CEREC®

Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic (CEREC®) has revolutionized dental procedures. Traditionally, if crowns, onlays, inlays or dental veneers were required to restore damaged teeth, multiple procedures and a great deal of waiting time in-between would be inevitable. CEREC® creates these ceramic restorations within minutes in the dental office. This means that many treatments can be completed in just a single visit.

CEREC® is comprised of several computer-assisted design (CAD) tools and a milling machine that creates custom ceramic restorative devices. CEREC® can benefit almost anyone needing a ceramic restoration. This is of great benefit to nervous patients, and it can also reduce the cost of treatment.

How can CEREC® benefit me?

CEREC® can benefit almost anyone needing a ceramic restoration.  Exceptions include patients who have a prior history of breaking ceramic devices and those with a deep bite. CEREC® devices are proven to last for over 5 years, but recent research indicates that most CEREC®-created restorations last for more than 10 years.

Additional advantages associated with CEREC® include:

  • No temporary restorations
  • High-quality ceramic products
  • Minimal invasiveness
  • Less injections and discomfort
  • Fewer dental visits
  • Cost effectiveness
  • More natural tooth is saved
  • Long lasting restorations
  • Biocompatible solutions


What is the CEREC® system comprised of?

The CEREC® System is sometimes called a CAD-CAM system. CAD-CAM means Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Milling. The CEREC® system has three major components:

Acquisition device: This device is home to a high-quality camera and a medical grade computer. The function of this unit is to photograph the prepared tooth. Three-dimensional images are created of the tooth on the screen, which the dentist uses to design the perfect ceramic restoration.

Three-dimensional CAD software: This software allows the dentist to examine the tooth from every angle. It is the closest possible thing to holding the tooth in the hands and rotating it.

Milling device: This unit actually manufactures the custom restoration from the specifications entered into the computer. A ceramic block that best resembles the existing tooth color is chosen and placed into the unit.  Within minutes, the milling device produces the restoration the dentist designed.

What does a CEREC® restoration procedure involve?

The first step in the procedure is preparing the tooth for the restoration.  Depending on your particular case, the dentist will take photos of your affected teeth using one of CEREC’s® two imaging solutions.  If using CEREC® Omnicam, the dentist will take several images of the tooth, sending a three-dimensional, colored model to the CEREC® machine.  If using CEREC® Bluecam, the dentist will coat the teeth with a contrasting agent before taking images of your teeth.

These images are transposed onto the computer screen, where the dentist will view the tooth from every angle and design the final restoration.  When the design is complete, it will be transmitted to the milling unit.  The dentist will insert a block of ceramic, matching your tooth color, into the milling machine which will then create the full crown, onlay, inlay, or veneer.  Before affixing the restoration to the tooth, the dentist will perform a dry fit to ensure comfort.  Once a perfect fit is established, the restoration will be polished and affixed to the tooth with dental cement. 

If you have questions about CEREC® or would like to obtain more information on this innovative technology, please contact our office.


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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

CLOSED FOR LUNCH 1:00-2:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

CLOSED FOR LUNCH 1:00-2:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

CLOSED FOR LUNCH 1:00-2:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

CLOSED FOR LUNCH 1:00-2:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

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We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.

Testimonials

    Thank you Bob and Sarah for the great work on my two repairs yesterday. I appreciate the discussion of options, decision making, and repair happening all in the same appointment, and especially the way my teeth feel now! The natural look of the front tooth repair really surprised me, now I won't be concerned when the other one comes due for repair.

    Todd

    Going to the dentist can be a daunting experience. However, from the moment you walk into the office, there is always a warm reception and caring atmosphere. Dr. Chester and his staff are truly professionals whose concern is for the best possible oral healthcare. Patients are given clear and concise evaluations that help create confidence in their care of each patient

    Karen

    Can't say enough nice things about Dr Chester's office. From the warm greeting of Maggie to the excellent care that Michelle gives when cleaning my teeth they really do try to make it a relaxed friendly environment. This isn't easy for me, since I have a lot of apprehension about going to dentist and I'm always very pleased with Dr Chester evaluation and agree with his game plan of my continued care. I highly recommend!

    L H

    I had a dental emergency while traveling (which is no fun at all) and Dr. Chester was exceptionally accommodating. He saw me as soon as I could get to his office, did an immediate diagnosis, gave me a complete explanation, fixed the problem and had me on my way in no time at all. I have sensitive teeth and usually leave the dentist's office with a very sore mouth, especially when the numbing medicine wears off. I had no pain at all and the fixed tooth felt completely natural. Thank you, Dr. Chester! I'm seriously thinking of scheduling another trip around the time of my next check-up!

    Helen N.