CEREC Dental Crowns

CEREC (CERamic REContstruction) is a dental crown restoration product that allows your dentist to produce an indirect ceramic crown using a variety of computer-assisted technologies, including 3D photography and CAD/CAM contained within the CEREC machine. With CEREC, teeth can be restored in a single sitting with the patient, rather than the multiple sittings required with other techniques. Additionally, with the latest software and hardware updates, ceramic onlays and inlays can also be prepared to replace any existing fillings you may have.

How do dental crowns work?

The treating dentist prepares the tooth being restored either as a crown, inlay, onlay or veneer. The tooth is then imaged by a 3D imaging camera and uploaded to the CEREC computer. The computer software then approximates the restoration shape using comparisons to the surrounding teeth. The dentist then refines the shape, and when s/he is happy with the image, s/he sends the information to the ‘milling machine’, where the actual restoration is carved out of a ceramic block using diamond-head cutters under computer control. Milling time varies from as little as four minutes to twenty minutes, depending on the complexity of the restoration. The restoration is then generally glazed and fired in a kiln before being bonded to the tooth with a composite resin.

In addition to this single visit tooth crown procedure we are able to connect via the Sirona Connect Portal to our laboratory (UKDentech in Fareham) and send digital files for more complex procedures to them for the construction implant supported dental crowns and multi unit bridges who provide the highest quality restorations from a team of experienced dental ceramicists which simply blend into the mouth seamlessly.

How long do dental crowns last?

We have been using Cerec technology at Alington Dental since 2005, and in a recent audit we found 94% of Cerec restorations were still looking as good as the day they were placed. The materials available today are improving in strength and appearance day by day, as the technology involved in production evolves.

Do crowns hurt?

The procedure is generally carried out with a local anesthetic and is no more different to having a filling. Patients report the scanning of the tooth with the digital camera is more comfortable than the traditional impressions taken to make dental crowns. Furthermore, the whole procedure is carried out in one visit, so there is no need for a second appointment and second injection.