CAD/CAM dentistry involves several key steps in the design and fabrication of dental restorations using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technology. The major steps in CAD/CAM dentistry are as follows:
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Digital Impression (Scanning):
- The process begins with the acquisition of a digital impression of the patient's teeth or the area requiring a restoration.
- Intraoral scanners, which are handheld devices, are used to capture digital impressions. The scanner is moved throughout the patient's mouth to create a 3D digital model of the teeth.
- The digital impression eliminates the need for traditional physical impressions, which can be uncomfortable for patients.
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Computer-Aided Design (CAD):
- Once the digital impression is obtained, the next step is to design the dental restoration using CAD software.
- The dentist or dental technician uses CAD software to create a virtual model of the restoration, specifying its size, shape, and other characteristics.
- The CAD software provides tools for adjusting the restoration design to ensure proper fit and aesthetics.
- The final design is based on the patient's specific needs and anatomy, and it can be customized for a natural appearance and function.
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Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM):
- After the CAD design is complete, the digital data is transferred to a CAM system for the manufacturing of the restoration.
- The CAM system uses the CAD data to guide the fabrication process, which may involve milling or 3D printing.
- If milling is used, a milling machine precisely carves the restoration from a block of material (e.g., ceramic, zirconia) based on the CAD design.
- If 3D printing is used, a 3D printer creates the restoration layer by layer, following the CAD design.
- The final restoration is then polished and finished to ensure a high level of precision and esthetic quality.
These three major steps—digital impression, CAD design, and CAM manufacturing—allow for the creation of custom dental restorations with a high degree of precision and efficiency. The use of CAD/CAM technology in dentistry has revolutionized the way dental restorations are designed and fabricated, offering benefits such as improved accuracy, reduced processing time, and enhanced patient comfort.