Trends in indirect dentistry: 8. CAD/CAM technology.
Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) of indirect restorations became available to dentistry over 15 years ago, providing replication and digitization of the complex topography of tooth structure. There are now many applications, providing better mechanical properties, improved marginal integrity and enhanced aesthetics, compared with traditional indirect techniques. Whether a restoration is fabricated by traditional or modern computerized systems, three functional stages are required; data acquisition, design and manufacture. It is the purpose of this paper to describe the applications of CAD and CAM in contemporary indirect dentistry.


CONCLUSIONS
Reliable CAD/CAM techniques, some of which may reduce the number of patient visits, are now available for the production of a variety of ceramic restorations.
Palin
Will
W
Biomaterials, University Birmingham School of Dentistry, UK.
Burke
F J Trevor
FJ
D002516:Ceramics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods*; D003813:Dentistry / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans
D003764:Dental Materials; C074543:Cerec