CEREC is the unique CAD/CAM system for patient individual all-ceramic restorations in one single appointment. Using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing), this process allows dentists to construct, produce, and insert individual ceramic restorations directly at the point of treatment in a single appointment, rather than over multiple appointments with labside work in between. CAD/CAM dentistry involves a digital impression from one or more scans, designing the restoration on the computer (computer-aided design, leading to a 3D model), and manufacturing the restoration computer-aided manufacturing, by milling.
Unlike other materials such as amalgam or gold, ceramic is more biocompatible and boasts tooth-like physical and aesthetic qualities. In addition, digital impressions are more comfortable for patients than traditional impressions.
By further developing the process, it was possible to reduce the amount of follow-up work and time-intensive occlusion adjustment that was often necessary in the past. According to studies, the ten-year lifespan of CEREC inlays polished and milled with the aid of a computer is not only significantly longer than that of gold inlays, but also exceeds that of individually laboratory-manufactured ceramic inlays. Further clinical studies reveal that the success rate of CEREC restorations is 95.5 percent following a period of nine years and 84 percent after 18 years.
The digital mapping technology of CEREC that charts the inside of the patient’s mouth completely accurately and down to the last detail ensures that there is no issue with inaccurate dental impressions that lead the patient to experience discomfort with bulky molds and unnecessary debris in their mouth.
Combined with three-dimensional X-ray technology, it has also been possible to use CEREC for implants since 2009. The dentist can combine the CAD/CAM planning based on CEREC with 3D X-ray data in order to coordinate the prosthetic and surgical implant planning and achieve the intended treatment results. Based on this so-called integrated implantology, the dentist is able to order the drilling templates from the drilling template manufacturer SiCat or – if they have their own milling machine – produce them on their own at the office using CEREC Guide. These latest digital dental technologies are being performed in our offices today.
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Dr. Lovely Teodoro earned her degree with honors in Dental Medicine from National University, Philippines in 1995. She started her private practice upon graduating while simultaneously held a teaching position in the College of Dentistry, NU. For the past 20 years, her extensive dental training and experience continued from Philippines to California. Member of ADA, CDA, CCDA, Hercules Chamber of Commerce and Walnut Creek Chanmber of Commerce. For more details, please visit our website at www.lovelymanlapazteodorodds.com or call our office at The Dental Center of Hercules: 844 Willow Ave. Ste. A6, Hercules, CA 94547 / T: (510) 245-3004 or Ygnacio Valley Cosmetic Dentistry: 1479 Ygnacio Valley Rd. Ste 105, Walnut Creek, CA 94798 / T: (925) 979-9803.
