CEREC Inlays in Marbella

Why fillings fail

Traditional composite (white plastic) fillings are built up in layers and set with a blue curing light, which makes them go from a soft putty texture to a hard plastic. However, as they harden, they also shrink up to 5% of their volume. This shrinkage pulls the filling away from the cavity walls, creating micro-gaps where bacteria can enter. It also places the filling under internal stress, reducing its longevity and increasing the chances of sensitivity, staining, and eventual failure.

The cycle of replacement

Because traditional fillings degrade over time, they need to be replaced periodically — and each replacement removes a little more healthy tooth structure. This cycle of drilling and refilling can eventually weaken the tooth to the point where it needs a crown or even a root canal. CEREC inlays break this cycle by lasting significantly longer than conventional fillings.

What is CEREC?

CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is an advanced CAD/CAM technology that allows us to design and mill custom ceramic restorations right here in our clinic — all in a single appointment. Instead of building up a filling by hand in layers, a CEREC inlay is precision-cut from a single solid block of high-grade ceramic using computer-guided milling. This eliminates the shrinkage problem entirely.

How it works

After removing the decay, we take a highly accurate 3D digital scan of your tooth (no messy impressions). Our software designs the perfect restoration based on your tooth's anatomy. The design is sent to our in-clinic milling unit, which carves the inlay from a solid ceramic block in about 15 minutes. The finished inlay is then bonded into place with a strong adhesive cement. The entire process is completed in a single visit — no temporary fillings, no second appointment, no second injection.

Strength & durability

CEREC ceramic can withstand forces of up to 500 megapascals, making it significantly stronger than composite resin. With 95% proven long-term stability, CEREC inlays last up to 3 times longer than traditional fillings. This dramatically reduces your future need for root canals and crowns by preserving more tooth structure over your lifetime.

Biocompatibility & comfort

Ceramics are biocompatible and expand and contract with temperature changes at a rate similar to natural tooth enamel. This means little to no sensitivity to hot and cold — a common complaint with traditional fillings. There is no danger of mercury or other metals, and you'll never see unsightly black lines around your teeth.

Perfect aesthetics

With 17 tooth shades to choose from and the translucent quality of ceramic that allows light to pass through naturally, CEREC inlays are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. The computer-generated designs ensure perfect anatomical contours and contact points with neighbouring teeth.

One visit, complete restoration

Your CEREC appointment typically takes around 90 minutes. This includes numbing the tooth, removing the decay, taking the digital scan, designing and milling the restoration, and bonding it into place. You walk out with a permanent, precision-fitted ceramic restoration — no need to return for a second appointment as you would with a traditional lab-made inlay.

Aftercare

CEREC inlays require no special care beyond normal good oral hygiene — brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular check ups. The smooth ceramic surface resists staining and plaque accumulation better than composite fillings, making them easier to keep clean. You can eat and drink normally immediately after the appointment.