CEREC® restorations are ceramic CAD/CAM milled crowns or onlays (partial crowns) made from an image obtained by a 3-D digital camera. CEREC® technology allows Dr. Speer to design and mill your dental restoration in our office during a single dental appointment. Within two hours, your dental crown can be planned, milled, and placed. CEREC® technology can also be used to remove defective amalgam fillings, restore decayed teeth, and place cosmetic veneers.

Did You Know?

CEREC® is an Acronym

• Chairside: The technology is in the dental operatory and used while you are in the chair
• Economical: The procedure is economical for both dentist and patient
• Restorations: The procedure restores your tooth to its natural beauty, function, and strength
• Esthetic: The restorations are metal-free and tooth-colored
• Ceramic: High-strength ceramics are used that are close in composition to your natural tooth structure

Frequently Asked Questions:

Am I a candidate for CEREC®?

You may be a candidate for CEREC® if you have decayed or damaged teeth, and are in need of a dental restoration such as an onlay or dental crown. Additionally, you may also be a candidate for CEREC® if you wish to have dental veneers placed. Ideal candidates for CEREC® are looking for a fast, easy approach to having a dental crown or other restoration placed. To find out what CEREC® can offer you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Speer of Oak Grove Dental today!

How was CEREC® developed?

CEREC® was developed through the coordination of dentist, Dr. Werner H. Moermann and electrical engineer, Dr. Markus Brandistini. In 1985, the two developed CEREC® technology at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. Nowadays, this technology continues to advance, making dentistry easier for both dentists and their patients.

What should I expect during my CEREC® appointment at Oak Grove Dental?

During your CEREC® appointment, the affected tooth will be anesthetized and prepared for a dental crown by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crown. Then a digital scan will be taken of your mouth that will create a digital image used to fabricate your restoration.

Once Dr. Speer has obtained this digital image, he can use it to design the restoration’s color, shape, and the texture of the chewing or biting surface. This final design will then be sent to our in-office milling machine where your custom restoration will be fabricated.

The fabrication process has three main steps. During the first step, the shape and texture of your restoration are completed. During the second step, your restoration is then polished or glazed to create a matching, natural color. Finally, the restoration is fired in an oven to set everything in place. The entire fabrication process can take about 60-90 minutes from start to finish.

Once your permanent restoration is ready, it will be placed into your mouth to ensure it is the proper fit and color. After the fit has been checked, your permanent restoration will be cemented in place and you are ready to go!

How long with my CEREC® appointment take?

Your CEREC® appointment will likely take about two hours. This time frame includes the initial tooth preparation, digital scans, the fabrication of your custom CEREC® crown, and the final sizing and placement.

Will I have any special instructions to follow after my appointment?

Since your CEREC® appointment will end with the placement of a permanent restoration, you will have no special instructions or limitations to follow after your appointment. We do recommend, however, that you refrain from eating or drinking until you can feel your mouth again.

In order to get the most out of your CEREC® restoration, we recommend twice daily brushing for two minutes at a time using fluoridated toothpaste, once daily flossing, and semi-annual visits with Oak Grove Dental for your dental check ups and professional teeth cleanings.

Additionally, we discourage against behaviors that can damage your CEREC® restoration. Although your restoration is strong, it can still be damaged like your natural teeth. Behaviors to avoid include nail biting, using your teeth as an opener, chewing ice, and teeth grinding or clenching. If you know you grind or clench your teeth, speak with Dr. Speer about possibly getting a bite guard to protect your teeth and restoration.

What is my CEREC® crown made of?

Depending on a variety of factors that will be discussed during your consultation, your CEREC® crown may be made from one of the following materials:  

• Zirconium dioxide: strong, but has many different applications. Also, allows for minimal preparation and is highly biocompatible.
• Zirconia Meso: a faster approach to zirconium dioxide that can also be used for implant prosthetics. Zirconia Meso offers screw-retained zirconia crowns that can be quickly added to a dental implant.
• Feldspar Ceramics: has a natural appearance, can be placed directly after polishing, and is highly biocompatible. Comes in a variety of blocks that can be specialized for a specific type of restoration, or for a specific location in the mouth.

How much will my CEREC® crown cost?

The cost of your CEREC® crown will depend on a number of factors including the type of material used, the location in your mouth, and whether a full or partial crown is needed. Although CEREC® technology is state of the art, it essentially cuts out any dental lab or temporary restoration fees, which means that most CEREC® crowns are about the same cost as a traditional dental crown. Again, depending on the material used, most dental crowns will start at about $800 and go up from there. However if you have dental insurance, you may be able to receive full or partial coverage for your CEREC® crown. Although the majority of dental insurance companies will only offer partial coverage.

At Oak Grove Dental Center, we believe that providing high quality dentistry is only part of creating a successful relationship with our patients. To experience some of the best dental care in Milwaukie, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kevin H. Speer today!