What is dental cad/cam technology?

The term "CAD/CAM" in dental technology is currently used as a synonym for prostheses produced by "milling technology". This is not entirely true. CAD is an acronym for "Computer Aided Design" while CAM is an acronym for "Computer Aided Manufacturing". The term "CAD/CAM" does not provide any information about the manufacturing method.

All CAD/CAM systems consist of three components:

1. Digitizer/Scanner

Convert geometric figures into digital data that can be processed by a computer

2. Dataset software

Software that processes data and generates datasets for products to be manufactured based on applications

3. Production technology

Transform the dataset into production techniques for the desired product.

Dental CAD/CAM Production Concepts

Depending on the position of the CAD/CAM system components, three different production concepts are available in dentistry:

a) Immediate repair beside the chair

All components of the CAD/CAM system are located in the dental operation. The manufacture of dental restorations can thus be carried out at the chair without laboratory procedures. This digital instrument is an intraoral camera that replaces traditional impressions in most clinical situations. This saves time and again provides the patient with an indirectly fabricated restoration. Currently, only the CEREC system offers this possibility. Other manufacturers also plan to bring seat-based CAD/CAM systems to market.

1. Scan the mold with the mouth, the data is permanently saved, no impression is required, no silicone rubber mold is required, and the discomfort during the mold taking process is avoided.

2. Able to witness participation in digital model making and tooth shape design.

3. No need to make temporary restorations, no need for impression materials, full control of occlusion, abutment, and shape

4. It is easy for patients to accept, reduces the time of consultation and saves time and cost. After the mouth is scanned, the teeth are worn within 2 hours.

b) Laboratory production

This production method is equivalent to the traditional work sequence between the dentist and the laboratory. The dentist sends the impression to the lab where the master was first made. The rest of the CAD/CAM production steps are performed entirely in the laboratory. With the help of a scanner, three-dimensional data is generated on the basis of the master mold. These data are processed by dental design software. After CAD processing, the data is sent to special milling equipment, which produces the real geometry in the dental laboratory. Finally, the exact fit of the framework can be assessed and, if necessary, corrected against the master model. Ceramicists decorate the frame with powder layering or pressing techniques.

How does CAD/CAM dentistry work?

Before CAD/CAM, the process of obtaining crowns, implants and dentures involved various dental visits. Your dentist will make molds for your teeth and send them to a lab. There, a technician will make your new teeth for you.

The CAD/CAM process for making dental restorations is more efficient, taking as little as 45 minutes and up to a few hours. If your dentist is going to use CAD-CAM technology to create your dentures, you can expect the following:

l Preparation: During your appointment, your dentist will need to remove any cavities and make sure your teeth are clean and ready to receive restorations.

l Scan: Your dentist will use an intraoral scanner to create a 3D image of your mouth and teeth.

l Design: The dentist or staff will use these 3D images and CAD software to digitally plan, draw and design the restoration. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the dentist's experience and the complexity of the restoration.

l Milling: This is where digital smile design comes to life. Bridges, dentures, inlays, onlays, crowns, implants or veneers are ground from a single piece of ceramic material in a special grinding chamber.

l Customization: Your new teeth are customized to match your other teeth and use custom stains and enamels for a natural look.

l Firing: Just like pottery, your ceramic teeth will be fired in the oven.

l Final Adjustment: After firing, your dentist will sand the restoration to perfection and it is ready to be placed.

Components of CAD/CAM dental technology

Various tools and techniques are used in CAD/CAM dentistry:

1. Scanner: Also known as a digitizer, a scanner scans an image of your teeth and converts it into a computer for processing.

2. CAD software: used to process images of your teeth and plan your custom dentures. The software can also display your predicted treatment outcomes.

3. CAM Machine: This machine converts your dental scans into actual restorations through 3D printing.

How is CAD/CAM different from traditional dental restorations?

There are some key differences between CAD/CAM dentistry and traditional restoration, including the time and effort required by clinicians and patients.

We mentioned the CAD/CAM process above - now let's take a quick look at traditional dental restorations:

l Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth.

l This impression is sent to the laboratory.

l Lab technicians install impressions and make dental casts.

l Dentists use plaster to make crowns, veneers, and more.

l While the restoration is in progress, the patient will have a temporary restoration until the last tooth is complete.

It will take at least two to three appointments to complete the above steps. With CAD/CAM dentistry, there is no need for manual dental impressions, tedious lab work and multiple appointments. What's more, CAD/CAM results are more accurate and beautiful.

The benefits of computer-aided production.

CAD/CAM technology has started a new era in dentistry. The quality of dental prostheses has been significantly improved through standardized production processes. This enables very efficient quality management. On the one hand, it greatly increases productivity and transforms the dental laboratory from a manufacturer into a modern computerized production center. On the other hand, increased productivity has resulted in a competitive ability to produce dentures independently of the production site, which may be a major factor in high-wage countries maintaining business volumes in the country. CAD/CAM technology makes it possible to machine interesting new materials with high precision, such as high-performance ceramics and titanium.

Bloomden can provide you with timely cadcam technology and dental materials such as zirconia, peek, pmma, and wax. If you want it, contact us.