Shaping Dentistry with CAD/CAM Technology
CAD/CAM technology has been used in manufacturing for many years. 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 fabricate precise shapes and sizes for dental restorations, including crowns, dental implant crowns and bridges.
Dentists use CAD/CAM technology to provide their patients with durable, well-fitted single and multiple tooth restorations in a more efficient manner than traditional lab-fabricated restorations. Another advantage of CAD/CAM technology is that it can allow a typical two-visit tooth restoration to be accomplished in one visit. In some cases this means a tooth restoration can be prepared and completed all in one day.
Dentists use CAD/CAM technology to design the anatomical features, size and shape of a tooth restoration on a computer. The CAD/CAM computer screen displays a 3-D custom image of your teeth and gums, allowing your dentist to draw the precise design of the tooth restoration. The CAD/CAM machine fabricates the restoration through a milling machine that crafts 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, is no need for a temporary restoration or a return visit to the office for a permanent restoration.
Previously, it has been difficult to offer high levels of tooth restoration strength without using metals, such as titanium or gold restorations. However, today's porcelain ceramics work very well in the milling machine, providing strength, durability, and a high aesthetic value. Furthermore, today's materials such as zirconium may be more “fracture resistant” than those of the past. Although CAD/CAM is an exciting technology, it is not necessarily applicable to all procedures requiring porcelain.
Be aware that not all dentists have experience with CAD/CAM technology. In fact, some dentists may find it difficult to imagine why a wax molded impression that fills every tooth crevice should be replaced by CAD/CAM technology.
On January 12, 2016, I went to Dr. deMan and Dr. Höediono ‘s Dentistry to receive my standard 9 month cleaning and to have 2 crowns installed. Like any other time, I have gone to this dental office I have found that upon entrance I am always greeted with a smile, professionalism and excellence. Reception is warm and thoughtful, the dental assistants are thorough and Dr. deMan and Dr. Höediono are constantly enhancing this experience with their knowledge and advance technology. On this date, I observed
Dr. Höediono use a CEREC computer to configure my teeth and then watched a machine create those teeth depicted on the computer all in 1 day. I was amazed at this process, as I had never seen anything like it before. My new porcelain teeth were installed to match my jaw alignment and the colour of my real teeth. I nor anyone else can tell the difference. The use of these tools grouped together with the staff have made my visits to Dr. deMan and Dr. Höediono ‘s Dentistry pleasant and the reason why I continue on as a client after all these years.Rae Ceres