What You Need to Know About the CEREC Machine

Maybe you’ve heard of a CEREC machine but aren’t sure what it is and what it does. Perhaps the term CEREC machine is entirely new to you. This piece of dental technology is revolutionizing the way restorative and cosmetic dentistry operates. CEREC offers fantastic benefits for both dentists and patients. Here, we explain what a CEREC is, how it works, how it is used, and how to contact a dentist who offers CEREC near you!

 

What is a CEREC machine?

CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. The name might be a mouthful, but the concept is relatively simple. The CEREC machine is an in-house apparatus that dentists use to create custom ceramic restorative inlays, outlays, or crowns in mere minutes. Dentists use advanced CAD and CAM technology to make precision 3D scans of the mouth, particularly the area needing restoration.

With these high-resolution scans, the CEREC machine can create an exact, custom-designed restoration such as a crown, inlay, or onlay from a solid ceramic block. This process occurs right in the dentist’s office, often allowing patients to have their restoration completed in a single visit. Once the ceramic piece is crafted, it is carefully color-matched to the patient’s natural teeth for a seamless appearance. The entire process ensures both accuracy and efficiency, reducing the need for temporary restorations and multiple visits. This innovative approach improves the durability and fit of the restorations while enhancing patient comfort and convenience.

 

What are the benefits of a CEREC machine?

Without a CEREC machine, the dentist has to send the scans of your teeth to a lab where a crown or inlay is made and then shipped back to the dentist’s office. This can take days or even weeks. In the meantime, the dentist will have to fit you with a temporary crown and have you come back for a follow-up appointment to install the final piece.

With CEREC, the crown is created in around 20 minutes in the dentist’s office. While the piece is being manufactured, the dentist will usually prep you for the final placement. This saves a lot of time for both you and your dentist–and doesn’t require a follow-up visit.

The CEREC machine is fast, but it’s also incredibly accurate. The CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) technology used by the CEREC machine creates perfectly matched restorative pieces to ensure your smile is as natural as ever. This is especially important for people with specific restorative needs, as the CEREC machine can manufacture pretty much anything, matching any smile.

 

Who offers CEREC near me?

This breakthrough technology, known as CEREC, is becoming increasingly common in dental practices due to its efficiency and accuracy in producing custom restorations. If you’re in the Hannibal, Missouri, area, McKenzie Family Dentistry can address all your questions about CEREC technology and help you get fitted with a custom-made crown, inlay, or onlay. With this technology, you can often have your restoration completed in just one visit, saving time while ensuring a durable and natural-looking result.

Contact McKenzie Family Dentistry today to make your appointment and learn more about how the CEREC machine can help you!