Making informed decisions about incorporating a CAD/CAM system into dental practice.
BACKGROUND
The authors drew from their clinical application and practice management experience to present a guide to incorporating into the dental practice computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology for creating dental restorations.


METHODS
The authors examine various factors in the purchase of CAD/CAM technology: clinical considerations and implications, practice and patient impact, and practical aspects of financial return. They also offer guidelines to and provide questions for dentists who may be considering a purchase of such technology.


CONCLUSIONS
CAD/CAM technology is a key component for a technologically current dental office.


CONCLUSIONS
Today's dental care consumer is more aware of his or her treatment options, and CAD/CAM technology may help the dentist meet such a patient's needs. With software improvement, attention to user-friendliness and positive clinical performance history, CAD/CAM systems are a significant stride forward into one-appointment esthetic dentistry.
Trost
Lori
L
Center for Contemporary Dentistry, Columbia, IL 62236, USA. trost@htc.net
Stines
Suzette
S
Burt
Lorri
L
D002516:Ceramics; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D003748:Dental Equipment; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans
C074543:Cerec