CEREC® Dentist San Diego, CA
Technology has brought advances across many industries, and dental care is one of them. One of the newest breakthroughs is CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) technology. This cutting-edge system creates ceramic tooth restorations on a same-day basis. Patients must no longer wait for their crowns or veneers to come back from the lab as this state-of-the-art process crafts them in the office.
CEREC is available at Mission Valley Dental Arts in San Diego and the surrounding area. Schedule a consultation with our team and learn more about this system and whether it is the right choice for you. Contact our office at (619) 805-4248 to make an appointment today.
Understanding How CEREC Works
CEREC is also known as Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, or CEramic REConstruction. It uses Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), which has been used in manufacturing for several decades to create precision parts, tools, and even vehicles. Since its introduction to the dental field over two decades ago, this system has become a quick and precise means of producing ceramic veneers, crowns, bridges, and more.
CAD/CAM dentistry helps CEREC dentists to effectively perform complex dental restorations, providing patients with high-quality, durable, and natural-appearing replacement teeth. p>
"Since its introduction to the dental field over two decades ago, this system has become a quick and precise means of producing ceramic veneers, crowns, bridges, and more."
Benefits of CEREC Technology
CEREC technology rivals the lost-wax casting method, which uses wax to make a second mold for the dental restoration piece. The American Dental Association details how the dental CAD/CAM systems use scanners to take measurements and collect all details of the teeth and gums quickly and precisely. Automating production using this data helps simplify what is otherwise a lengthy laboratory process.
The CEREC system makes the restoration process faster, easier, and less expensive. CEREC restoration benefits include the following:
- Better fit: CAD/CAM systems produce high-quality restorations. The process eliminates errors as the system relies on the precise digital data that it collects. When compared to CEREC, the laboratory process is more prone to having subjective or human errors.
- Better product: The manufacturing process results in a one-unit restoration piece rather than separate pieces. This single-unit process is especially beneficial for bridges and other multi-piece appliances. It also adds to the durability and strength of the finished piece.
- Faster process: CEREC software allows dentists to see three-dimensional images created from oral scans. Based on this information, the dentist uses the system to design the restoration piece with the necessary bite adjustments. The CAM unit then creates the appliance using the finalized design.
"CEREC technology rivals the lost-wax casting method, which uses wax to make a second mold for the dental restoration piece."
CEREC Is the Healthier Option for Dental Health
A CEREC restoration is not only the quicker, more convenient option; it is also the healthier option. This technology allows dentists to use more of the natural tooth than before. Other methods use amalgam to fix tooth damage, but CEREC uses ceramic to save as much healthy tooth tissue as possible.
The CEREC restoration is chemically bonded to teeth to restore its natural beauty and strength. The restoration positioning is non-invasive to the gums and results in a faster healing time. The use of additional dental tissue helps to aid in overall tooth and gum maintenance.
"A CEREC restoration is not only the quicker, more convenient option; it is also the healthier option."
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Expected Processing Time for CEREC
After removing any tooth decay, intraoral scanners collect measurements for the CAD/CAM system. The restoration design may take anywhere from a few minutes for a simple piece to thirty minutes for a bridge.
Once complete, the cosmetic dentist will fit the piece into the patient's mouth and examine it for fit and proper function. It is then glazed and fired before a second fitting with the patient, where the restoration is cemented into place and polished. The entire process takes about two hours, with the patient waiting 30 to 45 minutes in total between fittings and finalization.
"The restoration design may take anywhere from a few minutes for a simple piece to thirty minutes for a bridge."
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What To Expect After Receiving a CEREC Restoration
The CEREC restoration should be treated gently for the first 24 hours so the adhesive can cure completely. Beyond a bit of discomfort and sensitivity for the first few days, no complications are expected. Recommendations include no chewing of hard or sticky foods, such as ice or chewy candy. Even after 24 hours, care should be taken not to damage the restoration.
All teeth should be brushed and flossed daily, and the patient should continue to have regular checkups and cleanings at least every six months. Getting a CEREC restoration is a reliable choice as it tends to be strong and likely to last and resist abrasion. The advanced technology is also a better choice for your overall dental health as there is less risk for tooth decay, and they are metal-free.
"The advanced technology is also a better choice for your overall dental health as there is less risk for tooth decay, and they are metal-free."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do CEREC restorations cost more than traditional ones?
A. CEREC restorations cost around the same amount as traditional ones. Although insurance usually covers CEREC at the same rate as traditional restorations, each patient should request a detailed estimate from an insurance provider in advance. CEREC does not require an additional appointment like other restorations do and may save some patients the cost of another appointment.
Q. Will my CEREC crown only take one day to implant?
A. Having a CEREC machine on-site means the dentist does not have to send impressions to a dental lab to create crowns. Most restorations take one day to complete. A CEREC restoration does not take as long as a traditional, lab-created crown to make.
Q. Does getting a CEREC restoration hurt?
A. Before the restoration, the cosmetic dentist will apply a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort. It is normal for teeth to feel sensitive for up to two weeks after the procedure. Patients may experience discomfort when eating or drinking anything sweet, hot, or cold.
Q. Can CEREC technology handle zirconia crowns?
A. According to a BMC Oral Health study, chairside CEREC machines can also use zirconia blocks. As zirconia is crystalline at room temperature, it has to be heat-treated to form a solid block for the milling machine. Once the zirconia crown is milled, it is heated again before being cemented in place.
Q. How does CEREC work with dental implants?
A. Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots. Individual implants require crowns to complete the restoration and create functional prosthetic teeth. CEREC crowns can bond to implant abutments, just like traditional crowns. CEREC crown strength makes them an excellent choice for dental implants.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Mission Valley Dental Arts in San Diego now offers CEREC technology to help patients receive quick and accurate dental restorations. To find out if this same-day restoration is right for you, call us at (619) 805-4248.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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- Mission Valley Dental Arts was established in 2000.
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