CAD/CAM Technology in Stuart

What is CAD/CAM Dentistry?

CAD/CAM is a process in dentistry and prosthodontics using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) to improve the design and creation of dental restorations, especially dental prostheses, including:

• crowns
• partial crowns (i.e. ¾ crowns)
• veneers
• inlays and onlays
• fixed bridges
• dental implant-supported crowns and bridges
• dentures (removable or fixed)
• orthodontic retainers

How Does CAD/CAM Technology Work?

Using this technology, we are able to create restorations right in our office. Below is an overview of 5 of the main steps.

1. The preparation. Certain steps often need to be taken to get ready for the restoration, such as making room for a dental bridge or shaping a tooth to hold a new crown. 

1. Taking digital impressions. This involves the use of a 3D intraoral scanner that takes digital impressions of your teeth, giving us the most incredible detail so that the future procedure can go smoothly. 

1. Designing the restoration. Using the digital impressions, the restoration will be created in our office. 

1. Milling. The process of creating your restoration, whether a crown, a bridge, veneer, or something else takes place in our office. 

1. The placement. Placing the restoration in your mouth is the final step. 

CAD/CAM complements earlier technologies used for fabrication of these restorations by any combination of:

• Increasing the speed of design and creation allowing same-day delivery
• Increasing the convenience or simplicity of the design, creation, and insertion processes
• Making possible restorations and appliances that otherwise would have been infeasible

CAD/CAM dentistry uses subtractive processes (such as CNC milling) and additive processes (such as 3D printing) to produce physical dental applications from 3D virtual models.