The CEREC Primescan® intraoral scanner optimizes every aspect of care. From obtaining comfortable 3D digital impressions to the generation of dental models for custom aligners, sleep apnea appliances, and dental prostheses such as crowns, bridges, and more; the CEREC Primescan® intraoral scanner captures data with outstanding accuracy and speed. It offers an integrated workflow process while providing a more pleasant patient experience, producing more predictable results, and supporting better treatment outcomes.
With the CEREC Primescan® intraoral scanner, we can obtain precise impressions with the utmost comfort and ease. Instead of taking a messy conventional dental impression, we use a non-obtrusive, ergonomically designed wand to quickly and comfortably optically scan the teeth and bite.
Facilitates more convenient care and shorter treatment time
At Lookout Mountain Family Dentistry, patient care and comfort are our top priorities. We use the latest technology to provide precise, gentle, and convenient care.
A CEREC scanner is an advanced intraoral imaging device that captures highly accurate three-dimensional digital impressions of a patient’s teeth and bite. Using an ergonomically designed optical wand, the scanner records surface geometry and soft-tissue landmarks quickly and without the need for traditional impression materials. The digital data are stitched together in real time to create a precise virtual model that dentists use for diagnosis and restoration design.
The scanned model integrates with CAD/CAM software to allow the clinician to design crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, and other appliances on-screen. That design can then be sent to an in-office milling unit or a dental laboratory to fabricate a restoration from a solid block of ceramic or other biocompatible materials. This digital workflow shortens turnaround time and enhances consistency compared with analog methods.
CEREC scans replace the need for impression trays and putty by using a non‑obtrusive optical scan to capture the teeth and bite relationships. Traditional impressions require setting material and can be uncomfortable for patients, whereas digital scans are faster, eliminate the gag reflex for many people, and reduce the risk of impression distortions during handling. The immediate visualization of the scan also lets the clinician check accuracy on the spot and avoid retakes.
Digital files produced by a CEREC scanner are easy to store and transmit, which streamlines communication with dental labs or in-office milling systems. Because the data are precise and editable, technicians and dentists can refine margins, contacts, and occlusion in the virtual environment before fabrication. The overall process tends to be more predictable and reproducible than traditional methods that depend on physical models and manual trimming.
CEREC technology supports a wide range of restorations including single crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, and some three‑unit bridges depending on the clinical situation. Digital impressions can also be used to design models for clear aligners, night guards, and sleep apnea appliances when combined with the appropriate software and fabrication workflow. The system’s versatility makes it useful for both restorative and certain adjunctive orthodontic or appliance-based treatments.
When used with an in-office milling unit, CEREC allows for same‑day fabrication of many restorations from high-strength ceramic or composite blocks that mimic the color and translucency of natural teeth. Alternatively, the digital files can be sent to trusted dental labs when custom shading or materials outside the in-office inventory are required. This flexibility helps clinicians match restorative needs with the appropriate materials and fabrication pathway.
Most patients find CEREC scanning to be more comfortable than traditional impression techniques because it eliminates bulky trays and impression pastes. The scanner wand is lightweight and designed to be minimally intrusive, allowing clinicians to capture full arches and occlusion in a matter of minutes. Standard infection control protocols are followed, including the use of barrier sheaths and thorough disinfection of reusable components between patients.
Because the technology relies on optical imaging rather than ionizing radiation, it presents no radiation exposure concerns beyond what is typical for routine dental care. The digital workflow also reduces handling of physical materials, which lowers cross-contamination risk associated with impression shipping and storage. Overall, CEREC scanning is considered a patient‑friendly and hygienic alternative to conventional impressions.
The scanning portion of a CEREC appointment generally takes only a few minutes once the mouth is prepared and isolated, though the total chair time will vary with the complexity of the case. For a single crown, clinicians often complete the scan, design, and milling within a single visit, with total appointment time commonly ranging from one to two hours depending on shading, adjustments, and patient factors. More complex restorations or multiple units may require additional time for design and refinement.
