What is CEREC?

 

CEREC is a computer aided design and manufacturing technology in dentistry which allows dentists to manufacture tooth coloured restorations, crowns, onlays and veneers in their clinic. As restorations no longer need to be sent to the lab for manufacture it means they can fitted in one visit to the dentists clinic.

What does the process involve?

 

The process is similar to the normal procedure except the impression is taken digitally and the restoration is produced onsite while you wait. Firstly, your dentist will need to prepare your tooth which will include applying a reflective powder onto the tooth. They will then take a digital image using a special optical infrared camera. The camera records the exact dimensions of the tooth and these are stored in the CEREC computer software. The dentist will then view your digital impression and design the restoration.

 

The CAD/CAM package comes complete with a milling machine which is used to manufacture your restoration. Your dentist will insert a ceramic block into the milling machine which then engineers a restoration from the digital impression. The milling process can take from 6 to 30 minutes depending on the type and complexity of the restoration being produced.

 

Once the restoration has been produced, it is then fitted in the same way as lab produced restoration would be. It will first be fitted in place to make sure the dimensions are correct. Your dentist may make adjustments to the colour so it is matches your surrounding teeth. The restoration will then be cemented into place and the usual checks around placing and bite should be carried out.

What are the advantages of CEREC dental restorations

 

• The major advantage of having dental restorations fitted using CEREC is that they can be fitted in one visit to the dental practice.
• If the entire procedure can be carried out in one hour, you will only require one injection of local anaesthetic injection.
• As you can walk out of the clinic with the full restoration in place after one visit, you will not require a temporary restoration.

Do restorations using CEREC cost more?

 

People often presume that restorations using advanced technology will cost more but usually they do not. Whilst dentists will need to recoup their investment in the software and hardware, the technology will help to reduce costs for them. You will only be required to make one visit to the dentist and they also save in lab fees so you should not expect to pay more. Use our cost comparison bar at the top of the page to find out costs from local dentists in your area.