CAD-CAM-CNC technology revolutionizes dentistry. Design (CAD), manufacturing (CAM), and computer numerical control (CNC) are integrated, enabling precise and rapid fabrication of restorations. From crowns and bridges to implants, CAD-CAM-CNC technology delivers high accuracy, excellent aesthetics, and superior durability, optimizing the treatment experience for patients.
What is CAD/CAM/CNC Technology?
What is CAD/CAM/CNC technology? It stands for Computer-Aided Design, Computer-Aided Manufacturing, and Computer Numerical Control – which are design and manufacturing techniques performed with the support of computer technology. This technology enables the creation of products with precise dimensions and high durability, ensuring consistency in every detail. With its outstanding advantages, CAD/CAM/CNC is currently applied in many fields, especially aesthetic dentistry.
In modern dentistry, computers record information about tooth surfaces, bone structures, and the patient’s bite, then proceed to analyze this data. Subsequently, the virtual model design engineering system processes the technical parameters to create an accurate simulation.
The virtual model replaces manual wax-ups – a significant advancement over traditional dental techniques, helping to shorten treatment time and increase accuracy. Thanks to the application of CAD/CAM/CNC technology, technicians create prosthetics with excellent quality and precise dimensions that closely match the actual structure of each patient.
After the design process, the dental model is sent to the lab, where technicians proceed to fabricate replacement prosthetics, providing optimal aesthetic results and restoring chewing function.
CAD/CAM/CNC technology is not merely technical support; it is also a tool that elevates the quality of dental treatment, fostering patient confidence and precision in every restorative procedure.
CAD/CAM/CNC Technology
Advantages of CAD/CAM/CNC Technology in Modern Dentistry
In the field of dentistry, dental restoration is a complex technique requiring almost absolute precision. Previously, manual dental restorations faced many difficulties, from dimensional inaccuracies to misalignment with natural teeth. However, with the advent of CAD/CAM/CNC technology, these obstacles have been effectively resolved.
Ensures the Most Precise Dental Restorations
CAD/CAM/CNC technology utilizes high-precision software to create restorations such as inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns, and bridges. Compared to manual restorations, this method provides a higher degree of fit between teeth and increases compatibility with the jaw and surrounding natural teeth. Thanks to machine-driven operations and pre-set algorithms, errors are minimized, ensuring products with precise dimensions and almost absolute accuracy.
Fast Bridge Design, Optimized Efficiency
CAD/CAM/CNC also excels in its ability to create Zirconia dental bridge frameworks for up to 10 units, with each unit taking an average of just 15 minutes. This significantly reduces time compared to manual restoration methods, while also enhancing efficiency for aesthetic dental clinics and large maxillofacial hospitals. The use of software saves time and costs, not only increasing economic benefits but also providing greater convenience for patients.
Delivers Superior Dental Aesthetic Value
Unlike traditional methods, which can easily lead to errors resulting in products that don’t fit the mouth, CAD/CAM/CNC significantly improves this. From streamlined design operations to precise fabrication processes, everything is optimized by technology. As a result, the final products boast high aesthetics, natural color, and durability up to 5 times that of natural teeth, giving users complete peace of mind when choosing this modern restoration method.
Applications of CAD CAM CNC Technology in Modern Dentistry
CAD CAM CNC technology is increasingly used in dentistry due to its high precision and superior aesthetic restoration capabilities. This technology is particularly suitable for cases involving:
Severely decayed teeth with large cavities that cannot be filled, requiring porcelain crowns to preserve the remaining tooth structure.
Teeth discolored by antibiotics, damaged enamel, or severe yellowing that cannot be whitened using conventional light technology.
Protruding teeth, misaligned teeth, or chipped teeth requiring aesthetic restoration to improve function and appearance.
Broken teeth, missing teeth, or completely damaged teeth requiring replacement with high-precision porcelain crowns.
The Procedure for Porcelain Crowns Using CAD/CAM/CNC Technology is Professionally Performed
Step 1: Preparation
Take pre-aesthetic dental photos to assess the initial condition.
Take direct impressions or use a digital scanner to measure tooth dimensions with high accuracy.
Save the scanned tooth images, then transfer the data to the lab for design.
Step 2: Designing Porcelain Crowns Using Specialized Software
The scanned jaw and tooth models are sent to the lab, where technicians examine them and input them into specialized software.
Dental restorations are designed on the computer, simulating precise shape, color, and occlusion.
Step 3: Manufacturing the Product Using CAD/CAM/CNC Technology
Select appropriate materials that meet the requirements for tooth color and shape.
The material is fed into the milling machine and shaped into a porcelain crown according to the design.
The porcelain crown is sintered to harden it, ensuring durability before becoming a finished product.
Step 4: Porcelain Crown Restoration
Thanks to modern technology, porcelain crown restoration does not require much trial and adjustment time.
The porcelain crown is precisely manufactured to the size of the dental arch; the dentist only needs to fit the crown onto the natural tooth and perform a final overall check before completion.
Designing porcelain crowns using specialized software
Currently, only a few quality clinics and hospitals are equipped to provide aesthetic dental products using this technology. Therefore, users should thoroughly research and consult before choosing a suitable aesthetic dental facility.
Besides dentistry, CAD/CAM/CNC technology is also applied in many other fields such as:
It can be seen that CAD CAM CNC technology is an important modern technique in porcelain dental restoration, helping to shorten treatment time and enhance accuracy and aesthetics. This is an optimal solution that brings bright smiles and confidence to users, while ensuring safety and long-term effectiveness.
