The fundamental inventive principles of CEREC CAD/CAM

A short history of the CEREC dental restoration method is described. Early in vitro studies (1980-1986) and numerous in vivo research reports (1992-2005) have confirmed the validity of the CEREC restoration concept. Its basic features include (i) use of pre-fabricated blocks of ceramic and composite materials, (ii) fast acquisition of optical impression data, (iii) chairside and laboratory CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided machining and (iiii) adhesive cementation. The first clinical application of the method was on September 19, 1985, when the CEREC 1 unit was used to fabricate an inlay at the chairside, and the ceramic restoration was bonded to the cavity during the same appointment. The basic features of the original CEREC technology are still used in the current CEREC 3D/inEOS units, including software, hardware and the optical impression system.