CAD/CAM Technology is an acronym for Computer-aided design and Computer-aided manufacturing. This technology have been using by the dentists and dental laboratories to provide a range of dental restorations like crowns, crown lays, onlays, inlays, veneers, bridges, dental restorations and orthodontic appliances.
Importance of CAD/CAM Technology
CAD/CAM Technology also supports dental implants that replace the missing teeth. The source of these dental restorations is typically from solid blocks of metal alloys and ceramic.
CAD/CAM restorations in this era are more durable, more natural-looking and better-fitting than previous machine restorations. This technology allows for more precise treatment planning and prosthetic design. This is most used in implant restorations and for creating full monolithic zirconia hybrids used in complete toothlessness.
Advantages of CAD/CAM Technology
- Starting from improved accuracy to shorter waiting periods for your appliances CAD/CAM Technology offers multiple benefits.
- According to the research, today’s milled CAD/CAM restorations are stronger than the previous milled materials.
- In CAD/CAM, you don’t need traditional impressions or temporary restoration. You will only require local anaesthetic once for any necessary tooth preparations.
- The systems in CAD/CAM dental labs can make a crown, onlay, inlay in a single appointment.
- CAD/CAM solutions are user-friendly and fit easily.
- CAD/CAM Technology uses sculpted porcelain that avoids the use of metal amalgam which is patient safety.
- These restorations provide shades that are closer to the patient’s natural enamel. Also, the quality of restorations produced by CAD/CAM Technology is wiser than traditional methods.
When you need to choose CAD/CAM Dentistry
The most noteworthy point out here is not every tooth will have a need for CAD/CAM Restoration. Your dentist will recommend the CAD/CAM restoration if needed based upon your condition. Depending on the type of restoration needed, your dentist may prefer conventional laboratory fabrication techniques.
Cost of CAD/CAM Restorations
All-ceramic restorations fabricated at the dental laboratory using CAD/CAM Technology are more expensive. Even though, the materials used for CAD/CAM restorations might cost more. However, the expense experienced by the dentist/dental laboratory may not be passed onto the patient. There is no extra cost for dental restoration in one visit.
NOTE: CAD/CAM Technology is not the replacement of a professional dentist or dental laboratory technician. Both dentists and laboratory technicians must be precise in creating initial tooth preparation and must be accurate while taking the digital impression.
The skill and accuracy in designing a restoration are very important because fitting the restoration is a critical thing to prevent future damage to the tooth. Because, an ill-fitted crown, inlay or onlay can leave the space between the tooth preparation and restoration which may lead to infection or disease.