CEREC is a highly innovative system which is able to produce a ceramic veneer, crown, inlay or onlay in a complete session.
Where this differs from other forms of treatment is that the patient can have their crown, or veneer, designed, created and fitted – all in the one visit!
The traditional approach involves two stages: the diagnostics in the first stage followed by the actual fitting of a crown, or veneer in the second stage. This usually means a wait of two weeks in between.
However, this system combines all of that into a single visit which saves time and money. If you need a new replacement tooth or ‘restoration’ then consider the CEREC system.
‘What is CEREC?’ ‘Is CEREC more expensive than conventional treatment?’ ‘How does it work?’ These are just a few questions patients have regarding this cutting edge system
What is the CEREC system?
CEREC is a revolutionary new system, pioneered by Sirona Dental Systems UK. This technological system consists of a computerised design unit with state of the art software and a milling machine.
The design unit enables the dentist to take a 3D image of your tooth which is then used as a template for the restoration.
The dentist then uses the milling machine, which creates your restoration from a high quality ceramic block.
CEREC
What is CEREC used for?
The CEREC technology is used to produce a range of ceramic restorations which include crowns, veneers, onlays and inlays.
Who should consider using CEREC?
Anyone who doesn’t want to have to make two visits to their dentist combined with a 2 week wait for their new restoration. This is the conventional form of treatment which can be time consuming.
Most of us lead busy lives where time is of the essence. Taking time off work can be difficult to arrange, especially if it has to be repeated a couple of weeks later.
However, CEREC eliminates that problem in a single session. This can mean a one hour session and then back to work afterwards.
How does the cost of CEREC compare to conventional treatments?
You may assume that CEREC will be more expensive than conventional treatment as it involves state of the art technology not to mention the convenience.
But, CEREC can cost around the same or a little bit more than conventional treatment. Why is this? For a start there is no dental laboratory fee: with the conventional method this involves the fabrication of your restoration at a laboratory which costs in terms of time and money.
Secondly, it means only one visit to the dentist rather than the cost of two visits.
And, thirdly, you don’t need to wear a temporary restoration whilst waiting for your new tooth to be made.
What are the advantages of CEREC?
The most obvious one is that of time: a CEREC restoration can be designed, fabricated and fitted all in the one go.
Other advantages include:
No temporary veneers or crowns
Dentist control from start to finish
One anaesthetic injection only
Are there any disadvantages of CEREC?
The only disadvantage is that the dentist has to invest time and money in order to obtain the technology, and to learn how to use it.
How does CEREC work?
Treatment with CEREC involves the following:
The dentist will prepare your tooth in the usual manner. This means using a small drill (called a ‘burr) to reshape the tooth so that it easily accommodates the crown.
Instead of making a wax mould of your teeth, the dentist will use a special camera to take an image of your teeth which is then uploaded to the design unit.
The design unit uses CAD/CAM software which enables the dentist to create a 3D model of your new tooth. This model will act as a blueprint for the restoration.
The dentist will then use his/her onsite milling machine which creates your new tooth from a block of high quality ceramic. There are many different types of ceramic and the dentist will choose the one that best matches your teeth.
Once the tooth is ready he or she may stain it so that its colour matches the rest of your teeth, before a final polish.
If you are both happy with it then your dentist will cement your new restoration securely in place.
How long does the CEREC procedure take?
It can take around 6 to 30 minutes to create the new tooth, and the procedure as a whole can be done in an hour.
