Cerec Dentistry

Our office proudly utilizes CEREC technology for restorations. With this new technology, we can create ceramic restorations, including crowns, fillings and veneers, right in our office, so it will only take a single appointment.

A digital 3D camera creates a digital image, replacing the more traditional impression. The computer-aided design (CAD) software enables us to design and create a precise restoration specific to your dental needs. These highly durable restorations can also be color-matched for a more natural looking smile.

Cerec® is a registered trademark of Sirona Dental Systems.

The CEREC Procedure

REC 3D Video News Release - Dial-Up
wmv-file (1535,13 KB)

CEREC 3D Video News Release - Broadband
wmv-file (3458,98 KB)

Perfect Teeth in 5 Easy Steps
pdf-file (115,38 KB)

Because Dr. Hakes Values YOUR Time
Let's face it, very few of us have perfect teeth, free of decay and fillings. You can probably see a filling or two in your own mouth, which do just that -- "fill" a cavity, or hole, in your tooth left from the excavation of decayed tooth structure. In many cases, those fillings are made of metal material and can go bad, weaken the tooth, or get additional decay under or around it. In fact, 1.2 billion of these metal fillings will need to be replaced in the next 10 years.* CEREC is a method used by thousands of dentists worldwide since 1987 not only to replace these fillings, but also to restore any tooth that is decayed, weakened, broken, etc. to its natural strength and beauty. Better yet, it's done with all-ceramic materials that are tooth colored in a single appointment! So, how does the CEREC procedure work?

Exam and Preparation
The CEREC SystemFirst, Dr. Hakes examines the tooth and determines the appropriate treatment. It could be a simple filling, or a full crown, depending on how much healthy tooth structure is remaining and the clinical judgement of Dr. Hakes. Next, she administers an anesthetic and prepares your tooth for the restoration, removing decayed and weakened tooth tissue. This preparation is just like she would do for many other restorative techniques.

Optical Impression
Then, Dr. Hakes takes an Optical Impression of the prepared tooth. Instead of filling a tray with impression "goop" that you must bite into and hold in your mouth until it hardens, Dr. Hakes coats the tooth with a non-toxic, tasteless powder. A camera is then used to take a digital picture of your tooth. This whole Optical Impression process only takes a minute or two.

No Temporaries
CEREC 3D SoftwareNext, the CEREC machine helps the Dentist create the restoration for your tooth. The CEREC 3D software takes the digital picture and converts it into a 3-dimensional virtual model on the computer screen. Dr. Hakes then uses her dental expertise to design the Inserting block into milling chamberrestoration using the CEREC 3D computer program. Within a few minutes, Dr. Hakes clicks a button, and the restoration design data is sent to a separate milling machine in the office. A ceramic block that matches your tooth shade is placed in the milling machine. About 10 - 20 minutes later, your all-ceramic, tooth-colored restoration is finished and ready to bond in place. Finally, Dr. Hakes tries the restoration in your mouth to ensure proper fit and bite. The restoration is then polished and bonded to the prepared tooth. Your tooth is restored with no "temporary" or return trip necessary. All of this is done in a single appointment! Ask Dr. Hakes about CEREC today.

*Harvard Health Letter, March 2000; NIDR of NIH, Dental Amalgam Study, 1993.

Cerec information courtesy Sirona - The Dental Company

Click here to visit Cerec Online for more information.