CEREC

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics and refers to a digital workflow that designs and mills ceramic restorations right in the dental office. Unlike traditional crown methods that require impressions, lab fabrication, and multiple visits, CEREC combines intraoral scanning, computer-aided design (CAD) and chairside milling to complete many restorations in a single appointment. This approach shortens treatment time while maintaining a focus on precise fit and natural appearance.

Because the design, fabrication and final placement occur in close succession, clinicians can immediately assess fit, shape and occlusion and make adjustments on the spot. The digital records created during a CEREC procedure are also saved for future reference, which helps streamline later maintenance or remakes if they become necessary.

One of the primary benefits of same-day CEREC restorations is convenience: many patients receive a finished crown, inlay or onlay during a single visit, eliminating the need for temporary restorations and additional appointments. That reduced treatment time also limits the period a prepared tooth remains without its permanent restoration, which helps protect surrounding tooth structure and reduces sensitivity. Patients often appreciate the reduced number of office visits and the quicker return to normal function.

Beyond convenience, CEREC’s digital workflow supports clinical control and communication; dentists can refine contours, contacts and shade while the patient is present, improving predictability of the final result. The precision of CAD/CAM design and chairside milling typically reduces chairside adjustments at the seating appointment and promotes long-term performance when proper bonding and occlusal care are applied.

The CEREC digital impression process begins with an intraoral scanner that captures a detailed three-dimensional image of the prepared tooth and surrounding dentition. These images replace traditional putty impressions and produce high-resolution data that the CAD software uses to design the restoration, including contours, contacts and occlusion. Because the process is visual and immediate, the dentist and patient can review the proposed restoration on-screen before fabrication begins.

Once the design is approved, the milling unit carves the restoration from a selected ceramic block right in the office, and finishing steps such as glazing and staining are completed prior to bonding. The entire digital workflow increases patient comfort by avoiding bulky impression trays and provides accurate, reproducible files that can be referenced for future care.

CEREC restorations are milled from advanced ceramic blocks chosen for their strength, durability and lifelike optical properties, which allow them to mimic the translucency and texture of natural enamel. Commonly used ceramic types include high-strength glass ceramics and other aesthetic ceramic formulations that balance fracture resistance with visual integration. The choice of block depends on the restoration type and the functional demands of the treated tooth.

When properly selected, finished and bonded, CEREC ceramics provide durable performance for indications such as single crowns, inlays and onlays, and they resist staining better than many metal-based restorations. Longevity depends on factors such as occlusal management, oral hygiene, and parafunctional habits, so careful case selection and follow-up care are important for maximizing service life.

Many patients are good candidates for CEREC restorations, including those who need single crowns, inlays, onlays or small to moderate restorations that can be completed in a single appointment. Ideal candidates have sufficient tooth structure to support a bonded ceramic restoration and no extensive structural damage that would require more complex treatment like a full-coverage prosthesis supported by implants. Patients who prefer fewer visits or who have difficulty scheduling multiple appointments often find CEREC especially appealing.

However, some situations may call for alternative approaches: extensive tooth loss, severe bruxism, or cases requiring specialized laboratory techniques may be better managed with traditional lab-fabricated restorations or adjunctive treatments. A clinical evaluation and discussion of goals at the practice will determine whether CEREC is the most appropriate option for an individual patient.

A typical CEREC visit starts with a clinical evaluation and any necessary local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort during tooth preparation. The dentist then prepares the tooth and captures a digital scan with an intraoral scanner, which is used to create a three-dimensional model for CAD design. You will have the opportunity to review the proposed design on-screen before the restoration is milled.

While the milling unit fabricates the restoration, the dentist finishes and polishes or glazes the ceramic as needed and then checks fit, contacts and shade integration at seating. Final bonding and occlusal adjustments are completed during the same visit, and the dentist will review home care instructions and schedule any follow-up visits if required.

CEREC restorations can provide many years of reliable service when placed and maintained properly, with typical lifespans comparable to lab-fabricated ceramic restorations depending on the material and the patient’s oral habits. Regular dental checkups, good oral hygiene, and management of bruxism or other parafunctional habits help extend the life of the restoration. The specific material chosen and the location of the restoration also influence expected longevity.

If a CEREC restoration experiences minor chipping or wear, some repairs or resurfacing may be possible chairside, but larger fractures or extensive damage typically require replacement. One advantage of the digital workflow is that the original scan and design files can be accessed to remake an identical restoration efficiently if replacement becomes necessary.

Achieving a natural appearance with CEREC restorations combines careful shade selection, the use of ceramics with appropriate translucency, and customized staining or glazing when needed. The CAD software allows the clinician to refine shape, contours and contacts while viewing the restoration in three dimensions, and the dentist can make on-screen adjustments to optimize esthetics before milling. After milling, finishing techniques such as characterization and polishing help the restoration blend with adjacent teeth.

Clinical evaluation under natural lighting, patient input and fine-tuning at the try-in stage ensure the restoration meets both functional and cosmetic goals. Proper bonding and occlusal adjustment further support seamless integration so the restoration performs well and looks natural in daily use.

After a CEREC crown is placed, routine home care—brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing—is essential to maintain the restoration and surrounding gum tissue. Patients should avoid biting directly on very hard objects immediately after placement and follow any specific instructions provided by the dentist regarding sensitivity or temporary guidelines. Regular dental examinations and professional cleanings help catch early signs of wear or occlusal issues that could affect the restoration.

If the patient experiences persistent sensitivity, a change in bite, or any unusual symptoms following placement, they should contact the practice so the dentist can evaluate and make any necessary adjustments. Prompt attention to concerns helps preserve the restoration and supports predictable long-term outcomes.

At our Mount Vernon office we combine modern digital technology with experienced clinical judgment to deliver precise, efficient restorations that prioritize both function and appearance. CEREC allows our team to design, mill and place many ceramic restorations in a single visit, reducing treatment time while maintaining careful attention to fit and occlusion. The digital records we create also support consistent follow-up care and streamlined remakes when needed.

Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry emphasizes clear communication and individualized treatment planning so each restoration fits a patient’s oral health needs and aesthetic goals. If you are interested in same-day restorations or want to learn whether CEREC is the right solution for your situation, the practice can arrange a clinical consultation to review options and next steps.