What is CAD/CAM Dentistry and How Does it Benefit You?

CAD/CAM Dentistry (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) is a modern dental technology that enhances the design and creation of dental restorations, such as crowns, veneers, inlays, and bridges. It allows dentists to digitally scan a patient’s tooth, design a custom restoration, and manufacture it on-site using a milling machine—all within a single visit.

CAD/CAM technology streamlines the creation of dental restorations, often completing the process in under two hours. Here's a breakdown:

1. Digital Preview: Your dentist uses 3D scans to visualize and plan your treatment.

2. Tooth Preparation: The dentist cleans and prepares the tooth, removing any decay.

3. Digital Scanning: An intraoral scanner captures precise 3D images of your mouth.

4. Computer-Aided Design: Using CAD software, the dentist designs the restoration based on the scan.

5. Automated Milling: A milling machine crafts the restoration from a ceramic block.

6. Customization: The restoration is stained and glazed to match your natural teeth.

7. Firing: The ceramic restoration is hardened in a specialized oven.

8. Final Polishing and Placement: The dentist polishes the restoration and securely places it in your mouth.

Benefits of CAD/CAM Dentistry:

1. Same-Day Restorations – Traditional crowns and bridges require multiple visits; CAD/CAM can complete them in one appointment.

2. Precision and Accuracy – Digital impressions are more accurate than traditional molds, reducing errors and improving fit.

3. Comfortable Experience – Eliminates the need for messy impression materials.

4. Durability & Aesthetics – High-quality ceramic materials provide strong, natural-looking restorations.

5. Minimally Invasive – Preserves more of the natural tooth structure compared to traditional methods.

Overall, CAD/CAM dentistry enhances efficiency, convenience, and the quality of dental restorations for both patients and dentists.