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CAD/CAM is an acronym for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing. Used for decades in the manufacturing industry to produce precision tools, parts and automobiles, CAD/CAM technology has been increasingly incorporated into dentistry over the past 20 years. Expertec has been designing CAD restorations for 5+ years.
As the materials and technology available for CAD/CAM dentistry have improved over the years, so too have the restorations that patients can receive from this form of digital dentistry. Today’s CAD/CAM restorations are better-fitting, more durable and more natural looking (multi-colored and translucent, similar to natural teeth) than previously machined restorations.
The CAD/CAM computer displays 3D custom image of the prepared tooth or teeth obtained by either scanning a traditional model obtained from conventional impression of the preparation or from a digital impression system.
Expertec technicians use those 3D images and CAD software to draw and design the final restoration. Once that restoration is designed, the crown, inlays, onlay, or bridge is milled in one of our four milling units. After milling, these restorations will be sintered in a specially designed oven to shrink and stabilize the material anywhere from 4 to 7 hours. The restoration is then customized with stains and glazes to create that natural look.
Benefits of CAD/CAM Dentistry
- Research suggests that today’s milled CAD/CAM restorations are stronger than those milled from earlier materials. They also are less likely to fracture.
- All of your doctor preference are in the CAD software including the amount of die spacer you prefer. You will no longer see the dies painted. It is now virtual die spacer.
- If you ask for a monolithic material, the crowns can be made model-less. Saving your office time and money.
