CAD/CAM dentistry for creative minds

What is CAD/CAM dentistry and how does it work?

CAD/CAM dentistry integrates Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) to enhance and expedite dental treatments. This technology streamlines the creation of dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, and bridges. CAD/CAM differs from traditional dentistry by utilising a selection of digital tools to craft indirect restorations in a fraction of the time.

The process starts with capturing a digital impression of the patient’s mouth. This can be done directly with an intraoral scanner or by digitising a gypsum model using a dental desktop scanner. The digital model of the teeth is then used in CAD software to design the restoration. The CAM system takes over to manufacture the restoration from a block of ceramic or other materials, or through 3D printing, ready to be fitted in the patient’s mouth often in the same visit.

CAD/CAM dentistry is commonly referred to as chairside dentistry, as most of the work is done directly in the dental clinic, next to the patient chair. The patient typically remains in the dental chair throughout the process, allowing the treatment to be completed in a single appointment, especially when an intraoral scanner is used for capturing digital impressions. This approach is much faster than traditional methods, which usually require a second or multiple subsequent visits.

What does CAD/CAM dentistry consist of?

On a general level, CAD/CAM dentistry consists of three primary components: scanning, designing, and manufacturing. They work together to transform digital impressions into physical dental restorations. This process marks a significant advancement in dental technology, as it provides a seamless and efficient approach to creating high-quality dental prosthetics.

The first component is the digital scanning process. It involves using an intraoral scanner to capture accurate 3D images of the patient’s mouth. These digital impressions replace traditional dental impressions by offering a faster and more comfortable experience for patients.

Secondly, the created digital model is used to design a dental restoration. This phase utilises CAD software, which the dentist or a dental technician uses to design the restoration with precision. This software allows for adjustments in size, shape, and fit – ensuring the final product is customised perfectly to the patient’s specific needs.

Finally, the manufacturing phase employs CAM technology to bring the digital design to life. Using a milling unit or 3D printer, the dental restoration is manufactured from photopolymer resin, a block of ceramic, or other suitable material.

Through the integration of these three components – scanning, designing, and manufacturing – CAD/CAM dentistry provides an innovative solution that enhances efficiency and aesthetic outcomes. It has revolutionised patient care by ensuring a level of precision and customisation that traditional methods cannot match.

Is CAD/CAM dentistry difficult to learn?

CAD/CAM dentistry is designed to be accessible for dental professionals, regardless of their prior experience with digital technology. While there is an initial learning curve, anyone can master CAD/CAM technologies with a combination of dedication and the right training.

Scanning, designing, and manufacturing all play a crucial role in the process, but not every treatment team member needs to master all technologies. At many clinics, tasks are divided among team members based on their interest or expertise. For instance, one team member might specialise in intraoral scanning, while another focuses on designing. The manufacturing process is largely automated once the design is finalised and requires minimal manual intervention.

Overall, integrating CAD/CAM technology into a clinic does require an investment in learning and adaptation, but the modular nature of the process and the availability of training resources make it manageable for any dental professional. Over time, users typically find that the efficiency, precision, and patient satisfaction afforded by CAD/CAM dentistry well justify the initial effort to learn the system.

What training and support are available for dental professionals new to CAD/CAM dentistry?

For dental professionals venturing into CAD/CAM dentistry, a range of training and support options are available to ensure a smooth transition and successful integration. These resources are designed to cater to varying levels of expertise – from beginners to those looking to deepen their knowledge.

Training: There are comprehensive training programmes that cover both the theoretical and practical aspects of CAD/CAM dentistry. These trainings not only teach the technical skills needed to use the technologies effectively but also offer insights into best practices.

Education: Courses offered by dental associations, universities, and professional training organisations are another valuable resource. These courses are tailored to keep dental professionals up to date with the latest advancements in CAD/CAM technology, materials, and techniques.

Online resources: A wealth of online resources is available to support ongoing learning and problem-solving. Manufacturers' websites, online forums, and social media groups dedicated to CAD/CAM dentistry can provide answers to specific questions, offer troubleshooting tips, and facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences among users.

With these comprehensive training and support structures in place, dental professionals can confidently adopt CAD/CAM technology, knowing they have the resources to master the system and leverage it to enhance their clinic and patient care.

What types of dental restorations can be made with CAD/CAM dentistry?