Same‑day workflows are efficient because the digital design is available immediately and any design modifications can be made on-screen before fabrication begins. Milling and adjustment times depend on the restoration material and the milling unit, but in-office systems are optimized to deliver precise restorations quickly. Patients appreciate fewer visits and the convenience of leaving with a finished restoration when clinical circumstances allow.
Many patients who require single-tooth restorations are excellent candidates for CEREC same‑day solutions, particularly when there is sufficient tooth structure and a stable bite. Candidates should have healthy periodontal tissues in the area being restored and be able to tolerate standard dental procedures such as local anesthesia and tooth preparation. Complex full-mouth rehabilitations, extensive bruxism with severe wear, or situations needing specialized laboratory ceramics may still benefit from a laboratory-based approach instead of an immediate in-office restoration.
Your dentist will evaluate clinical factors such as margin health, occlusal forces, esthetic requirements, and material selection to determine whether a CEREC same‑day restoration is appropriate. When indicated, the digital workflow can often simplify treatment and provide high-quality esthetic results in a single visit. If laboratory collaboration is preferable, the digital impression remains useful for custom lab fabrication to meet specific case demands.
CEREC’s real‑time digital models let clinicians show patients a clear visualization of their current condition and proposed restorations, which enhances understanding and shared decision‑making. Patients can view on-screen simulations of changes in tooth shape or alignment, making it easier to discuss esthetic goals and functional outcomes. The ability to manipulate the virtual model also helps clinicians explain margin placement, occlusal contacts, and expected contours before fabrication begins.
Because the scan data are stored digitally, they can be referenced throughout the treatment process for follow-up, adjustments, or future work. The digital files facilitate collaboration with specialists or dental laboratories by providing precise, exportable models. This transparency and precision support more predictable outcomes and clearer communication between the dental team and the patient.
Preparation for a CEREC appointment is generally minimal, but patients should maintain routine oral hygiene and arrive with any removable appliances or relevant dental records. If the restoration involves color matching for visible teeth, it can be helpful to avoid heavy staining foods or drinks just before the appointment to ensure accurate shade selection. Patients with dental anxiety should inform the office ahead of time so staff can discuss comfort measures and what to expect during the scan and procedure.
The clinician will perform a clinical exam and may take digital radiographs if needed to assess underlying tooth structure before preparing the tooth for restoration. Once the tooth is prepared, the CEREC scan is performed and the patient can often review the proposed restoration on-screen. Clear communication with the dental team about esthetic preferences and functional concerns helps achieve the best possible result.
Caring for CEREC restorations follows the same principles as caring for natural teeth and other indirect restorations: maintain good oral hygiene, avoid excessively hard or sticky foods that could stress the restoration, and attend regular dental checkups. Daily brushing and flossing help prevent recurrent decay at the margins, and periodic professional cleanings and examinations allow the dentist to monitor occlusion and the integrity of the restoration. If a restoration chips or feels high, patients should contact the office promptly to have it evaluated.
At follow‑up visits, the dentist will check the restoration’s fit, contacts, and bite, making minor adjustments if necessary for comfort or function. Because the original digital scan is stored, the clinic can reproduce or modify the restoration efficiently if repair or replacement becomes necessary. Routine monitoring and preventive care are the best ways to support the longevity of any ceramic or composite restoration.
Lookout Mountain Family Dentistry uses the CEREC Primescan system to streamline digital impressions and support same‑day restorative workflows when clinically appropriate. The office combines the scanner with CAD/CAM design tools and in‑office or laboratory fabrication pathways to provide precise, natural-looking crowns, veneers, and other restorations with fewer visits. This technology helps the clinical team minimize discomfort and deliver predictable outcomes while keeping patient comfort and convenience a priority.
During a consultation, clinicians at the practice review treatment options with patients using the digital models produced by the CEREC system so that esthetic and functional goals are clear before fabrication. Stored digital data also provide an efficient reference for future care, repairs, or appliance replacement. The integration of CEREC into routine care supports faster turnaround and improved case communication for patients across the practice’s services.
