What is CEREC?

CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is a method of CAD/CAM dentistry developed in 1980 for creating dental restorations. Using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) allows dentists to construct, produce, and insert individual ceramic restorations chairside in a single appointment, rather than over multiple appointments with a lab. 

 

Fabrication of a CEREC restoration involves taking a digital impression with an intraoral camera using visible light scanning of the prepared tooth to produce a 3D model. Once the 3D model is obtained the dentist can then design and manufacture the restoration using design software and an in office milling unit. Once the fit of the restoration is verified by the dentist it is fired in a glazing oven making it ready for cementation the same day.