Abstract
Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) of indirect restorations became available to dentistry over ?5 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.