CEREC is a dental restoration product that allows a dental practitioner to produce an indirect ceramic dental restoration using a variety of computer assisted technologies, including 3D photography and CAD/CAM. With CEREC, teeth can be restored in a single sitting with the patient, rather than the multiple sittings required with earlier techniques. Additionally, using CEREC with the latest software and hardware updates, crowns, veneers, onlays and inlays can be prepared, using different types of ceramic material.

Steps

1. The defective filling and decay is removed. A reflective powder layer prepares the tooth for imaging
2. An optical 3D image is acquired with a small camera, placed directly in your mouth
3. The restoration is created on the screen using the image data
4. Diamond coated instruments mill a ceramic block to reproduce the design
5. This is accomplished during a single appointment using Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture (CAD/CAM)
6. After polishing, the new restoration fits precisely
7. A unique light hardens the bonding material, uniting porcelain and tooth
8. Polishing or glazing ensures a pleasantly smooth and natural feel