CAD/CAM dentistry has revolutionised the creation of dental restorations, as it offers the ability to produce a wide variety of high-quality prosthetics with precision and efficiency.

Crowns: CAD/CAM technology allows to produce custom-fitted crowns that cover the entire surface of a tooth and restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from ceramic or composite materials that closely match the natural colour of teeth.

Veneers: Thin shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth, improving their aesthetic appearance. CAD/CAM veneers are precisely crafted to fit the patient's teeth, enhancing their shape, colour, and overall smile.

Inlays and onlays: These restorations are used to repair decay or damage without replacing the entire tooth surface. An inlay fits within the cavity of a tooth without covering the cusps, while an onlay extends to cover one or more cusps. They can be made with unparalleled accuracy, ensuring a perfect fit and long-lasting solution.

Bridges: To replace one or more missing teeth, fixed bridges are supported by adjacent teeth or implants. CAD/CAM technology ensures these bridges are accurately made, providing a functional and aesthetic solution to tooth loss.

Implant restorations: Custom abutments and even some types of implant crowns can be fabricated using CAD/CAM, offering a personalised fit and natural look.

How does CAD/CAM dentistry improve patient experiences?

CAD/CAM dentistry significantly enhances patient experiences in dental care through its innovative use of technology. It offers a multitude of improvements over traditional dental procedures. Here are some of the most important ways CAD/CAM technology benefits patients.

Reduced treatment time: One of the most notable advantages of CAD/CAM dentistry is the ability to complete dental restorations in a single appointment. This efficiency allows for significant time savings, as it eliminates the need for multiple visits.

Increased comfort: Utilising an intraoral scanner to create a 3D model of the patient's mouth eliminates the need for traditional impression materials that can be slow, messy, and uncomfortable. Digital impressions can also be more accurate than traditional methods.

Improved precision and fit: The accuracy of CAD/CAM technology in designing and manufacturing dental restorations ensures a better fit, reducing the need for adjustments and remakes. This precision not only contributes to the longevity of the restorations but also to the comfort and satisfaction of the patient.

High-quality materials: CAD/CAM dentistry utilises advanced materials that are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and more closely mimic the natural properties of tooth enamel. These materials can lead to stronger, longer-lasting restorations that look and feel natural in the patient's mouth.

Better aesthetic results: The ability to precisely match the color and shape of natural teeth with CAD/CAM restorations enhances the cosmetic outcome. Patients benefit from restorations that blend seamlessly with their existing teeth, boosting confidence and satisfaction with their smiles.

Minimised dental anxiety: For patients who experience anxiety about dental visits, the speed, efficiency, and comfort of CAD/CAM procedures can make dental care a less stressful experience.

By offering quicker, more comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing solutions, CAD/CAM dentistry not only addresses the functional needs of patients but also significantly improves their overall experience and satisfaction with dental care.

How does investing in CAD/CAM dentistry improve cost-effectiveness for dental clinics?

While CAD/CAM dentistry is a significant investment and commitment for dental clinics, it generally proves to be highly cost-effective over the long term. This is due to several factors that enhance operational efficiency, expand treatment capabilities, and improve patient satisfaction.

CAD/CAM technology dramatically increases productivity. With more efficient treatments, clinics can save significant time, offer more appointments, and ultimately boost revenue.

The ability to fabricate dental restorations in-house can also lead to a substantial reduction in external fees, such as laboratory fees and shipping costs. Over time, these savings can help offset the initial costs of the CAD/CAM system.

Additionally, clinics can gain a competitive edge by offering cutting-edge, same-day dental restoration services, which help attract more patients and enhance their loyalty. Happy patients are more likely to refer others, further expanding the clinic's patient base.

CAD/CAM dentistry also allows for more precise control over material usage, which helps minimise waste. The high quality and durability of CAD/CAM materials allows clinics to reduce the frequency of restoration failures and replacements.

The cumulative effect of all these advantages – increased operational and material efficiency, cost savings on materials and shipping, greater in-house reliance, enhanced patient satisfaction, and competitive differentiation – make CAD/CAM a strategically sound investment for clinics prepared to embrace innovation and the future of dentistry.

Does CAD/CAM dentistry have other benefits?

While the core benefits of CAD/CAM dentistry (such as efficiency, patient comfort, and restoration quality) are often the primary focus, there are additional advantages that underscore the technology's broader impact on the dental field.

