Trends in Indirect Dentistry: 8. CAD/CAM Technology

From Volume 32, Issue 10, December 2005 | Pages 566-572

Authors

WM Palin

BSc, PhD

Biomaterials, University Birmingham School of Dentistry, St Chad's Queensway, Birmingham B4 6NN, UK

Articles by WM Palin

FJT Burke

Primary Dental Care Research Group, University Birmingham School of Dentistry, St Chad's Queensway, Birmingham B4 6NN, UK

Articles by FJT Burke

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.

Article