference between Conventional and CEREC Restoration

In the normal procedure, there is of course the first visit for diagnostic purposes after which you’ll have to visit the dentist a second time. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared under local anaesthesia and its impression taken. The tooth is then given a temporary restoration, following which the dentist will arrange for an appointment two weeks later. During this two-week period the tooth impression is sent to a specialist lab for the permanent restoration to be fabricated. This restoration is placed on the tooth at the next appointment after two weeks or so. But with CEREC, the two appointments can be clubbed into one.

In the CEREC procedure, the dentist takes a digital image of your teeth.  This is then converted to a computerised 3D image using imaging software which can ascertain the exact shape which the restoration will take, through comparison with the other surrounding teeth. The computerised design is refined with CAD software.

Once the computerised design is complete, it is uploaded to the CAM milling machine where the restoration will be milled from a solid ceramic block, according to specifications. The milling tools are tipped with diamond are purpose made and the CAM process enables precise restorations that perfectly match the submitted design. The completed restoration is then bonded with resin cement to the prepared tooth.

Is CEREC Popular?

First introduced in 1987, CEREC restoration has gathered momentum and it is estimated that CEREC is practiced by more than 22,000 dental practices worldwide. 15 million CEREC restorations are believed to have been carried out since its introduction.

CEREC restoration is a quick and convenient procedure. The entire procedure, including the fabrication of the new tooth, can be completed in an hour.  There is no guesswork involved and no chance of human error. The fact that the procedure requires just one sitting makes it very appealing for busy individuals or those who just don’t like visiting the dentist often.

Advantages of CEREC

CEREC is actually cost-effective for the dental practice. There may be a substantial amount of investment involved in setting up the technology required and undergoing training for it, but that can all be made up in the long term. The ceramic material used to create the dental restoration is the ideal material as it contracts, expands and wears in a manner similar to natural teeth. This ceramic is also milled by the machine, which is stronger than hand pressed and layered ceramic commonly used in conventional restoration treatments.

The accuracy of the procedure ensures that there is quite a lot of the existing tooth structure preserved as the restoration covers the existing tooth only partially.

CEREC restoration is a precise and scientifically advanced dental restoration method that is safe and quick for the patient and cost-effective for the dental practice. This type of restoration can be designed, fabricated and fitted during a single visit to your dentist.