What Is CEREC?

CEREC is a high-tech instrument that helps restore damaged teeth. It is a CAD/CIM machine that makes crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers from solid blocks of ceramic. CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.

How Does CEREC Work?

First, Dr. Dantini prepares the damaged tooth for the proper restoration.  After preparation a thin layer of non-reflective powder is sprayed directly on the tooth's surface and surrounding tissue. Using a special camera, he then takes a picture of the tooth. With the CEREC system there is no need to take a messy impression with Polyvinyl Siloxane (gooey putty) and send it to a lab. Dr. Dantini works entirely from this photo, which is actually a pin-sharp optical impression of the tooth.

Next, Computer Aided Design technology helps Dr. Dantini design the restoration from the optical impression. The design is done chairside on a color monitor, and patients can watch Dr. Dantini design their new restoration right in front of their eyes!