The term "one-visit-dentistry" refers to the practice in which many common dental procedures that usually require multiple appointments, are carried out in a single visit to the dentist's office. The technology that is most often associated with one-visit dental procedures is called CEREC and it has been around for close to 20 years.

CEREC is a technology that basically enables a dentist to diagnose and remedy a damaged tooth in one sitting. CEREC can be used in fillings, crowns, veneers and in dental implants. It offers an aesthetically appealing and convenient option to the traditional processes and composite fillings that are used in such procedures.

Despite its apparent newness, CEREC has been around for close to 20 years and is a proven and well tested technology in modern dentistry. More than 20 million restorations are estimated to have been performed so far and the technology cracked $1 billion in sales for the first time last November.

CEREC's biggest appeal lies in the fact that it allows a cosmetic dentist to create high-quality tooth-colored restorations and to seat them in one sitting. The process itself starts with a traditional examination of the tooth that needs to be replaced. The tooth is prepped for treatment by coating it with a special, tasteless powder. A digital 3D camera is used to capture an image of the tooth and to generate an optical impression of the tooth.

The optical impression replaces the traditional molds that dentists use for dental restoration purposes. High-performance Computer Aided Design software is then used to manipulate the optical image and to design the restoration. The software allows the cosmetic dentist to match the shape, size and color of the restored tooth as closely as possible to the original tooth.

Once the restoration has been designed, its specifications are sent to an on-site milling machine at the dentist's office. The milling machine outputs a color-matched, all-ceramic restoration in less than 20 minutes time, while the patient is waiting for it. The restoration is then polished, fitted and bonded to the tooth.

Ceramic restorations are not only easy to design and seat they are also metal free and are plaque resistant and biocompatible. Their natural look and feel make them ideal in a wide range of cosmetic dental applications. CEREC fillings, whether they are inlays or outlays are always custom fabricated for every individual's specific needs.

In the case of overlays, the judicious use of CEREC eliminates the need for a patient to have a full crown even if a traditional dentist's visit might indicate the need for one. The enamel-like material that is used for creating veneers is also a lot more realistic looking and durable than the more traditional veneers.