CEREC

Today, there's no need to merely imagine how nice it would be to have a dental crown fabricated in a single visit. With CEREC technology and advanced systems of care, multiple trips to the dentist are a thing of the past! Now, one appointment is all it takes for our skilled and experienced dentist to design, fabricate, and place a naturally beautiful and long-lasting same-day crown. And, best of all, unlike conventional methods of care, you won't have to endure messy dental impressions, wear a temporary crown, or wait weeks for your permanent restoration to come back from the laboratory.

Offering a level of precision and comfort that exceeds conventional methods of care, CEREC technology is nothing short of amazing! Advanced CAD/CAM technology, which stands for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, enables our dentist to translate images from an optically scan tooth into a 3D virtual model upon which a custom crown can be digitally designed. Once this step is done, the detailed specs are then wirelessly transmitted to a chairside 3D milling machine to fabricate your new ceramic crown while you wait!

With conventional methods of care, a dental crown can take two to three visits to fabricate and place. However, thanks to the benefits of CEREC technology, we can prepare a tooth, then design, fabricate, and place your new crown, all while you wait.

With CEREC same-day crowns, there's none of the mess of conventional dental impressions, wearing dental temporaries, or waiting for the final crown to come back from the lab. Once the prepared tooth is optically scanned and the restoration digitally designed, your new crown can be milled from the highest quality of dental ceramics that very same visit.

CEREC same-day crowns and restorations are fabricated from the highest quality of dental ceramics. Because dental porcelain reflects light in much the same way as dental enamel, your new crown will look flawless, completely natural, and blend seamlessly with your smile.

A CEREC same-day crown offers much more than a convenient approach to getting a dental crown. It is also a high quality, naturally beautiful, extremely durable, and long-lasting dental restoration! The fact is, with proper oral hygiene and routine dental care your new crown will serve your smile well for many years to come.

CEREC is a chairside CAD/CAM system that allows dentists to design, mill and place ceramic restorations in a single appointment. The process begins with an intraoral scan that captures a detailed three-dimensional image of the prepared tooth and surrounding dentition. That digital model is used to design the restoration on-screen, optimizing occlusion, contacts and anatomy for a precise fit.

Once the design is finalized, the restoration is milled from a solid ceramic block using an on-site milling unit and then finished before placement. This in-office workflow replaces traditional putty impressions and off-site lab fabrication, reducing the steps between preparation and final restoration. The integrated digital approach minimizes opportunities for miscommunication and fabrication delays that can occur when restorations are sent to external labs.

Same-day CEREC restorations streamline treatment by eliminating the need for temporary crowns and multiple appointments, which many patients find more convenient. The digital workflow also supports precise margins and occlusion planning, often reducing the need for extensive adjustments at placement. Because the restoration is fabricated and adjusted in one visit, patients typically experience less overall chair time and fewer follow-up visits.

CERamic materials used with CEREC are color-stable and resistant to staining, offering an aesthetic alternative to metal-based restorations. The process preserves healthy tooth structure when possible, since designs can be conservative and tailored to the existing anatomy. In-office fabrication also allows clinicians to control each step, which can improve communication and predictability of the final result.

CEREC is commonly used to fabricate single crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers when appropriate for the clinical situation. These restorations are suitable for repairing fractured teeth, replacing large fillings or restoring worn cusps while maintaining esthetics and function. The system is optimized for single-unit restorations and many anterior and posterior restorative needs.

Because the workflow is digital, clinicians can quickly customize contours, contact points and shade to blend with adjacent teeth. In some cases, CEREC can also support small bridgework or implant crowns, depending on the case complexity and the clinician’s assessment. Your dentist will recommend the best restoration type based on tooth condition, occlusion and overall treatment goals.

CEREC restorations are milled from advanced ceramic materials engineered for strength, color stability and fracture resistance. When designed and bonded correctly, these ceramics can withstand normal chewing forces and provide long-term function for many patients. The optical properties of modern ceramics allow them to reflect light similarly to natural enamel, creating a lifelike appearance that many patients prefer over metal restorations.

Longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, bite forces, the amount of remaining tooth structure and regular dental care, but ceramic remains one of the most reliable esthetic choices. Ceramics are also biocompatible and well tolerated by soft tissues, which helps maintain healthy gums and reduces the risk of discoloration or adverse reactions. Regular checkups allow your dentist to monitor the restoration and address any wear or occlusal changes early.

A CEREC appointment typically begins with a clinical exam and discussion of goals, followed by local anesthesia as needed and tooth preparation. An intraoral scan is taken once the tooth is prepared, and the design phase is completed on-screen while you remain comfortable in the chair. Milling and finishing occur in-office, and the clinician will verify marginal fit and occlusion before final bonding.

After placement, the dentist will explain home care recommendations and any follow-up timing required to monitor the restoration. Because a temporary restoration is usually unnecessary, patients can leave with a final, esthetic ceramic restoration the same day. The office team will provide instructions for managing short-term sensitivity and maintaining the new restoration as part of routine care.

Good candidates for CEREC restorations are patients who need single-unit crowns, inlays or onlays and prefer a streamlined, single-visit approach. The clinician assesses tooth vitality, the amount of remaining tooth structure, bite dynamics and overall oral health to determine suitability. Patients with uncontrolled bruxism, extensive multi-unit restorations or complex occlusal issues may require alternative approaches or adjunctive therapies.

An appropriate clinical examination, including digital imaging and bite analysis, helps the dentist decide if a same-day ceramic restoration is the best option. When preservation of tooth structure and esthetics are priorities, CEREC often offers a conservative choice. Your dentist will discuss individualized recommendations and any necessary preparatory or follow-up care during the consultation.

Caring for a CEREC restoration follows the same principles as maintaining natural teeth: good daily oral hygiene, gentle brushing and flossing, and routine dental visits. Avoid biting directly into very hard objects and use caution with habits such as ice chewing or opening packages with your teeth, as these behaviors can stress any restoration. If you grind or clench your teeth, your dentist may recommend a protective appliance to reduce long-term wear.

If you experience sensitivity or minor discomfort after placement, it is often temporary and resolves within days to weeks; follow-up with your dentist if symptoms persist. Regular professional cleanings and examinations allow the dentist to check margins, contacts and overall occlusion to ensure the restoration continues to function well. Prompt attention to any chips, fractures or changes in bite helps preserve the restoration’s longevity.

CEREC restorations offer the benefit of in-office design and fabrication, which reduces treatment time and avoids the need for temporaries typically required with lab-made crowns. Traditional lab-fabricated crowns can be advantageous for complex multi-unit cases or when specific laboratory techniques are preferred by the clinician. Both approaches can achieve excellent esthetics and function when executed with careful planning and communication.

The decision between CEREC and lab-made restorations often depends on case complexity, the desired material properties and the clinician’s experience with each workflow. CEREC provides greater control over the fabrication process within the office, while lab crowns may offer additional customization options for very complex restorations. Your dentist will recommend the approach that best fits your clinical needs and long-term treatment plan.

While CEREC is versatile, it may not be the ideal choice for every situation, such as extensive multi-unit bridgework, severely compromised teeth, or cases requiring specialized laboratory processes. Patients with very high occlusal forces, uncontrolled bruxism or significant bite misalignment may need additional treatment or alternative restorative materials to ensure long-term success. Complex aesthetic cases that demand layered ceramic artistry may also be referred for lab fabrication when indicated.

Your dentist will evaluate each situation on its merits and discuss potential limitations honestly during the consultation. If CEREC is not recommended, the clinician will outline alternative restorative options and explain the reasons behind the recommendation. The goal is to select a treatment that balances durability, function and esthetics for your individual needs.

The practice emphasizes a thorough digital workflow that begins with accurate intraoral scanning and careful digital design to achieve precise margins, contacts and occlusion. In-office milling allows clinicians to fine-tune the restoration during fabrication, and clinical verification steps ensure marginal fit and esthetic integration before final bonding. Staff training, calibrated equipment and meticulous attention to adhesive protocols all contribute to predictable outcomes.

Follow-up appointments and routine examinations help monitor the restoration over time and address any necessary adjustments promptly. When appropriate, clinicians discuss protective measures such as night guards and perform regular maintenance checks to support long-term success. Patients are encouraged to ask questions during the visit so they understand the process and the recommended care for their new restoration.