What Is CEREC And What Are Its Advantages?

CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, is an advanced dental restoration method that allows dentists to create high-quality ceramic dental prosthetics such as crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers during a single dental visit. This is achieved using CAD/CAM technology to design and mill the restorations in-clinic.

Traditional dental restorations typically require multiple visits: one for taking impressions and placing a temporary restoration, and another for fitting the permanent restoration once it has been fabricated in a laboratory. CEREC streamlines this into a single visit by using digital impressions to design and create the restoration on-site with a milling machine.

CEREC is versatile and can be used to fabricate a wide range of dental restorations, including crowns, inlays, onlays, fixed bridges, veneers, dental implants, dentures, and other orthodontic appliances​

CEREC restorations are made of durable ceramic material that is designed to withstand the pressures of chewing and closely resemble the strength and appearance of natural teeth. They are generally strong and can last over a decade with proper care. However, they may not offer the same strength as metal alloy or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, which are options in traditional restorations​.

A CEREC appointment can vary in length depending on the complexity of the restoration but typically is completed in a single visit. This process includes tooth preparation, digital imaging, restoration design, milling, and bonding the restoration to the tooth.

The cost of CEREC restorations is generally comparable to that of traditional restorations. One of the advantages of CEREC is that it does not typically incur additional costs despite its advanced technology and convenience.

CEREC restorations are primarily made from high-quality ceramic material, which is chosen for its aesthetic qualities and durability. The material is selected to match the color and translucency of natural teeth, providing a seamless appearance​.

Like traditional dental procedures, CEREC restorations are performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The procedure itself should not be painful, although some patients may experience sensitivity or mild discomfort after the anesthesia wears off.

CEREC provides several benefits: it allows for the rapid creation and placement of restorations in a single visit, reducing the time and inconvenience associated with multiple appointments. It eliminates the need for temporary restorations, which can be less comfortable and less durable. The digital imaging and milling process used in CEREC also often results in a more precise and better-fitting restoration compared to traditional methods​.

Yes, the ceramic material used in CEREC restorations comes in a variety of shades and translucencies that can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, providing a highly aesthetic result that blends in with your smile.

CEREC crowns are known for their durability and typically have an average lifespan of around 14 years, which can be extended with regular dental check-ups. While CEREC crowns are made of high-quality ceramic and are quite durable, some traditional crowns made from materials like porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) or metal alloys may offer greater resistance to wear and tear​

Many dental insurance plans in Australia cover CEREC restorations just as they would traditional restorations. However, the extent of coverage can vary based on the specifics of the insurance plan and the type of restoration needed. It is advised to consult with your dental provider and insurance company to understand the coverage and payment options​

CAD/CAM stands for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. In the context of CEREC, this technology is used to design and then create precise ceramic dental restorations. After taking digital impressions of the prepared tooth, the CEREC system uses CAD software to design the restoration, which is then manufactured using CAM technology, usually with a milling machine, within the dental office

The CEREC system includes a specialized camera that captures accurate, digital 3D images of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. These images are used to create a virtual model of the mouth, which the CAD software then uses to design the restoration. This digital impression technique eliminates the need for conventional impression materials and provides a more comfortable experience for the patient​

CEREC restorations require the same care as traditional dental restorations. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, and to visit your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings. Avoiding hard and sticky foods can also help prolong the life of the restoration.

Because CEREC restorations are designed and manufactured using precise digital imaging and CAD/CAM technology, the fit is typically very accurate. This technology allows for a high degree of precision that is difficult to achieve with traditional methods, resulting in restorations that fit seamlessly with the contours of the surrounding teeth and bite​.

• As with any dental procedure, there are minimal risks associated with CEREC restorations. However, because the process is computer-aided and the restorations are milled from a single block of ceramic, the risk of human error is reduced. It is always important to discuss potential risks with your dental professional.

After a CEREC restoration is placed and the dental anaesthetic wears off, you can eat as usual. However, it’s advisable to avoid very hard or sticky foods initially to ensure the bonding has fully set.

The digital impressions and computer-aided manufacturing process used in CEREC ensure a high degree of accuracy, often resulting in a superior fit compared to restorations made using traditional impression methods. This precision contributes to the comfort and longevity of CEREC restorations.

During a CEREC procedure, the dentist first prepares the damaged tooth by removing decay and shaping it for the restoration. A digital impression is then taken using the CEREC camera, and the restoration is designed using CAD software. The design is sent to the in-office milling machine, which carves the restoration from a ceramic block. The dentist then fits the restoration, makes any necessary adjustments, and finally bonds it to the tooth. The entire process is typically completed in one dental visit​

Yes, CEREC restorations are suitable for front teeth, offering a natural appearance due to their translucency. They can be made from porcelain or lithium disilicate for front teeth, both of which provide a great natural appearance. The strength of lithium disilicate makes it an excellent option for this purpose

CEREC technology celebrated its 30th anniversary in September of the year it was reported, marking three decades of evolution in dental restoration. Initially, the system could only fabricate simple inlays in 2D; now, with advancements like the Omnicam powder-free camera and 3D CAD software, it’s capable of creating a wide array of restorations. The CEREC system has significantly expanded from its rudimentary beginnings to include a vast range of restorative options and materials

CEREC technology can handle virtually any type of dental restoration, from inlays, onlays, and crowns to more complex restorations like Maryland bridges. The system offers a variety of tools that allow dentists to customize the size, shape, and anatomy of the restorations to ensure a perfect fit and to avoid premature failure​

CEREC restorations are not limited to a single material. Different materials can be used for anterior and posterior teeth, depending on the requirements of the restoration. For instance, IPS e.max has been popular for molars due to its strength, while a feldspathic ceramic might be used for front teeth because of its translucency and aesthetics​

Implant dentistry has significantly benefited from the integration with CEREC technology. CEREC now offers a complete solution for implant restorations, from planning to the restorative phase, which was not possible in the earlier stages of the technology. This integration allows for precise placement of implants in accordance with the planned final restoration, adhering to the principles of restoratively driven implant dentistry

A retrospective study assessing the longevity of CEREC restorations over a 10-year period showed a survival rate of 94.7% after five years and 85.7% after ten years. These rates are comparable to the survival rates of cast gold restorations, indicating a high level of long-term success for CEREC restorations

Both traditional and CEREC crowns are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth, but CEREC crowns are known for their enhanced translucency and more precise contours, especially for the back teeth. This allows for easier and more accurate placement and reduces the need for final adjustments

• The CEREC procedure itself is not typically painful. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area being worked on, so patients should not feel any discomfort during the preparation and fitting of the CEREC restoration. Some sensitivity or discomfort may be experienced after the anesthesia wears off, but this is usually minor and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Yes, CEREC restorations can be repaired if they are damaged, similar to traditional restorations. Minor chips or cracks can often be fixed in-office without the need for a new restoration. However, more significant damage may require the restoration to be remade.

CEREC restorations are made from high-quality ceramic materials that are resistant to staining and discoloration. However, as with all dental restorations, their appearance can be affected by dietary habits, oral hygiene, and smoking. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene can help maintain the color and integrity of the restorations over time.