Cerec Advanced Tooth Restoration

The CEREC Procedure

In many cases, fillings are made of metal material that can go bad, weaken the tooth, or get additional decay under or around it. In fact, 1.2 billion metal fillings will need to be replaced in the next 10 years. CEREC is a method used by thousands of dentists to replace fillings and restore decayed, weakened, and broken teeth to their natural strength and beauty. It’s done with all-ceramic materials with shades individually selected to match your natural teeth, all in a single appointment.

Exam and Preparation

First, the tooth is examined and appropriate treatment is determined. It could be a simple filling, or a full crown, depending on how much healthy tooth structure is remaining. Next, an anesthetic is administered and your tooth is prepared for restoration by removing decayed and weakened tooth tissue.

Optical Impression

Then, an optical impression is taken of the prepared tooth. Instead of filling a tray with impression material that you have to hold in your mouth until it hardens, the tooth is coated with a non-toxic, tasteless powder. A camera is then used to take a digital image of your tooth. This whole process only takes a couple minutes.

No Temporaries

Next, the CEREC machine helps the doctor create the restoration for your tooth. The CEREC 3D software takes the digital picture and converts it into a 3-dimensional virtual model on the computer screen. The doctor then uses the CEREC computer program to design the restoration. Within a minutes, 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, custom-made, tooth-colored restoration is finished and ready to bond in place. Finally, the doctor 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!

What is CEREC? CEREC is an acronym…

• Chairside: The technology is in the dental operatory and used while you are in the chair
• Economical: The procedure is economical for both dentist and patient
• Restorations: The procedure restores your tooth to its natural beauty, function, and strength
• of Esthetic: The restorations are metal-free and tooth-colored
• Ceramic: High-strength ceramics are used that are close in composition to your natural tooth structure.

For an advanced dental restorative system that allows your dentist to restore decayed teeth, place crowns, remove defective amalgam fillings, or place cosmetic veneers in just one appointment. This allows you to have the highest quality, most lifelike dental restorations in just one visit to the dentist.

CEREC is a registered trademark of Sirona Dental Systems