CEREC® can benefit almost anyone needing a ceramic restoration. Exceptions include patients who have a prior history of breaking ceramic devices and those with a deep bite.

CEREC® devices are proven to last for over 5 years, but recent research indicates that most CEREC®-created restorations last for more than 10 years.

Additional advantages associated with CEREC® include:

• No temporary restorations
• High-quality ceramic products
• Minimal invasiveness
• Fewer injections and discomfort
• Fewer dental visits
• Cost-effectiveness
• A more natural tooth is saved
• Long lasting restorations
• Biocompatible solutions

The CEREC® System is sometimes called a CAD-CAM system. CAD-CAM means Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Milling. The CEREC® system has three major components:

• Acquisition device: This device is home to a high-quality camera and a medical-grade computer. The function of this unit is to photograph the prepared tooth. Three-dimensional images of the tooth are created on the screen, which the dentist uses to design the perfect ceramic restoration.
• Three-dimensional CAD software: This software allows the dentist to examine the tooth from every angle. It is the closest possible thing to holding the tooth in the hands and rotating it.
• Milling device: This unit actually manufactures custom restorations based on the specifications entered into the computer. A ceramic block that best resembles the existing tooth color is chosen and placed into the unit. Within minutes, the milling device produces the restoration the dentist designed.

The first step in the procedure is preparing the tooth for restoration. Depending on your particular case, the dentist will take photos of your affected teeth using one of CEREC’s® two imaging solutions. If using CEREC® Omnicam, the dentist will take several images of the tooth, sending a three-dimensional, colored model to the CEREC® machine. If using CEREC® Bluecam, the dentist will coat the teeth with a contrasting agent before taking images of your teeth.

These images are transposed onto the computer screen, where the dentist will view the tooth from every angle and design the final restoration. When the design is complete, it will be transmitted to the milling unit. 

The dentist will insert a block of ceramic matching your tooth color, into the milling machine, which will then create the full crown, onlay, inlay, or veneer. Before affixing the restoration to the tooth, the dentist will perform a dry fit to ensure comfort. Once a perfect fit is established, the restoration will be polished and affixed to the tooth with dental cement.