CAD/CAM technology has been used in the manufacturing industry for many years; in fact, CAD/CAM is an acronym that means computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing. Today, CAD/CAM technology is used in dentistry to help dentists and dental lab technicians create precise shapes and sizes for dental restoration, including inlays, onlays, crowns, and bridges. The goal is to offer more durable and better fitted single and multiple tooth restoration.
Another advantage of CAD/CAM technology is that it can allow a typical two-visit tooth restoration to be accomplished in one visit, provided that the dentist has the technology in the office.
CAD/CAM technology allows dentists and dental lab technicians to design the anatomical features, size, and shape of a tooth restoration on a computer. The CAD/CAM computer screen presents a 3-D custom image of your teeth and gums so your dentist can use a cursor to draw the precise design of the tooth restoration. Then, the computer develops the restoration through a milling chamber that cuts the tooth-like ceramic material into a precise replica of the drawing.
The Advantages of CAD/CAM Technology
One of the advantages of CAD/CAM technology is that, provided the CAD/CAM equipment is located in the dental office, your dentist does not need to create a molded impression of your teeth. Secondly, there may be no need for a temporary restoration or a return visit to the office for a permanent restoration. If the technology is not located at the dental office but rather at a dental lab, then a two-visit restoration is necessary.
Because CAD/CAM technology is highly precise, it may enhance the quality of the impression and complement the dentist's or lab technician's skill. But CAD/CAM technology does not replace the dentist or dental lab technician, who must be accurate in creating the initial impression. For example, a high skill level is crucial in creating and fitting crowns. An ill-fitted crown can leave space between the teeth, which may be problematic in two ways: 1) increased risk of infection or disease because debris may lodge in the open space and 2) increased risk of teeth shifting because of the open space.
In years past, it has been difficult to offer high levels of tooth restoration strength without using metals, such as in an amalgam dental filling or a gold restoration. Today's porcelain ceramics work very well in the milling chamber. Furthermore, today's materials such as zirconia may be more "fracture resistant" than those of the past. Although this is exciting new technology CAD/CAM is not necessarily applicable to all procedures requiring porcelain.
Be aware that not all dentists have experience with CAD/CAM technology. In fact, it may be difficult to imagine how a wax molded impression that fills every tooth crevice may be replaced by CAD/CAM technology.
The Cost of CAD/CAM Technology
The ultimate cost of a restoration with CAD/CAM technology depends on several factors, including the type of restoration, the material choice for the tooth replica, the focus of the dentist, cosmetic requirements, the location of the dentist, and the type of dental insurance you have.
Dentists who use CAD/CAM technology in the office must make a significant investment in the CAD/CAM equipment; this factor may drive the procedure costs up. But CAD/CAM used in a dental lab does not require an investment on the part of the dentist. The materials used in CAD/CAM restorations may also be more costly than traditional materials.
The use of CAD/CAM technology does not mean that procedure costs will rise. For average costs of tooth restorations such as inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, and single and multiple tooth restorations, please visit those procedure pages on this website.
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