Scan, design, fabrication, placement — all in-office, during the same appointment. In certain clearly defined cases, digital dentistry makes it possible to complete a full restoration in under 2h30, with no temporary and no second appointment.
This is not a marketing promise. It’s a precise clinical workflow that Dr Zerguine has been using daily at Dental Swiss Clinics since integrating CEREC in 2013.
What a truly complete digital workflow makes possible
The complete digital workflow is based on four steps carried out in the same session:
- High-precision intraoral scan — no impression paste, no discomfort
- Computer-aided design — Dr Zerguine designs the restoration himself
- Direct in-office fabrication — on-site ceramic milling
- Try-in, adjustments and final placement
No intermediate lab. No loss of information between the impression and the final piece. No additional appointment in the vast majority of cases.
When this approach is indicated
Not all treatments are compatible with this protocol. A clinical assessment is essential before deciding.
This approach is particularly well suited for:
- Crowns on natural teeth or on implants
- Ceramic inlays and onlays
- Certain aesthetic veneers
- Organized emergency situations — a broken or debonded crown with no active infection
It is not indicated when the situation requires biological temporization, multiple healing phases, or when the aesthetic requirements exceed what the technology can reliably reproduce.
Who this workflow is for
This approach is particularly useful for patients with limited availability, working professionals, patients coming from afar — French-speaking Switzerland or internationally — and anxious patients for whom reducing the number of visits is a decisive factor.
What it changes in practical terms
With the traditional lab protocol — at least two appointments, a week of waiting with a fragile temporary, and an intermediary between the impression and the final piece.
With the complete in-office digital workflow — a single session, no temporary, and a restoration designed and placed by the same clinician from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it reliable? Yes — when the indication is correctly established. With current protocols, CEREC restorations achieve fit margins on the order of 10 microns. This level of precision is documented in the scientific literature.
Is the quality comparable to traditional treatment? Yes, and in the vast majority of cases it is superior in terms of fit accuracy. For cases with very high aesthetic demands, a specialized lab remains an option discussed with the patient.
Can all dentists offer this approach? No — it requires full mastery of the digital workflow, dedicated equipment, and specific clinical experience. Dr Zerguine has been using CEREC since 2013.
How long does the appointment take? Generally under 2h30 for a single-unit restoration. The duration varies depending on the complexity of the case.