CAD\CAM Crowns

Almost everyone appreciates modern technology. It makes the world a significantly easier place to live; with advanced information applied to everything from coffee makers to computers. Great strides have been made in many computer aided technologies as well, and one of the most beneficial is the CAD\CAM technology. This translates to computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing and is used by industries as diverse as auto manufacturers and toy makers. Basically the computer aided design program will feed data and information into some sort of manufacturing or milling machine which then creates an item to the operator’s specifications.

Today, dentists are putting CAD\CAM to work in the manufacturing of restorative items such as crowns, inlays, onlays, bridges and other items. The equipment will generally rely strictly on a ceramic material that creates a seamless and flawless product which fits perfectly into a patient’s mouth. Usually many restorative dental items would require a patient to make two or more visits to their dentist or oral surgeon. This is because they would need to have a mold of the tooth or area in question made from which a custom crown or other restorative would be prepared.With CAD\CAM technology in an office, the dentist can take the appropriate images and measurements and design the item to be manufactured in only a few short minutes. From there it can be immediately fitted without the patient being required to wear a temporary item for a week or more while they wait for the new one to be manufactured. Temporary fittings on such items as crowns can leave the area exposed to potential irritation, bacterial accumulation and infection. This situation could allow a patient to return to have their permanent crown fitted, only to have it placed improperly due to swollen gums or irritated soft tissue.

With the use of CAD\CAM equipment the tooth could be prepared and the custom crown fitted in a single visit, sparing the patient any potential discomfort or risk of infection. Additionally, many restorative dental items are still made of a mixture of metals, amalgam, gold and other materials. The CAD\CAM equipment relies strictly on durable and natural looking porcelain which is now able to withstand a great deal more wear and tear thanks to the incorporation of zirconia into the compound. It must be understood however that not all dentists are willing, or able, to afford the costly equipment required of the technology. This may mean a person interested in having some dental restoration done with CAD\CAM equipment may have to use a new dentist or oral surgeon for the procedures. There will also be costs passed on to patients as well since the materials used in the process are a bit more costly than traditional processes, and the initial investment in the technology will probably require the dental professional to charge a bit more for such services.

If, however, a patient is interested in immediate restorative placement and if they are looking for a significantly more natural looking crown, inlay, onlay, veneer, bridge or other item they may want to explore the exciting technology behind CAD\CAM.