CEREC®

CEREC® restorations are most commonly used to replace old, large fillings that have failed, are fractured or have decay around them.
Regular composite resin fillings are more suited to smaller cavities, where there is still sufficient tooth structure intact to support the filling.
For larger restorations, or where teeth have cracks, ceramic (porcelain) restorations provide a far more durable and predictable result. Ceramic restorations need to made outside the mouth (indirect restorations) as opposed to fillings that are built up in the mouth (direct restorations).

Traditionally, indirect restorations have required impressions, that are sent to the dental laboratory, a temporary restoration, and a second visit to have the temporary restoration replaced with the permanent one.
Thanks to CEREC® CAD/CAM technology, we are able to do all the treatment in a single visit.

A CEREC® restoration has many advantages over conventional fillings, including:
• superior aesthetics – porcelain is far more natural looking than composite resin
• superior strength – guaranteeing greater longevity
• single-visit ceramic restoration – eliminating the need for multiple appointments, multiple local anaesthetics and temporary interim fillings
• conservation of healthy tooth structure – large CEREC® restorations are an ideal alternative to potentially short-lived composite-resin fillings or full-coverage crowns, which usually result in removal of greater amounts of natural healthy tooth structure.

CEREC® FAQ

In what situations might a CEREC restoration be recommended?

  • To replace old fillings that have failed due to cracks or decay around them
  • Where part of a tooth has fractured off and there is not sufficient tooth structure remaining to support a regular filling
  • Cracked teeth. The Cerec restoration can reinforce the tooth, thereby preventing the spread of the crack. A spreading crack can result in the loss of the tooth
  • Replace missing teeth. Cerec is an excellent method for building resin-bonded bridges to replace missing anterior teeth
  • Cosmetic Dentistry. Cerec can be used to create beautiful crowns and veneers to enhance your smile.

  • Composite resins are excellent materials for smaller fillings and we still restore many teeth with composite resin fillings. However, once a filling becomes too large, either due to recurrent decay, or a piece of tooth fracturing off, a stronger material is required. Ceramics are ideally suited for these larger restorations, and Cerec is an excellent way to create these ceramic restorations.
  • Cracked teeth need more support and reinforcement than a composite resin filling can provide and require crowns or overlays to give them the extra protection. Cerec is ideally suited for the design and construction of these crowns or overlays.
  • Some direct fillings require the use of a matrix band to provide the ‘form-work’ when a filling is being built-up. In many teeth, it is extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, to create the correct tooth shape with a matrix band. By using an indirect approach, where the restoration is made outside the mouth, there is no need for a matrix band and the ideal shape and dimensions can be created for a far superior restoration.

One of the most appealing attributes of Cerec is that it eliminates the need for multiple visits.

Instead of one visit to prepare the tooth, take impressions and make a temporary crown, and a second visit about two weeks later to fit the final crown, the entire process is completed in a single visit.

Cerec restorations look at least as good as, and usually better than, regular composite resin fillings.

The Cerec ceramics can be shaded and glazed to closely resemble the surrounding teeth.

There are a variety of materials from which Cerec restorations can be made. They are all extremely strong and durable. Some of the materials are especially strong and require firing in a kiln after milling to attain their superior strength. We will always choose the most suitable material for your particular situation.

Unfortunately, not.

There are certain materials for which Cerec cannot be used. Cerec also can’t be used for constructing larger bridges.

Every situation is carefully assessed. Where Cerec is suitable, we will use it, but if we feel that a specific material should be used and the restorations would be better handled by a dental technician we will use the regular method of taking and impression and having the laboratory build the restorations.

In many cases, Cerec can be used to restore implants. Each case will be assessed on its merits and treated with Cerec if possible or sent to a laboratory if necessary.

Absolutely!
By using a 3D imaging camera, the information about the teeth is recorded, instead of recording it with an impression. Sometimes this method is called a ‘Digital Impression’.

Because the restoration is designed and milled in our dental office, there is no need to make a temporary crown.

Need more information?

For more information about our dental practice in general, or if you have a specific question about your dental care needs, please call us on (02) 8883 4560, email our dental practice at [email protected] or send us a message below and we will do our best to help you.