CEREC® Dentist Pasadena, 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 Okamoto and Bigley Dentistry in Pasadena 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 (626) 472-2178 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.
The International Congress of Oral Implantologists explains that CAD/CAM technology helps CEREC dentists give patients top-quality, durable, and natural-appearing dental restorations. CAD/CAM technology aids in dental restoration design and production and allows dentists to create solutions that are not possible otherwise.
“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.”
How CEREC Works
CEREC uses Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Milling (CAD-CAM) technology to create same-day restorations. CEREC technology allows dentists to quickly and precisely create natural dental restorations for each patient's specifications. The patient will be numbed with a local anesthetic before the process to minimize discomfort.
Then, we will prepare the implant or tooth to receive the restoration by using an intraoral scanner to take digital images of the treatment area. CEREC technology converts the image into a three-dimensional virtual model, and the software designs the final restoration. The CEREC mill accurately carves the custom restoration out of a ceramic block before our team reviews the restoration to ensure it fits properly. Once the restoration has been milled, colored, and polished, the dentist cements it to the prepared tooth or dental implant.
“CEREC uses Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Milling (CAD-CAM) technology to create same-day restorations.”
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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.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the benefits of CEREC?
Q. What is the expected processing time for CEREC treatments?
Q. What are the steps in the CEREC restoration process?
Q. How should patients take care of their CEREC restorations?
People Also Ask
Q. How often should I see the dentist?
Q. When is a dental restoration necessary?
Q. What additional treatments are available at a general dentist?
Q. What are the benefits of restoration dentistry?
Q. What is entailed in the process before getting a dental crown?
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
Okamoto and Bigley Dentistry in Pasadena 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 (626) 472-2178.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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