CAD/CAM Systems in Dentistry: A Simple Guide
What is CAD/CAM?
CAD/CAM means Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. It helps dentists make things for your teeth.
Think of it like this:
- The computer helps draw what your tooth needs
- Then a machine makes it
Dentists use CAD/CAM to make:
- Crowns (caps for teeth)
- Bridges (fake teeth to fill gaps)
- Dentures (fake teeth you can take out)
Dental Equipment has changed a lot! Now we have cool computers that help make teeth look better.
How CAD/CAM Works
Here are the steps:
- Scan your teeth with a small camera
- Make a 3D model on the computer
- Design what your tooth needs
- A machine cuts or prints the new tooth part
The tools dentists use:
Scanners
These take pictures of your teeth. They are called intraoral scanners. "Intra" means "inside" and "oral" means "mouth".
Two big scanner names:
- Trios
- iTero
No more yucky goop in your mouth to make models!
Computer Programs
These help dentists make designs:
- exocad
- 3Shape
Milling Machines
These cut the tooth parts from blocks:
- CEREC Primemill
- DWX Series
Materials
The stuff used to make your new teeth:
- Zirconia (very strong)
- Lithium disilicate (looks like real teeth)
- Hybrid ceramics (mix of materials)
Things CAD/CAM Can Make
CAD/CAM helps make many dental things:
Tooth Fixes
- Crowns (caps for broken teeth)
- Veneers (thin covers for front teeth)
- Inlays/onlays (fillings made outside your mouth)
A study found that 95% of CAD/CAM crowns last for 5 years or more without problems.
Implant Parts
- Custom abutments (posts that hold fake teeth)
- All-on-4 (full set of teeth on 4 posts)
Full Dentures
- Digital full-arch (all your teeth)
- Removable solutions (take out and put back in)
85% of people are happy with their digital dentures.
New Things Coming
- Braces parts
- Surgery guides (help put implants in right spot)
3D Dental Intraoral Scanner is one of the first steps in making all these things!
Why CAD/CAM is Better
Good for Dentists
- Faster work (make crowns in one day)
- Fewer mistakes (computers help get it right)
- 40% less time to design with new computer helpers
Good for You
- Fewer visits to the dentist
- No goop impressions that make you gag
- Pretty teeth that last long time
Look at this chart:
| Old Way | CAD/CAM Way |
|---|---|
| 2-3 visits | Often just 1 visit |
| Goopy molds | Digital scan |
| Wait weeks | Same-day possible |
| 0.1-0.3mm gaps | Only 0.05mm gaps |
The smaller the gap, the better the fit!
Top CAD/CAM Systems in 2024
In-Office Systems
These work right in your dentist's office:
- CEREC (by Dentsply Sirona)
- Planmeca FIT
Lab Systems
These work in dental labs:
- exocad (you can add parts as needed)
- 3Shape Dental System
Some systems are open (work with many machines) and some are closed (only work with their own machines).
Intraoral Camera helps dentists see your teeth better before using CAD/CAM!
Problems with CAD/CAM
Even good things have some problems:
- Costs a lot to buy the machines
- Hard to learn how to use some programs
- Some materials can break if not used right
But the good parts are better than the bad parts for most dentists.
The Future of CAD/CAM
Exciting things are coming!
AI Help
Computers that learn to make better teeth designs. They can find the edges of teeth 40% faster!
3D Printing vs. Milling
- Milling cuts away from a block
- 3D printing builds up layer by layer
Many dentists now use both ways!
Dental 3D LCD Printer is becoming more popular for making dental things.
Cloud Working
Dentists can work with tooth designers far away using the internet!
Facts About CAD/CAM
Did you know?
- The dental CAD/CAM market is worth $1.2 billion
- It will grow 9.8% each year until 2030
- 70% of dentists now use intraoral scanners
- Same-day crowns can be made in just 1-2 hours
- Zirconia CAD/CAM crowns have a 92% success rate after 10 years
Common Questions
Is CAD/CAM more expensive?
At first, yes. The machines cost a lot. But over time, it can save money because:
- Fewer visits needed
- Less materials wasted
- Fewer remakes needed
How long do CAD/CAM teeth last?
Studies show 95% success after 5 years. Many last 10 years or more!
Can CAD/CAM make full mouth teeth?
Yes! Today's systems can make full arches of teeth. The computers are very good now.
Does it hurt?
No! In fact, it often hurts less than old ways. No more goopy stuff that makes you gag.
Will insurance pay for it?
Most insurance plans pay the same amount for CAD/CAM crowns as regular crowns. Ask your dentist about your plan.
Why Dentists Love CAD/CAM
Dentists like CAD/CAM because:
- They can make things while you wait
- The fit is very good (0.05mm gaps vs. 0.1-0.3mm with old ways)
- Patients are happier
- They can do more cool things for your teeth
Summary
CAD/CAM has changed how dentists fix teeth. It uses computers and machines to make better tooth parts faster.
With intraoral scanning, same-day crowns, zirconia restorations, and digital dentures, your smile can be fixed better and faster than ever!
The future will bring even more cool things with AI and 3D printing to make your teeth look and work great!
