We use specialized computer technology (CAD-CAM) called a Cerec Machine. It was first developed in Switzerland in 1985, and today the technology is in its third generation of development. It is a combination of a computer, camera and milling machine which can precisely mill a block of porcelain into a restoration that will fit better than one fabricated in a laboratory. A milled ceramic is the most pure and strongest ceramic available.

The tooth is anesthetized and prepared in the usual way that we would do for a filling or lab fabricated restoration. If the laboratory were to make the restoration, we would then take an impression, place a temporary and then insert it about two weeks later. However, with the Cerec, we simply take a digital image and design the restoration on the computer. Appropriate shades are selected, and the machine does the rest. About fifteen minutes later, the crown, inlay, onlay or veneer is ready to be inserted. It is adjusted and polished much like we do for lab-fabricated restorations.

The big difference: this has been done in one appointment, with less patient time, no sensitivity, using the best quality of porcelain available and resulting in the most superior restoration available today.

The best quality of material used in the past has been gold and it has traditionally been the standard against which all other materials were measured. Today the success rate of a Cerec restoration is as good as, if not better than gold and it may very become the new "gold" standard.

A Cerec restoration will fit as well as any laboratory fabricated porcelain. However the porcelain is very different. Cerec porcelains are the closest materials to natural enamel in hardness, wear and thermal expansion. With laboratory porcelain, porosities, microscopic cracks and dust particles can weaken the porcelain and possibly cause future fractures. Cerec porcelain is industrially made so the crystalline structure is very pure and consistent and there is less chance of impurities or other factors weakening the porcelain.

Should one of our Cerec restorations fail within fifteen years because of a problem with the material itself, and you have kept up with proper home care and check ups, we will replace it at no charge. We have many patients that have excellent gold restorations after twenty-five years, and there is no reason why a Cerec restoration won't last just as long. It might be the last time your tooth needs a replacement filling or restoration!

• Restoration is done in one appointment
  
• No sensitivity following placement
  
• No temporary required
  
• Stronger than any lab fabricated porcelain
  
• Extremely fracture resistant
  
• Less patient time required
  
• Very esthetic
  
• Expected lifetime greater than fifteen years with routine maintenance and hygiene
  
• Conserves more tooth structure than lab fabricated porcelain or gold
  
• Wear is better than lab ceramic or other materials (similar to gold)
  
• Will not cause teeth to fracture due to heat/cold, unlike amalgam or composite