Discover The Difference With Cerec ®

DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE WITH CEREC® - The Digital Technology of the Future

Technology today is changing our everyday lives. Many people, however, aren't aware that technology also is impacting dentistry in new and exciting ways. Cutting-edge innovations in dental instruments are requiring less time in the dental chair, causing less discomfort and creating incredible results! One breakthrough instrument, called CEREC ® , allows dentists to quickly restore damaged teeth with natural-colored ceramic fillings and crowns, saving patients time and inconvenience. Camp Hill Dental is one of only a few dental practices in Queensland that has the ability to offer CEREC® to their clients. This treatment option has become one of our most requested and successful procedures.

What is a CEREC? 

CEREC is an acronym...

Chairside :   The technology is available within the dental surgery and is used while you are in the chair

Economical :  The procedure is economical for both dentist and patient

Restorations :   The procedure restores your tooth to its natural beauty, function, and strength

Esthetic :   The restorations are metal-free and tooth-colored

Ceramic :   High-strength ceramics are used, that are close in composition to your natural tooth structure.

CEREC® is an advanced, computerized, dental restorative system that, in just one appointment, allows your dentist to restore decayed teeth, place crowns, remove defective amalgam fillings, or place cosmetic veneers.  This allows you to have the highest quality, most natural looking dental restorations in just one visit to the dentist...in, out, and on with your busy life.

Extensive and defective amalgam fillings were replaced with natural adhesive material, using the CEREC® system, in just one appointment.

Extensive and defective amalgam fillings were replaced with natural adhesive material, using the CEREC® system, in just one appointment.

Quick History of the CEREC® System

The state-of-the-art CEREC® System was developed in 1985, at the University of Zurich in Switzerland , by Dr. Werner H. Moermann and Dr. Markus Brandistini. Today, CEREC 3 with CEREC 3D software is still the world's only chair side dental CAD/CAM restorative system. This technology has a track record of almost 20 years and is regarded as an innovative, ever-changing technology. More than 100 studies confirm the clinical excellence of the method.

How does the CEREC® System work?

1•  CEREC® Acquisition Unit

The CEREC Acquisition Unit is mobile and houses a medical grade computer and the CEREC camera. Your dentist uses the camera to take a digital picture of your prepared tooth - this picture is used instead of a traditional impression, resulting in no impression material or tray to gag on. The computer and CEREC 3D software, converts the digital picture to a three dimensional virtual model of your prepared tooth. Your restoration is designed on the computer screen by the Dentist, using the latest software while you wait (and watch!). Any single tooth restoration can be designed: crowns, inlays (fillings), onlays (partial crowns), and veneers. Once we have designed your restoration (usually about 5 - 15 minutes), with a click of a button, the design data is communicated via a wireless radio signal to the CEREC Milling Unit.

2•  CEREC® Milling Unit

A ceramic block is then selected that matches the shade of the tooth being repaired. The block is diamond-coated burs to carve the block into the indicated shape of the restoration. This process usually takes up to 20 minutes, depending on the size and type of restoration. After the milling is completed, the finished filling or crown is polished and bonded into place. Sometimes for aesthetics, the dentist will place a glazed porcelain finish to the completed CEREC® crown, for a greater variety of colour in the restoration, reflecting natural tooth colouring. This extra step takes about 30 minutes.

Milling Machine	Milling Unit

Single Appointment Dental Care - From Start to Finish

Most dental restorative methods require more than one visit to the dentist. This means that on the first visit, you get an injection of anesthesia, your tooth prepared, an impression taken, and a temporary restoration put on your tooth. You make a second appointment for a couple of weeks later, get another injection, have the temporary pried off (if it hasn't fallen off already), and have a permanent restoration put on. Why go to the dentist a second time when you don't have to? For you, the patient, CEREC® means fewer injections, less drilling, and a decreased amount of time out of your hectic schedule for dental care.

The tooth preparation time is relatively short while the time required to design, and mill the crown or restoration takes a little longer. In general your whole visit will take between 1 ½ and 2 hours. During the milling process you can relax and have a cup of tea or read a magazine. As the appointment can take 2 hours you may prefer to watch a movie on our ceiling TV or with our wrap around I-Glasses.

Who Can Have A Cerec?

Anyone can have a CEREC® restoration, however not all teeth are suitable to receive one. There are some situations where the traditional crown or restoration is better suited to the patient. Your dentist will discuss this with you, after examining the tooth concerned.

How will it Look & Feel?

Ceramics (porcelain) used in CEREC® are very similar structurally and visually to natural teeth. This means that it not only looks and feels natural, but the wear factor is the same as your own teeth. CEREC® lasts a long time (exceeds 20 years) making it a very cost effective restoration.

Images of CEREC® Restorative Procedures - Strong & Natural

CEREC® filling used to replace large amalgam fillings on posterior teeth

Large amalgam filling has resulted in a cracked cusp, which allows for the passage of bacteria into the tooth, and may result in nerve death.

Replaced with CEREC® porcelain crown, which is aesthetically more pleasing and prevents bacteria from killing the nerve of the tooth.

CEREC® restoration on two teeth
These crowns were glazed to enhance the natural look of this tooth. In the future, other CEREC® restorations are planned to replace amalgam (silver) fillings, in order to achieve a more natural and stunning smile.

	Gold Crown to be replaced
	1. New CEREC® Crown 2. Bridge

CEREC® Crown
A gold crown was being worn away on the biting surface and outside of the tooth, creating sensitivity for the patient. A CEREC® crown was made within one appointment, to eliminate the sensitivity and improve aesthetics.

This patient also had a bridge inserted, to replace a vertically fractured tooth.