Expanded treatment options: CAD/CAM dentistry enables clinics to offer a wider range of treatment options with advanced materials. This includes the ability to provide aesthetically superior and more durable restorations that might not be feasible or as efficiently produced with traditional methods.

Digital record keeping: The use of digital impressions and designs enhances record-keeping and simplifies information sharing between dental professionals. Digital records can be easily stored, organised, and accessed, which improves the continuity of care and communication within multi-disciplinary treatment teams.

Environmental sustainability: By minimising material waste and eliminating the need for physical models and molds for every restoration, CAD/CAM dentistry is a more environmentally sustainable practice. The reduction in waste contributes to a smaller ecological footprint for dental clinics.

Enhanced educational tools: The digital and visual nature of CAD/CAM processes serves as an excellent educational tool for patients. Clinicians can use the detailed images and models to better explain treatment plans and outcomes, leading to increased patient understanding and satisfaction.

Inspiring approach to daily work: Going digital can be highly motivating for dental professionals, offering new and innovative ways to work. With CAD/CAM technology, dentists have control over the entire restorative process from design to final product, which not only streamlines workflows but also allows for greater customisation and immediate adjustments. The flexibility of CAD/CAM systems empowers practitioners to experiment with new techniques and materials, ultimately elevating the quality of care and patient satisfaction.

Research and customisation opportunities: CAD/CAM technology opens avenues for research into new dental materials and techniques, fostering innovation within the field. It also allows for greater customisation of restorations to meet specific patient needs or preferences.

How does CAD/CAM dentistry compare with traditional methods?

CAD/CAM dentistry represents a significant advancement over traditional dental restoration methods, as it introduces efficiencies and improvements at various stages of the treatment process. Here is how CAD/CAM technology compares to traditional methods:

Efficiency and time savings: Traditional restoration methods typically require multiple appointments over several weeks. CAD/CAM technology streamlines this process, as it offers a much faster turnaround – with restorations designed and fabricated as quick as a single visit.

Accuracy and fit: Digital impressions used in CAD/CAM dentistry are highly accurate, reducing the margin of error associated with manual impressions used in traditional methods. This precision leads to restorations that fit better and require less adjustment.

Material quality and aesthetics: CAD/CAM technology utilises durable, high-quality materials that can be closely matched to the natural colour of the patient's teeth. Adjustments can be made quickly and with precise control allowing restorations to blend seamlessly with the patient’s natural dentition. While traditional methods also offer a variety of materials, they cannot match the superior aesthetics and strength as chairside restorations.

Patient comfort and experience: Digital scanning technologies used in CAD/CAM dentistry are less invasive and more comfortable for patients than traditional dental impression materials, which can be unpleasant and trigger gag reflexes.

Customisation and conservation: CAD/CAM dentistry enables a higher level of customisation for dental restorations. This helps clinicians preserve as much of the patient’s natural tooth structure as possible.

Flexibility and freedom: CAD/CAM gives dentists greater control over each step of the workflow, even allowing them to choose whether to collaborate with an external partner or manage the entire process in-house. For example, with complex cases, dentists can simply send digital files to a lab, where specialized technicians handle the intricate details. This enables dentists to tailor workflows according to their preferences and expertise.

Does CAD/CAM dentistry replace traditional methods?

CAD/CAM dentistry complements rather than replaces traditional methods. While digital technologies streamline certain steps, the expertise and craftsmanship of dental professionals remain essential. Procedures like tooth preparation and restoration design still rely on the clinician’s skill.

By combining traditional techniques with CAD/CAM technology, dentists can achieve a balanced approach that maximises the strengths of both methods. CAD/CAM accelerates the production of restorations, but traditional methods are critical at various stages to ensure optimal fit and function. For instance, the dentist prepares the tooth for the restoration, designs a visually appealing restoration and selects appropriate materials for the best outcome. Manual adjustments during fitting and finishing are vital to ensure a perfect result tailored to the patient.

In more complex cases, CAD/CAM technology supports collaboration with external partners, such as dental laboratories and technicians. Digital impressions and designs can be easily sent to lab technicians for detailed customisation, such as crafting custom abutments. This flexibility allows dentists to adapt their workflow based on the complexity of each case.

While CAD/CAM can reduce the number of visits required by enabling single-visit treatments, traditional methods still provide essential customisation and fine-tuning. By integrating both approaches, dental practices can maintain high standards of craftsmanship while offering faster, more efficient care for patients.