Custom Ceramic Restorations, Designed and Made in Our Peoria Office
CEREC® stands for Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic, and it has changed how dentists repair damaged teeth. Restorations like crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers once required several appointments, with weeks of waiting between them. At Belmont Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ, CEREC technology lets us design and create these restorations on site, so many patients complete treatment in one appointment.
The system combines computer-assisted design with a milling unit that shapes a custom restoration from a solid block of ceramic. The result is a precise, natural-looking fit without messy impressions, temporary crowns, or repeat trips. It is a practical option for busy Peoria families and especially welcome for patients who feel nervous about dental visits.
Benefits of CEREC® Restorations
- Finished in one visit, with no temporary restoration to wear or lose
- High-quality ceramic that is shade matched to the surrounding teeth
- Minimally invasive preparation that saves more natural tooth structure
- Fewer injections and less time in the chair
- Fewer appointments and less time away from work or school
- Biocompatible materials for long-term oral health
- Durable results, with many restorations lasting a decade or longer
Who Is a Good Candidate for CEREC® in Peoria?
CEREC® can benefit almost anyone who needs a ceramic restoration, including people with cracked teeth, large fillings that are wearing out, decay that has weakened a tooth, or teeth with cosmetic concerns. It can be especially helpful for patients who dislike long treatment timelines. A small number of patients may be better served by another approach, such as those with a history of fracturing ceramic restorations or a deep bite. During your exam, our dentists will review your bite, tooth structure, and goals to confirm the best option for you.
From Scan to Smile in Five Simple Steps
A Quick Exam and Comfortable Preparation – We evaluate the tooth, discuss your options, and numb the area so treatment is comfortable. Damaged or decayed areas are then carefully removed while keeping as much healthy tooth as possible.
A Digital 3D Scan – A small camera captures detailed images of the prepared tooth in seconds. There is no impression tray and no unpleasant material to bite into.
Custom Design on Screen – CAD software turns the scan into a 3D model of the tooth. The dentist examines it from every angle and shapes a restoration that fits the bite and blends with neighboring teeth.
In-House Milling – A ceramic block that best matches the natural tooth color is placed in the milling unit. Within minutes, the machine carves the restoration to the exact design.
Polish, Bond, and Go – The dentist fine-tunes the fit and polish, checks your bite, and bonds the restoration permanently in place. You leave with a finished tooth that day.
Inside the CEREC® System That Shapes Your Restoration
CEREC® is often called a CAD-CAM system, meaning computer-assisted design and computer-assisted milling. Three parts work together to create each restoration.
The Acquisition Unit
A high-quality camera and medical-grade computer photograph the prepared tooth and build a detailed 3D image on the screen.
The 3D Design Software
The dentist can rotate and examine the tooth from every angle, which is the closest thing to holding it in the hand. This allows a precise, custom design.
The Milling Unit
The milling device crafts the restoration from the approved design. A ceramic block chosen to match your tooth color is loaded, and the finished piece is ready within minutes.
Restorations We Can Create with CEREC®
- Crowns fully cover a weakened, broken, or heavily restored tooth, helping restore its strength, shape, and comfortable chewing function.
- Inlays and onlays repair larger areas of decay or damage on the chewing surface while preserving more healthy tooth structure than a full crown.
- Veneers improve the shape, size, color, or minor unevenness of visible front teeth for a more balanced, natural-looking smile.
Caring for Your Same-Day Ceramic Restoration
CEREC® restorations are cared for much like natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss around the restored tooth, and keep regular cleanings and exams. Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite very hard items, such as ice. If you clench or grind your teeth, a nightguard can help protect both the restoration and your natural teeth from excess pressure.
Book Your CEREC Visit
Do not let a cracked, worn, or broken tooth wait for weeks. With CEREC® technology at Belmont Dentistry, most patients can have a strong, natural-looking ceramic restoration designed, made, and bonded in a single appointment. Book online or call (623) 842-1200 to schedule your visit at 7966 W Thunderbird Rd Ste 101, Peoria, AZ, and we will help you find the right treatment for your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About CEREC®
In most cases, yes. Because we design and mill the crown in our office, many patients complete treatment in a single appointment that lasts a couple of hours. Some cases need a second visit, and we will tell you up front.
CEREC® restorations have a long track record, and research suggests many last more than ten years with good home care and regular checkups. Longevity depends on your bite, your habits, and how well the tooth is maintained.
No. Since the permanent restoration is made during your visit, there is no temporary to protect it and no risk of it coming loose while you wait.
The area is numbed before treatment, so most patients feel little more than pressure. CEREC® often requires less tooth preparation and fewer injections, and our comfort options, such as nitrous oxide, headphones, and blankets, are available to help you relax.
Many PPO plans cover crowns, inlays, and onlays according to the plan’s benefits. Our front office will check your coverage before treatment and explain your expected cost. Financing through CareCredit is also available.
Patients with a history of breaking ceramic restorations or a deep bite may need a different treatment. Our dentists will examine your teeth and bite to recommend the most durable option.
Yes. In addition to crowns, inlays, and onlays, CEREC® can be used to create ceramic veneers for suitable cases, improving the look of front teeth with a natural, polished finish.
Call our office right away at (480) 609-0050. Depending on the damage, we may be able to see you quickly and restore the tooth with a same-day CEREC® crown, helping you avoid a long wait with a broken tooth.
