CEREC (Same Day Crowns)
in Raleigh

Many dental patients skip traditional tooth decay treatments like fillings, crowns, implants, and veneers, which often need multiple dentist visits for diagnosis, treatment, and placing new restorations. This process is time-consuming and costly for insurers, dentists, and patients. However, technological advancements have led to the CEREC procedure, a more efficient approach to treat tooth decay, requiring fewer visits, less maintenance, and offering a unique solution compared to conventional methods.

What Is The CEREC Procedure?

The CEREC procedure is a method used by dentists to digitally construct replacement tooth options, eliminating the need for some traditional fillings and crowns. Used by dentists since 1987, the CEREC method is a minimally invasive system that uses optical impression technology to accurately scan the teeth in need of replacement.

After thorough measurements are taken, data is used to construct a ceramic filling or crown matching the exact shape and shade of the tooth with decay. Once placed by our dentist, the ceramic replacement bonds to the tooth without leaving gaps for decay to build behind or around it. The patient leaves with little to no discomfort and without the worry of the ceramic replacement wearing down or failing.

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Anna Abernethy, DDS

Dr. Abernethy, originally from Concord, North Carolina, moved to Raleigh for college and graduated from Meredith College in 2001 with a degree in biology and a minor in chemical physics. Her journey towards dentistry began unexpectedly when she experienced a dental emergency during her college years, leading her to explore the field through externship programs. Witnessing a patient's life-changing smile makeover after a car accident inspired her to become a dentist. She pursued her dental education at UNC-Chapel Hill Dental School, actively participating in various community service initiatives and events. After graduation, she gained valuable experience as an associate in a dental practice.

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Jill Sonner, DDS

Dr. Sonner, a Raleigh native, completed her undergraduate studies at NCSU in Biological Sciences in 1999. She pursued dental education at UNC Dental School and trained at Fayetteville VA Medical Center, gaining skills in treating medically compromised and geriatric patients, and in advanced surgical techniques, including implant placement. She achieved Fellowship with The International Dental Implant Association, mentored by Dr. Arun Garg. Dr. Sonner, alongside Drs. Abernethy and Wells, took part in a mission to the Dominican Republic, contributing to dental implant surgeries, enhancing chewing function for locals who wouldn't otherwise have the chance. Their efforts significantly improved the quality of life for many recipients.

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Anita Wells, DDS

Dr. Anita Wells, developed her passion for dentistry in her hometown of Pinehurst, inspired by her childhood dentist's compassionate and personalized care. From a young age, she was fascinated by his ability to transform lives through beautiful smiles. Observing his artistic skills and the positive impact he made on patients, she decided to pursue dentistry. Dr. Wells graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry, and later earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery with the highest honors. After practicing in Chapel Hill, she co-founded Renaissance Dental Center in 2009, aiming to provide personalized dental care based on her dedication to changing people's lives.

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What Does CEREC
Stand For?

CEREC is an acronym that stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, specifically describing all benefits of the procedure.

  • Patients who opt for the CEREC method are scanned directly in their chair at the dental office with mobile technology—no need for bulky machinery or uncomfortable accommodations.
  • The process of CEREC is economical, costing patients and dentist minimal time and effort for a long-lasting solution.
  • The goal of CEREC is to create a safe and effective restoration using shade matching technology to produce a beautiful and strong replication of your teeth.
  • Providing a metal-free alternative to typical filings and crowns, CEREC produces aesthetically pleasing results for the patient.
  • CEREC replacements are constructed using ceramic rather than metal to provide an alternative solution to tooth restorations.
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Acquisition And Milling Units

The CEREC process is comprised of two units responsible for scanning and producing high-quality restorations: the Acquisition Unit and the Milling Unit.

The Acquisition Unit is a computer containing a special program and unique camera used for CEREC scans. This mobile device is used to scan the decayed or broken portions of the teeth in need of restoration quickly.

After only a couple minutes, the acquisition unit compiles all the data gathered from the scan and begins to design the replacement needed for your treatment. The model will take your dentist approximately 5-minutes to design before it is sent over to the Milling unit for construction.

Using the information gathered by the Acquisition Unit, the Milling Unit creates the actual ceramic replacement for your tooth repair. Before the replacement is completed, the ceramic is in the form of a block. Matching the shade needed for your replacement to blend, your dentist will take the selected block, insert it into the milling machine, and set the machine to carve.

The carving process will take between 10 to 20 minutes varying on the design and size of the repair. After the replacement is completed, the ceramic piece(s) is polished and bonded to your teeth—all while you are still in the office!

Impression Free Scans

If you’ve ever needed a traditional filling, crown, or veneer, you might have been required to take an impression to achieve a close fit to the teeth in need of repair. These goopy impressions are less than ideal and can result in a gag reflex for even the toughest of patients.

What is worse—the impressions are not always accurate or correct. This can lead to improperly fitting replacements or need to repeat the impressions. With the CEREC method, no uncomfortable impressions are needed. Patients endure a one to two minute scan that is more accurate and effective than any standard impression are able to produce.

What Happens In A Smile Consultation?

Setting expectations can be the first part of a smile consultation.   Here is some information to outline what to expect during a smile consultation with Renaissance Dental Center. The first part of a smile makeover consultation is for the patient to discuss their goals with the dentist.  Some of the most popular smile makeover goals include the following:

  • Replacing missing or decaying teeth with Dental Implants
  • Straightening crooked, weak or thin teeth with Clear Aligner Therapy
  • Whitening severely stained teeth
  • Lengthening teeth that are too short with Veneers
  • Filling gaps in between teeth with Bioclear

Second it is important for patients to expect the dentist to help them consider different procedures. The dentists at Renaissance Dental Center and our staff are trained to know what procedures will work best for certain conditions, which is why they help recommend the appropriate ones. For example, a cracked tooth may benefit from a dental crown or dental bonding, both of which are smile makeover options. Once the dentist makes their recommendation, the patient can begin to consider their options.

Your timeline is another expectation for the smile makeover consultation is for a timeline to be determined. Most patients want to know how long the process will take so that they can prepare appropriately. Certain smile makeover procedures may take a few months, which is good to be aware of prior to the process beginning. On the flip side, it is good to be aware of procedures that may not take as long, which can be helpful if the patient needs to undergo multiple procedures, such as teeth straightening and whitening. Oftentimes, multiple procedures are combined to complete a smile makeover because there may be multiple goals. Being aware of how long it may take can be helpful for the patient.

Done be afraid to ask questions.  The last part of the smile makeover consultation is to go over questions and concerns. Patients should expect the dentist and staff to discuss concerns that they have with the treatment and vice versa. Our team will answer any questions or concerns regarding the smile makeover so that the patient knows what to expect and how to prepare. This part of the consultation is extremely important because it allows for open communication between the dentist and the patient.

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