CAD/CAM
Wausau, WI
CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. In the context of dental care, it refers to a digital workflow that allows dentists to design and fabricate dental restorations, such as dental crowns, inlays, onlays, and dental veneers, using specialized software and milling equipment rather than traditional impression materials and off-site dental labs. The result is a more precise, efficient process that benefits both the dental team and the patients they serve. CAD/CAM systems have been in development since the 1980s, but advances in digital imaging, software accuracy, and milling precision have made them a practical and increasingly common tool in modern dental practices. For patients at Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry, the most visible change is simple: fewer appointments, less waiting, and restorations that fit accurately the first time. How the Process WorksThe CAD/CAM workflow begins with a digital scan of the patient's mouth. Instead of biting into impression trays filled with material, patients have a small handheld wand moved gently along the teeth and gums. This intraoral scanner captures thousands of data points per second, building a precise three-dimensional model of the tooth structure, surrounding teeth, and bite relationship. Once the scan is complete, the dentist uses specialized design software to plan the restoration. The software displays the digital model on a screen and allows the dentist to shape the restoration with accuracy that manual lab techniques cannot easily match. Every contour, margin, and contact point can be reviewed and adjusted before the restoration is ever fabricated. The design file is then sent to a milling unit, a compact machine that carves the restoration from a solid block of dental ceramic, composite resin, or other approved material. Milling is typically completed within 15 to 20 minutes. The restoration is then polished, adjusted for fit and bite, and bonded in place during the same appointment. Benefits for PatientsThe most immediate advantage for patients is convenience. Traditional crown fabrication requires two separate appointments, a temporary crown worn for one to two weeks while a lab produces the final restoration, and a follow-up visit for placement. CAD/CAM technology compresses that process into a single appointment in many cases. Beyond scheduling, patients benefit from several other improvements:
Benefits for Dentists and Their TeamsCAD/CAM technology also changes how dental practices operate. Eliminating the need to send physical impressions to an off-site lab removes a logistical step that has historically been a source of delays and retakes. When impression quality is poor or a lab requires a remake, patients wait longer and appointment scheduling becomes more complicated. Digital workflows reduce that exposure. For the dentist, designing a restoration on screen provides a level of control that traditional lab communication cannot replicate. The dentist can see the restoration in the context of the full digital model, evaluate the margins, and make adjustments before the milling process begins. This reduces the likelihood of a restoration requiring remakes or significant chairside adjustments after placement. CAD/CAM systems also support a broader range of restorative applications. Inlays and onlays, which require particularly precise margins, are excellent candidates for this technology. Some systems support the design and milling of implant-supported crowns, bridges, and even full-arch restorations. Materials Used in CAD/CAM RestorationsThe material library available for CAD/CAM milling has expanded considerably in recent years. Common options include:
The choice of material depends on the location of the restoration, the patient's bite, and the esthetic goals of the case. The dentist selects the appropriate block before milling begins and can discuss options with the patient as part of treatment planning. Is CAD/CAM Right for Every Patient?Most patients who need a crown, inlay, onlay, or veneer are candidates for CAD/CAM restorations. The technology is well-suited for patients who have difficulty tolerating traditional impressions, those with sensitive gag reflexes, and anyone whose schedule makes multiple long appointments difficult to manage. Complex cases involving multiple teeth, significant bite reconstruction, or full-arch implant rehabilitation may require additional planning and coordination beyond what a single same-day visit can accommodate. In those situations, the digital scanning and design components of the CAD/CAM workflow are still valuable, even if fabrication is completed through a specialized lab. Talk to Our Team About Same-Day Restorations
If you have a tooth that needs a crown or other restoration, ask about whether CAD/CAM technology is available at Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry. Our team can walk you through the process, explain your material options, and help you understand what to expect from start to finish. Call us at (715) 848-2435 to schedule a consultation or ask any questions you may have. |
