About CAD CAM Technology

How does CAD/CAM technology improve the accuracy and precision of dental restorations? 

CAD/CAM technology significantly improves the accuracy and precision of dental restorations through several key mechanisms. These include:

Digital scanning: This process eliminates the need for traditional dental impressions, which can be prone to distortion and inaccuracies. The digital scan captures the exact 3D shape and contours of the patient’s teeth, and provides a highly accurate and detailed representation of the oral anatomy.

Precise measurements: The digital scan also allows for precise measurements of the teeth and surrounding structures. This level of accuracy enables the CAD software to create dental restorations that fit perfectly within the patient’s mouth, and minimise any gaps or inaccuracies that might occur with conventional impression-based techniques.

Digital occlusion analysis: Some CAD/CAM software includes occlusion analysis tools that simulate how the restoration will interact with the patient’s opposing teeth during biting and chewing. This helps identify any potential interferences or occlusal issues before manufacturing, and contributes to a more accurate final result.

Collaborative design process: The digital nature of CAD/CAM allows for a collaborative design process between the dentist and Avant lab technicians. Dentists can easily make adjustments to the restoration design in our virtual lab before finalising it for manufacturing. This ability to fine-tune the design ensures that the end product meets the patient’s specific needs and aesthetic preferences.

Consistency in reproduction: With CAD/CAM technology, once a successful restoration design is achieved, it can be precisely reproduced every time it is needed. This ensures that each product matches the original design accurately, which can be particularly useful for manufacturing replacement splints and retainers. 

What level of training or expertise is required for dental staff to operate CAD/CAM systems?

Training for CAD/CAM digital dentistry systems is typically provided by the manufacturer of the equipment or through third-party training programs. These training programs often cover various aspects of the CAD/CAM workflow, including hardware operation, software utilisation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and best practices for achieving high-quality restorations.

However, the level of training and expertise required for dental staff to operate CAD/CAM systems can vary depending on the complexity of the system and the specific tasks they need to perform. Generally, there are different roles within the dental team involved in CAD/CAM dentistry, each requiring different levels of training. These include:

Dentists: Dentists are typically responsible for treatment planning, and determining the need for dental restorations. They need a comprehensive understanding of dental anatomy, restorative materials, occlusion, and digital design principles. Avant technicians have training on the specific CAD software, which takes the technical CAD knowledge burden off dentists. 

Dental assistants: Dental assistants play a crucial role in the CAD/CAM workflow. They may assist in capturing digital impressions using intraoral scanners and may help with the initial setup and calibration of the equipment. Dental assistants usually receive specific training from manufacturers or through continuing education courses.

Dental technicians: Avant’s dental technicians are responsible for the design and fabrication of the dental restorations based on the digital scan provided by the dentist or dental assistant. We have developed a deep understanding of dental materials, milling and 3D printing technology, and use specialised CAM software. 

Front office staff: Front office staff may not directly operate the CAD/CAM systems, but they need to understand the workflow and scheduling processes related to CAD/CAM digital dentistry. They play a role in coordinating appointments, managing patient records, and communicating with patients about the benefits of CAD/CAM technology in dentistry.

Can CAD/CAM systems integrate with existing dental software and equipment?

Absolutely. Many modern CAD/CAM systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing dental software and equipment. Integration is essential to ensure a smooth workflow and efficient communication between different components of the dental practice or lab.

CAD/CAM systems can obviously integrate with intraoral scanners to seamlessly upload scans to the CAD software for design. But CAD/CAM systems can also often integrate with the dental practice’s existing digital imaging and patient records software. Having all patient data in one place streamlines the treatment planning process and enhances the overall patient experience.

Some CAD/CAM systems can even integrate with practice management software. This integration streamlines case tracking, scheduling, and communication between the dental practice and its patients. 

Additionally, some advanced CAD/CAM systems offer integration with billing and inventory management software, which allows automated invoicing and tracking of materials used in the manufacturing process.

Manufacturers often provide information on compatible software and equipment, and in some cases, may offer software development kits (SDKs) or APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for more extensive custom integration.