Ever hear or see the word CEREC® and wonder what in the world it is, or more importantly what it means to you as a dental patient? Well, have no fear, we are here to enlighten you! Here are some questions and answers that might help you have a better understanding of what CEREC is, how it works, and what the benefits are for your teeth and smile.

First off, what does CEREC stand for?

CEREC stands for Chairside Economic Restorations of Esthetic Ceramics.

What does that mean?

Basically, it’s a sophisticated system of designing and making high-quality, metal-free dental restorations.

What does CEREC do?

CEREC uses 3D photography and CAD/CAM technology to assist us in designing a virtual restoration (onlay, inlay, crown, or bridge) without taking impressions. When combined with a milling unit (which uses a cutting tool to shape materials), CEREC is able to build the actual restoration while you are still in the chair.

How does it work?

First, we take photos of your tooth using a special digital camera. CEREC’s 3D imaging software then uses these photos to create a model of your teeth restoration. This model is sent to our onsite milling machine for computer-aided manufacturing. Your restoration will be ready for placement in about 15 minutes. The process is extremely precise, ensuring that your newly placed restoration will have a fit that feels natural once it’s polished and bonded to your tooth.

Why does it matter?

If you ever need a crown or restoration, you’ll find that they help add much-needed strength to damaged or weakened teeth, meaning your smile is protected in the future. CEREC helps dental treatment results feel more natural in your mouth and are indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth.

Any other benefits?

• CEREC allows restorations to be placed in the same visit, so you won’t have to take any more time out of your schedule to get work done.
• The CEREC technology eliminates the need for temporary crowns and messy impression trays, something that nobody wants to deal with.
• The biocompatible materials can be adjusted to match the natural shade of surrounding healthy teeth — who wants one tooth standing out from the rest?
• Precise molding and placement of your crown ensure that your restoration will look and feel natural.

How do I know if I need a CEREC restoration?

You might be a CEREC candidate if:

• You’ve been told you need a new crown, inlay, onlay or bridge
• You have a cracked tooth, old failing restorations, or any large damage on your teeth
• You are interested in replacing old metal restorations with biocompatible restorations
• You need a large restoration placed

Have other questions for Dr. Walkington about CEREC?

Want to know if you are a candidate for a CEREC restoration or have questions about other dental treatment options? Contact Wildflower Dental & Orthodontics in Frisco, TX today!