Quick Facts About CEREC® Restorations
- Key Benefits: CEREC® technology allows patients to receive durable, natural-looking ceramic restorations in a single visit.
- Potential Candidates: CEREC® may be a good option for patients with decayed, cracked, broken, or worn teeth, or with old fillings that need to be replaced.
- Procedure Details: After preparing the tooth, our team takes a digital scan, designs your restoration on a computer, mills it from a solid ceramic block, and bonds it in place, usually all in one appointment.
- Provider Expertise: Our dentists are proud to use the latest technology and techniques, including CEREC®, to help patients achieve strong, healthy smiles.
Advancements in dental technology have led to CEREC®, a cutting-edge milling system that enables our dental team to quickly create custom fillings, crowns, and veneers in one day. This allows us to complete the entire restoration process, from preparation to placement, in a single visit for many of our patients. Our CEREC® restorations are designed to be natural-looking and durable, offering a convenient and efficient solution that can be produced right here in our office instead of an outside dental laboratory.
At Eastern Virginia Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our dentists perform a range of treatments to address cosmetic, restorative, and preventative dental needs. With CEREC® same-day restorations, our team can correct concerns such as chips, decay, discoloration, severe damage, and more.
What Is CEREC®?
CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is an advanced dental technology used to rapidly create high-quality ceramic dental restorations, such as dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and tooth-colored fillings, directly in our office. Utilizing innovative technology, CEREC® allows our dentists to design and fabricate precise, customized restorations in a single visit. This reduces the need for multiple appointments and temporary restorations, providing many individuals with a convenient and quick solution that doesn’t sacrifice quality. The digital impression and milling process can provide a seamless fit and durable improvement, closely matching the natural color and structure of your teeth.
What Are the Benefits of CEREC® Restorations?
Same-day CEREC® restorations offer several significant advantages that make them a preferred choice for restorative dental treatment. Key benefits of the technology include:
- Time Efficiency: CEREC® procedures can be completed in a single visit, reducing the need for several appointments and temporary fixes.
- Precision Fit: Utilizing digital impressions, CEREC® restorations can be more accurate than traditional molds.
- High-Quality Materials: These enhancements are generally made from durable, tooth-colored ceramic designed to match the natural color and strength of teeth.
- Less Invasive: CEREC® often preserves more of the natural tooth structure than traditional restorative dentistry methods.
- Convenience: These same-day restorations mean there is no need for uncomfortable impression materials or extensive wait times for lab-made crowns or veneers.
- Aesthetic Results: This approach can produce smooth, natural-looking dental surfaces that help enhance the overall appearance of your smile.
Who Is a Candidate for CEREC® Restorations?
A good candidate for CEREC® restorations is typically someone with a damaged, weakened, or decayed tooth that needs a durable and natural-looking restoration. Patients who have old or failing fillings, chipped teeth, or moderate tooth wear may also benefit. Since CEREC® uses advanced digital technology to design and mill custom fillings, crowns, and veneers in a single visit, it may be ideal for individuals seeking convenience without compromising quality.
To qualify, patients should have enough healthy tooth structure to support the restoration and should not have severe gum disease or extensive decay requiring extraction. Ultimately, one of our dentists can evaluate your oral health and recommend whether CEREC® is the right treatment option for restoring both function and aesthetics.
What Does the CEREC® Process Involve?
The CEREC® process often begins with one of our dentists preparing the damaged tooth by cleaning it and shaping it in a way that makes it possible for the restoration to fit securely and comfortably. Next, a digital scan of the tooth is taken using a special camera, creating a precise 3D model. This model is then used to design the restoration on a computer. Once the design is finalized, the data is sent to our in-office milling machine, which meticulously carves the restoration out of a ceramic block. The final step involves checking the fit and then bonding it to the prepared tooth, all within a single appointment.
How Long Do CEREC® Restorations Last?
CEREC® restorations are known for their durability and longevity. With proper care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, these improvements can last 10 to 15 years or more. Factors such as the location of the treated tooth, your oral hygiene habits, and chewing patterns can influence the lifespan. Regular dental visits are crucial to ensure your smile remains in good condition and to address any issues early. This can help maximize the longevity of your restorations, making them a reliable long-term solution for certain dental concerns.
How Do I Care for My CEREC® Restorations?
Caring for your CEREC® restorations is generally similar to maintaining your natural teeth. Brush at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day to keep the area around the restoration clean. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails to prevent damage. Limiting sugary foods and drinks can also help protect against decay around the restored tooth. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are essential to monitor the health of your restoration and surrounding teeth. With proper care and good oral hygiene, CEREC® enhancements can last many years, restoring both the function and beauty of your smile.
How Much Do CEREC® Restorations Cost?
The cost of CEREC® restorations can vary depending on factors such as the size of the restoration, the specific tooth being treated, and your overall dental needs. While the investment is often comparable to traditional crowns, patients frequently benefit from the convenience of same-day treatment and long-lasting, natural-looking results. Our team can provide a personalized estimate after evaluating your smile and discussing your treatment goals.
At Eastern Virginia Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we also offer financing options for qualified applicants to help make care more affordable and accessible.
Contact our office today to learn more about CEREC® or to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About CEREC® Restorations
Is CEREC® suitable for front teeth or aesthetic areas?
Yes. CEREC® restorations are made from high-quality ceramic that closely mimics the translucency and light-reflecting qualities of natural enamel, which generally makes them a great option for visible teeth. Many ceramic blocks used in CEREC® milling have subtle shade gradients, similar to the way natural teeth shift from a darker base to a more translucent edge. For complex cosmetic cases involving several front teeth, our providers may discuss whether a lab-crafted restoration would better fit your goals.
Can CEREC® restorations match my natural tooth color?
In most cases, yes. Before designing your restoration, our dentists will carefully evaluate the shade of your surrounding teeth under proper lighting. CEREC® ceramic blocks come in a wide range of shades, and many contain multiple layers of color that can blend naturally with your smile. After milling, your restoration can be customized with stains and glaze to match subtle details in your teeth. Keep in mind that ceramic restorations don’t respond to teeth whitening. If you’d like a brighter smile, consider whitening your natural teeth before treatment so your restoration can be matched to your new shade.
Can CEREC® restorations be done for someone with a dental phobia or anxiety?
CEREC® is often an excellent choice for patients with dental anxiety. Since your restoration is designed, milled, and placed in a single appointment, you can avoid a second visit and don’t need to wear a temporary crown. CEREC® also uses a digital scanner instead of traditional impression trays. Many patients find the scanner more comfortable, especially those with a sensitive gag reflex. Local anesthetic keeps the treatment area numb throughout the procedure.
If you feel nervous about dental visits, let our team know. They can explain each step and discuss options to help you feel more relaxed.
Can I eat and drink normally right after getting a CEREC® restoration?
Generally, yes. Traditional crowns require a temporary restoration while the permanent one is made. CEREC® restorations are permanently bonded during the same visit, so you can typically eat and drink soon after your appointment. However, it’s best to wait until the local anesthetic wears off before eating so you don’t accidentally bite your cheek, lip, or tongue. Some patients have mild sensitivity for a few days, so you may want to avoid extremely hot or cold foods at first. Our dentists may also suggest skipping very hard or sticky foods for the first day or two.
Contact our office today to learn more about CEREC® or to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists.