CEREC — ceramic in a single visit.
CEREC is a CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) technology that produces a ceramic crown, inlay, or onlay in a single visit: digital optical scan, on-screen design, in-clinic milling, then same-day placement — with no traditional impressions or outside laboratory.
What a CEREC visit looks like
The process runs in four steps, usually within the same appointment when the clinical situation allows:
- Optical scan — a digital scan replaces impression paste and trays.
- Design — the restoration is drawn on-screen in minutes, fitted to your bite.
- Milling — a ceramic block is shaped in-clinic (about 15 to 25 minutes).
- Placement — try-in, adjustment, and same-day cementation, with no temporary.
When CEREC is indicated
Same-visit restoration suits many situations: a fractured or heavily filled tooth needing a crown, replacing an old restoration, or protecting a tooth after root canal therapy. Not every case is suited to CEREC — clinical evaluation determines the best approach for each tooth.
Why digital dentistry matters
Beyond the comfort of avoiding paste impressions, the digital approach improves fit precision and reduces appointments. Dr Perrault-Lévesque completed a digital dentistry mini-residency at Glidewell Labs (Irvine, CA, 2025), in addition to his training at the University of Montreal.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a CEREC crown as strong as a traditional crown?
- Yes. The ceramic blocks used in CEREC offer strength and longevity comparable to lab-fabricated crowns, with the added advantage of a precise fit and single-visit placement.
- How long does a CEREC appointment take?
- Generally one to two hours, depending on the number of teeth and complexity. Everything happens in the same visit: scan, design, milling, and placement — no follow-up appointment to place a permanent restoration.
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Clinique Dentaire et d'Implantologie de Magog · 22 rue Laurier · 819 · 847 · 1661
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