What is CAD/CAM Dentistry and How Does it Work?

The use of CAD/CAM in dentistry has sparked a new era in personalised restorations that makes high-end cosmetic work accessible to smaller dental practices.  

The use of CAD/CAM in dentistry has increased steeply over recent years. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are powerful tools dentists can use to deliver high-quality dental restorations efficiently and with improved patient outcomes.

What is CAD/CAM dentistry?

CAD/CAM technology in dentistry is used to design and manufacture dental restorations, such as splints, crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, and onlays. It streamlines the traditional workflows by reducing the time and effort required to produce high-quality dental restorations.

The use of CAD/CAM in dentistry begins with a digital scan of the patient’s teeth and oral structures. The dentist uses an intraoral scanner to capture precise 3D images of the teeth and gums, which are used to create a digital model. Avant also accepts manual impressions, which we digitise in our state-of-the-art lab. 

This digital model is then sent to a dental lab that typically uses specialised CAD dental software to design the custom dental restoration. At Avant, highly-skilled lab technicians work with the dentist to modify the restoration’s shape, size, and fit to ensure a precise and accurate final product.

After the design is finalised and approved by the dentist, the CAD software sends the design to a CAM machine – such as a dental milling machine or 3D printer – that uses the information to manufacture the dental restoration from a block of suitable material like ceramic, resin, or metal.

Once the dental restoration is manufactured, it may undergo some additional finishing touches at the lab in order for the restoration to accurately match the patient’s natural teeth. 

What are the advantages of CAD/CAM in dentistry? 

There are numerous advantages of CAD/CAM in dentistry for both dental professionals and patients. It improves the quality of dental restorations, reduces treatment time, enhances patient comfort, and helps to increase the overall efficiency – and therefore profitability – of dental practices. 

Precision and accuracy: Digital scanning reduces the risk of errors and ensures a perfect fit for the restoration. Then CAD software enables Avant technicians to make precise adjustments to achieve optimal aesthetics and functionality.

Enhanced patient experience: Digital dentistry eliminates the use of traditional impression materials that can be quite uncomfortable for patients. CAD/CAM digital dentistry also streamlines the entire restoration workflow, and reduces appointment and waiting time for patients.

Superior aesthetics: CAD/CAM restorations can be highly customised to closely match the patient’s natural teeth. CAD software enables Avant technicians to precisely manipulate  shapes, sizes, and shades to create restorations that blend seamlessly with the patient’s smile. 

Improved efficiency: Digital scans can typically be completed faster than physical impressions, which means less chair time and shorter appointments per patient. CAD/CAM dentistry also drastically reduces the need for remakes – and associated expenses.

What are the key components of a CAD/CAM system used in dentistry?

A CAD/CAM system typically consists of several key components that work together to design and manufacture dental restorations. An intraoral scanner serves as the foundation of the CAD/CAM process, and CAD software allows Avant technicians to digitally design the dental restoration based on the intraoral scan. 

CAM software then takes the digital design created in the CAD software and generates instructions for the milling machine or 3D printer to manufacture the dental restoration. It determines the toolpaths and milling parameters necessary to fabricate the restoration accurately. Depending on the specific CAD/CAM system, the restoration is either milled from a solid block of material or 3D printed layer by layer. 

Materials are also a key component of CAD/CAM systems. The choice of material depends on factors such as the type of restoration needed, aesthetics, and the location in the mouth, but commonly include ceramics, composite resins, and metal alloys.

Shade matching tools may also be used as part of a CAD/CAM system, and many systems feature a library of pre-designed restoration templates for common dental procedures. These templates serve as a starting point for customisation and can save time for routine cases.

Finally, CAD/CAM systems often have in-built quality control tools to ensure the accuracy of the final restoration. This may include simulation features that allow the dentist or technician to preview the fit and occlusion of the restoration before manufacturing begins.