Application of CAD/CAM Technology in Dentistry

By Andrew Taylor

What is CAD/CAM?

• CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided

manufacturing) refers to computer software that is used to both

design and manufacture products.

• This technology first adopted to automotive industry and used to

design automobile bodies, but now it is spread to the other areas

of the industry and one of the major area is dentistry.

Uses of CAD/CAM in Dentistry

• It permits the dental restoration fabrication that includes inlays,

onlays, crowns, and bridges.

• It has also been used to make prosthetic, orthodontic appliances.

• It uses computerized engineering to give an incredibly precise

and realistic finish to a product which would be very difficult to

manufacture.

Contd…

• CAD/CAM dental technology allows dentist to take perfect measurements and images and design the product to be

manufactured in short span of time.

When to Choose CAD/CAM Dentistry?

Every tooth can be treated with a CAD/CAM

restoration. Your dentist will determine if a

CAD/CAM restoration is among the best

treatment options for your condition. Talk to

your dentist to see if it is best solution for

restoring your smile. With this new

technology you can get healthy, happy smile

in less time.

Features of CAD/CAM Dental Equipment

• CAD CAM dental equipment helps to save images on the computer for permanent treatment records.

• It acts as educative platform for those dentists, who struggled to explain the problem to their patient in clear manner.

• With the help of this tool, dentists can easily diagnose the exact problem of the patient.

Contd…

• This CAD/CAM software also helpful to keep a track of records

from the first day of treatment.

• Dentist can collect all the required information of the patient

with a single click on the computer.

• Patients also get printed images of the problem with the help of

this tool.

• It is useful to probe the hidden problems of your mouth with ease

in minimum time frame.

The Benefits of CAD/CAM Technology

• If the CAD/CAM equipment is readily available in the dental

office, your dentist does not to create a molded impression of

your teeth.

• With the introduction of this technology helps the technician to

mill high strength materials which provides strength aesthetics.

• A temporary restoration or a return visit to the dental office for a

permanent restoration is no longer required.

The Cost of CAD/CAM Technology

The cost of restoration fabricated with CAD/CAM technology depends on several factors which includes:

•The restoration type

•The cosmetic requirements

•The type of dental insurance you have

•The choice of material for the tooth replica

•The location of dental specialist

Conclusion

Now the CAD/CAM technology is core part of dentistry. All ceramic restorations including those fabricated using CAD/CAM technology tend to be expensive restoration solution but, research suggests that today’s milled CAD/CAM restorations are more stronger and tougher than those milled from earlier materials and are less likely to fracture. Hence day by day it is gaining more popularity.

References

• http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/cad-cam-tech/

• http://www.daltechsystems.com/

• http://ezinearticles.com/?Application-of-CAD/CAM-Technology-in-Dentistry&id=3654050

Thank you!!!