CEREC

CEREC is a chairside computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system that uses digital intraoral scanning, software-driven design, and an on-site milling unit to produce ceramic restorations. The workflow captures a high-resolution 3D model of the mouth, translates that data into a precise restoration design, and mills the final piece from a solid ceramic block. This integrated process lets clinicians complete crowns, onlays, and other restorations without sending work to an external laboratory.

Because the entire process happens in the office, patients can often receive a fitted, bonded restoration in a single visit rather than multiple appointments. Digital design tools allow adjustments for occlusion, contact points, and shade before the restoration is produced, improving fit and aesthetics. Clinical control over material selection and bonding protocols contributes to predictable functional outcomes.

CEREC is commonly used to produce full crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers from monolithic ceramic blocks. The system can also fabricate small posterior restorations and well-contoured anterior pieces when appropriate. Its versatility makes it suitable for restoring teeth that require strength and natural-looking aesthetics.

Restorations are designed to match a patient’s bite and surrounding tooth anatomy, which helps restore chewing function and protect remaining tooth structure. Because the material is carved from a single block, there are no layered interfaces that might delaminate over time. Clinicians select the specific ceramic material based on the tooth’s location, functional demands, and aesthetic goals.

A good candidate for CEREC is a patient who needs a restoration that can be completed in a single appointment and who has sufficient tooth structure to support a bonded ceramic piece. Patients seeking to avoid temporary crowns or those who prefer fewer visits often appreciate the single-visit model. Clinical factors such as extent of decay, root canal treatment, and occlusal forces are evaluated to determine suitability.

Patients with heavy bruxism, extremely limited remaining tooth structure, or complex aesthetic needs may require alternative approaches or additional protective measures. The dentist will assess overall oral health, periodontal status, and opposing dentition when recommending CEREC. Treatment decisions prioritize long-term prognosis and preserving natural tooth structure whenever possible.

At the office of Suezaki Family Dentistry, a typical CEREC appointment begins with a thorough assessment and any necessary local anesthesia to ensure comfort. The tooth is prepared conservatively, then an intraoral scanner captures a detailed three-dimensional image of the prepared area and adjacent teeth. That digital model is used to design the restoration on-screen, allowing the clinician to refine margins, contacts, and occlusal anatomy before fabrication.

Once the design is finalized, a chairside milling unit carves the restoration from a ceramic block while the patient waits, and the piece is then finished with staining or glazing as needed. The dentist places the restoration using contemporary adhesive bonding techniques and verifies fit, occlusion, and polish before dismissing the patient. Because adjustments can be completed immediately, patients often experience minimal follow-up visits related to fit or function.

CEREC restorations are made from high-strength ceramics engineered for fracture resistance and wear compatibility with opposing teeth. When designed with proper occlusal considerations and bonded using reliable adhesive protocols, these restorations can perform well for many years. Material selection, preparation design, and patient habits such as bruxism influence long-term durability.

Routine dental maintenance including regular exams and cleanings helps detect early issues and preserves restoration longevity. Ceramic surfaces are stain-resistant and can be polished if needed to restore appearance after years of service. If a restoration does need repair or replacement, the digital records and scans created during the initial appointment can streamline subsequent treatment.

Digital intraoral scanning eliminates the need for traditional impression materials and provides a highly detailed three-dimensional model of the teeth and surrounding tissues. Scans are comfortable for most patients and allow clinicians to review the model immediately, identifying any areas that need refinement before fabrication. Because the data is already digital, it integrates seamlessly with CAD software and in-office milling, shortening the treatment timeline.

Traditional impressions may still be useful in certain complex cases, but the precision of digital scans often reduces the number of post-placement adjustments. Digital workflows also minimize laboratory variability by allowing the clinician to control design and material decisions directly. Ultimately, the choice between digital and traditional methods is based on case complexity and clinical judgment.

Monolithic ceramic materials used with CEREC offer lifelike translucency and color matching that can blend well with natural enamel. Advanced shade selection and on-site characterization like staining and glazing help achieve a harmonious result within the patient’s smile line. Because the restoration is fabricated precisely to the digital model, contour and surface texture can be tailored to adjacent teeth.

For demanding cosmetic cases, layering techniques in a dental laboratory may still be preferred, but many anterior and posterior restorations achieve excellent aesthetics with CEREC materials. Dentists balance aesthetic goals with functional requirements when recommending a fabrication approach. Patient expectations are reviewed and managed through visual previews and in-chair design discussions.

CEREC may not be recommended when a tooth has insufficient remaining structure to support a bonded restoration or when extensive laboratory customization is required for complex aesthetic cases. Severe bruxism or unusual occlusal patterns can increase the risk of fracture unless protective measures like occlusal guards are in place. Large-span prosthetics or multi-unit fixed bridges generally require traditional laboratory workflows and cannot be produced chairside.

Cases that involve extensive porcelain layering for nuanced color transitions or delicate facial anatomy may benefit from a lab technician’s expertise. The clinician will discuss alternatives and weigh factors such as long-term prognosis, function, and cosmetic priorities with each patient. Selecting the appropriate restoration method is a decision based on clinical assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Caring for a CEREC restoration is similar to maintaining natural teeth: practice good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing and attend routine dental checkups. Avoiding exceptionally hard or sticky foods and addressing parafunctional habits like nail-biting or ice chewing helps reduce stress on the restoration. If you have bruxism, your dentist may recommend a nightguard to protect both the restoration and your natural dentition.

Regular professional cleanings and periodic radiographs allow the dentist to monitor margins and adjacent tooth structure for early signs of decay or wear. Minor surface wear or staining can often be polished in the office, while more significant issues may require repair or replacement. Prompt attention to any sensitivity, chipping, or changes in bite preserves oral health and extends the restoration’s service life.

To determine whether CEREC is the right option for your smile, request a clinical evaluation where a dentist will review your dental history, current oral health, and treatment goals. Imaging, intraoral scans, and diagnostic records are used to assess tooth structure, occlusion, and aesthetic needs so the clinician can recommend the most appropriate restorative path. A clear explanation of the process, expected outcomes, and any necessary follow-up care will help you make an informed decision.

If you are in San Jose and would like to learn more, the team at Suezaki Family Dentistry can perform an evaluation and explain whether a same-day crown, inlay, or onlay is suitable for your situation. They will describe the steps involved in a CEREC appointment and show you any digital previews available from the scanning process. Scheduling a consultation is the best way to receive a personalized treatment plan based on clinical findings and your preferences.