CEREC CEramic REConstruction

CEREC (Ceramic Reconstruction) utilises CAD/CAM technology with intra-oral scanning and 3D imaging, to enable a single–visit crown fabrication.

This allows the elimination of the necessity for multiple visits and also the fabrication of a temporary crown.

Crown

A crown or a full coverage restoration is required when a tooth is structurally compromised due to the formation of cracks and fractures sustained from an existing filling, carious cavity, and trauma. Natural, unrestored tooth can also form cracks due to load or stress cycling, commonly seen in people with parafunction such as bruxism (grinding and clenching).

A crown can be fabricated directly or indirectly. 

Direct crowns materials are usually composite resin restorative material.

Indirect crown materials are ceramic and metal. In some cases, indirect composite restorative material and acrylic are used.

Requirement for a crown

Reasons:

  • The tooth is structurally weakened or compromised, which increases the susceptibility to further fractures.
  • The tooth had a root canal treatment with the majority of the tooth structure missing.
  • The tooth had sustained a traumatic injury. For example, from an accident.
  • The tooth is an abutment for a bridge or denture.
  • After an implant placement, a crown is required.
  • For aesthetics. For example, covering and masking an extensively discoloured tooth.

Tooth Preparation

The tooth is minimally prepared as the ceramic material requires 1.5mm to 2mm of thickness for structural durability. With an advancement of adhesive technology, most of the preparations are performed conservatively, preserving remaining healthy tooth structure. The prepared tooth is scanned using CEREC to formulate a virtual 3D model where a crown is designed.