Dental CAD/CAM is a digital technology that simplifies the design and fabrication process of dental restorations (commonly used in porcelain crowns, veneers, or dental implants). This process includes three steps: 3D scanning of the oral cavity, design using software, and manufacturing using a milling machine or 3D printer.

This technology allows for the completion of porcelain crowns in a single appointment (60-90 minutes) instead of the previous multi-day waiting period.

CAD/CAM, IOS, and CBCT are no longer isolated technologies. The combination is often seen as an example below:

  1. Step 1 (Acquisition): The patient undergoes a CBCT scan to visualize the bone structure and an Intraoral Scan (IOS) to capture the dental impressions.
  2. Step 2 (Merging): Specialized CAD software “overlays” (superimposes) the IOS file onto the CBCT file. At this stage, the doctor can see exactly how the position of the tooth crown (from the IOS) aligns with the jawbone (from the CBCT).
  3. Step 3 (Planning – CAD): The doctor designs the implant placement to be both safe (avoiding nerves identified by the CBCT) and aesthetic (matching the tooth positions captured by the IOS).
  4. Step 4 (Manufacturing – CAM): The finalized data is sent to a milling machine to fabricate the porcelain crown or a surgical guide.