CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, is a dental technology that combines CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) for the efficient and precise creation of dental restorations like crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers. This technology enables a streamlined and same-day process for designing and fabricating dental prosthetics right in the dental office.

Here’s a breakdown of the CEREC CAD/CAM process:

Digital Impressions

Traditional dental impressions often involve the use of messy impression materials. With CEREC, digital impressions are taken using an intraoral scanner, which captures detailed 3D images of the patient’s teeth and oral structures.

The digital impression is then used as a virtual model of the patient’s mouth.

Computer-Aided Design

The dentist uses specialized CAD software to design the restoration based on the digital impression. This software allows for precise customization of the size, shape, and fit of the dental restoration.

The dentist can make real-time adjustments to ensure the restoration meets the patient’s specific needs and aesthetic requirements.

Computer-Aided Manufacturing

Once the digital design is finalized, the information is sent to a milling machine, which uses CAM technology to fabricate the restoration from a solid block of dental material.

The milling process is typically completed within a short period, allowing for same-day restorations.

Final Placement

After the restoration is milled, it is polished and glazed to enhance its appearance and durability.

The dentist then places the final restoration in the patient’s mouth, ensuring a precise fit and natural appearance.

The advantages of CEREC CAD/CAM technology include

• Same-Day Restorations: One of the main benefits is the ability to provide patients with completed restorations in a single dental visit, eliminating the need for multiple appointments and temporary restorations.
• Precision and Customization: The digital design process allows for highly accurate and customized restorations that closely match the patient’s natural teeth in terms of shape, size, and color.
• Minimized Discomfort: Digital impressions are often more comfortable for patients compared to traditional impressions with impression materials.
• Reduced Waiting Time: With the entire process taking place in the dental office, patients don’t have to wait for an external dental lab to manufacture their restorations.

CEREC CAD/CAM technology has become increasingly popular in dentistry for its efficiency, accuracy, and patient-friendly approach to dental restorations.