Digital restorative dentistry · Garden Dental
Same-Day CEREC Crowns,
Inlays & Onlays in Singapore
Digitally designed for a precise fit. Made and fitted in one visit for suitable cases.
Explore CEREC ceramic crowns, inlays and onlays at Garden Dental in Bukit Timah. Your dentist will recommend the restoration that suits your tooth.
Your dentist will assess the tooth, bite and material requirements before confirming the treatment and number of visits.
What is CEREC?
CEREC is a computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system. A digital scan is used to design a restoration, which can then be milled from a suitable ceramic block and finished before placement.
CEREC describes how a restoration is made. A crown, inlay or onlay describes how much of the tooth it restores. The best choice depends on the damage and the healthy tooth structure that remains.
Three ways to restore a tooth
These options restore different parts of a tooth. Your dentist will recommend the coverage needed rather than choosing a restoration solely because it can be made quickly.
CEREC crown
A crown covers the prepared tooth to rebuild its shape and protect weakened structure. It may be considered for a heavily damaged tooth or when more extensive coverage is needed.
For general indications, materials and price guidance, see our dental crowns and bridges page.
CEREC inlay
An inlay fits within the prepared cavity, between the raised points of the chewing surface. It may be an option when the defect needs an indirect restoration but the tooth's cusps do not need covering.
CEREC onlay
An onlay restores part of the tooth and covers one or more cusps. In suitable cases, this can provide the required coverage while retaining healthy tooth structure that does not need a full crown.
Filling, inlay, onlay or crown?
The amount and location of damage, cracks, existing fillings, bite forces and the ability to bond the restoration all matter.
| Option | What it restores | How it is made |
|---|---|---|
| Direct filling | A cavity or defect that can be restored directly. | Filling material is placed and shaped in the tooth. |
| Inlay | A prepared cavity without covering the cusps. | Made outside the tooth, then bonded or cemented into place. |
| Onlay | A defect plus one or more cusps. | Made outside the tooth to restore the damaged area and cover the selected cusps. |
| Crown | More extensive coverage of the prepared tooth. | Made to fit over the prepared tooth, using a chairside or laboratory workflow. |
A ceramic restoration is not automatically necessary for every cavity. Read about tooth fillings for simpler repairs, or compare crown materials and bridge options when more extensive restoration or tooth replacement is needed.
What happens during CEREC treatment?
Assess and plan
Your dentist examines the tooth and bite, with X-rays where needed. You discuss suitable options, the proposed material, fees and appointment requirements.
Prepare and scan
Decay or damaged material is removed and the tooth is prepared. Local anaesthesia may be used. A digital scan records the prepared tooth and surrounding bite.
Design and manufacture
The restoration is designed digitally and milled from a suitable block. Finishing and any required firing or glazing depend on the chosen material.
Fit and place
Your dentist checks the fit, contacts and bite before bonding or cementing the restoration. Final adjustments and care instructions follow.
Your appointment length depends on the restoration, the number of teeth and any additional treatment. We will confirm the expected schedule rather than promise the same duration for every patient.
When is same-day treatment suitable?
Same-day CEREC treatment may be suitable when the tooth can be prepared, scanned, restored and fitted safely in one treatment visit. Your dentist considers the remaining structure, gum condition, bite, appearance requirements and available materials.
A different approach or additional visits may be recommended if the tooth needs further assessment, gum treatment, complex restoration or root canal treatment. A laboratory-made restoration may be chosen when it better meets the clinical or aesthetic requirements.
Convenience with a clinical decision behind it
A completed same-day restoration can reduce separate fitting visits and may avoid wearing a temporary restoration between fabrication and placement. CEREC does not make a restoration maintenance-free or suitable for every tooth.
The choice of material and design is separate from the choice of manufacturing system. For a broader comparison of restoration materials and tooth-replacement options, visit Crowns & Bridges.
CEREC treatment costs in Singapore
The fee depends on whether you need a crown, inlay or onlay, the material and the condition of the tooth. A smaller restoration does not automatically mean a lower fee, because preparation and manufacturing requirements differ.
Our crown price guide provides general material-based estimates. It is not a fixed CEREC inlay or onlay quotation. Your dentist will confirm the recommended treatment, its cost, GST and any additional treatment charges before you proceed.
Looking after your restoration
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth and attend the review appointments recommended by your dentist. A restored tooth can still develop decay or gum problems. Tell your dentist about grinding or clenching so that protection can be considered.
Questions about CEREC
Is CEREC the same as a crown?
No. CEREC is the digital system used to design and manufacture a restoration. It can be used for crowns, inlays and onlays; the restoration type is chosen according to the tooth's needs.
Can I have an onlay instead of a full crown?
Sometimes. If enough suitable tooth structure remains, an onlay may provide the coverage needed. Extensive damage or other clinical factors may make a full crown more appropriate. An examination is needed to compare these options.
Does same-day mean everything is completed at my first visit?
Not necessarily. Same-day refers to making and fitting the restoration in one treatment visit for a suitable case. A consultation, further assessment or other treatment may take place beforehand.
Do I need root canal treatment first?
Not simply because you are having a crown, inlay or onlay. Root canal treatment is a separate decision based on the health of the tooth's pulp. Your dentist will assess this before planning the restoration.
How long will a CEREC restoration last?
There is no single lifespan for every restoration. Material, remaining tooth structure, bite forces, oral hygiene and regular care influence longevity. Your dentist can discuss the expected maintenance for your case.
Garden Dental · Bukit Timah
Find the right restoration for your tooth
Discuss crowns, inlays and onlays with our dental team at 491 Bukit Timah Road #B1-02, near Botanic Gardens MRT. We will explain the options and whether a same-day CEREC restoration is suitable.
