The Future of Dentistry: A Look at CEREC Technology

Every so often, a breakthrough occurs in dentistry, and you know things are never going to be the same again.

Just think about the shift in the last 50 years from pulling teeth to the focus on preventing decay. Then Invisalign burst onto the scene twenty years ago and took the world by storm. Now, CEREC technology is here and promises to have just as big an impact.

CEREC technology allows dentists to cut down waiting times for patients. They can get bespoke restorations without having to wait for days or weeks for labs.

Let’s explore exactly how CEREC technology works and why it’s the future of dentistry.

What Does CEREC Stand For?

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic. In practice, it refers to a system that designs and mills dental restorations — like crowns — right in the dental office, rather than sending the work out to an external lab.

How Does CEREC Work?

Traditionally, getting a crown meant multiple steps spread across separate visits:

1. Dentist trims the tooth and takes a physical impression
2. A temporary crown is placed while the final one is made
3. The impression is sent to an outside lab
4. Days or weeks later, the patient returns to have the temporary crown removed and the permanent one fitted

CEREC compresses this into a single visit:

1. The dentist takes digital impressions (essentially detailed photos) of the mouth — no messy physical moulds
2. CAD (computer-aided design) software builds a digital model of the new tooth or restoration
3. CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) — an on-site milling machine — produces a finished, high-quality ceramic crown right there in the office
4. The dentist trims and fits the crown immediately

What Can CEREC Make?

CEREC isn’t limited to crowns. It can also produce:

• Inlays and onlays — partial crowns covering a section of the tooth
• Dental implant restorations — artificial teeth that attach to an implant in the jawbone
• Veneers — thin ceramic coatings for the front of teeth
• Bridges — appliances that fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth

Because each piece is custom-designed using computer-aided design, CEREC restorations are built to fit precisely and hold up well over time.

What Are the Benefits of CEREC?

• Immediate Restoration of Function: No temporary crown, no soft-food diet, no waiting. The permanent, custom-fit crown is placed the same day, so you can eat normally right away.
• Fewer Appointments, Less Disruption: CEREC condenses a process that traditionally required two visits into one. That’s less time off work, less rearranging your schedule, and fewer dental visits overall for anyone who finds them stressful.
• Precision Fit: Because the restoration is designed digitally and milled to exact specifications, CEREC crowns often fit more precisely than lab-made alternatives — improving comfort, bite, and appearance.
• Natural Look and Durability: CEREC crowns are made from 100% porcelain, which has a translucent quality similar to natural tooth enamel. It’s also highly resistant to degradation and, with proper care, can last up to 15 years.

Is CEREC Right for Everyone?

Not in every case. A few limitations to know:

• Complex breaks below the gumline: Digital scanners can’t capture detail below the gumline accurately, so these cases still require a traditional physical mould.
• Strength considerations: CEREC restorations are 100% porcelain, which is slightly less strong than restorations with a metal base. For patients with significant bite pressure issues, a dentist may recommend a traditional appliance instead.

Your dentist will assess your specific case and only recommend CEREC when it can match or exceed what a traditional restoration would achieve.

Ready to Try CEREC For Yourself?

CEREC technology is changing the way people visit the dentist the world over.

If you need a dental crown or other restorative treatment in Northcote or The Bays, talk to Northmed Dental Centre. We’ll be happy to talk you through your options – including CEREC – so that you can get the very best treatment.

Call us on 09 884 8262 (Northcote) or 09 886 5680 (The Bays). Alternatively, schedule an appointment online today!

FAQ

Q.1 Can CEREC be used for all types of crowns?
Ans: Most, but not all. Teeth broken below the gumline can’t be accurately scanned digitally and require a traditional mould instead.

Q.2 Are CEREC crowns as strong as traditional ones?
Ans: They’re very durable, but since they’re 100% porcelain rather than metal-based, they’re slightly less strong. This isn’t an issue for most patients, though those with bite pressure concerns may need a traditional alternative.

Q.3 Are CEREC crowns safe?
Ans: Yes. Ceramic is fully biocompatible, making CEREC crowns a suitable option even for patients with metal allergies.

Q.4 How long do CEREC crowns last?
With proper care, CEREC porcelain crowns can last up to 15 years.

Q.5 How many dental visits does CEREC require?
Typically just one — CEREC combines scanning, design, manufacturing, and fitting into a single appointment.