Document Type : Original Article
Author
Department of Research and Development, UOP, USA
Abstract
Digital technologies have significantly transformed modern dentistry, enabling improved diagnostic capabilities, treatment planning, and restorative procedures. Among these innovations, Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology has emerged as one of the most influential advancements in digital dentistry. CAD/CAM systems allow clinicians to design and manufacture dental restorations with high precision, efficiency, and consistency. The integration of intraoral scanners, specialized design software, and milling or 3D printing devices has enabled dentists and dental laboratories to produce crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, onlays, implant abutments, and orthodontic appliances with enhanced accuracy and reduced treatment time. This study examines the current applications, benefits, and limitations of CAD/CAM technology in contemporary dental practice. A structured methodological approach used to analyze clinical outcomes, workflow efficiency, material performance, and patient satisfaction associated with CAD/CAM based restorations. Data were collected from clinical case analyses and published literature to evaluate the effectiveness of digital workflows compared with conventional techniques. The results demonstrate that CAD/CAM systems significantly improve restoration accuracy, reduce laboratory-processing time, and enhance patient comfort by minimizing the need for traditional impressions. Additionally, digital fabrication enables better reproducibility and standardization of dental prostheses. However, certain limitations remain, including high initial investment costs, technical learning curves, and material constraints in some clinical situations. Overall, CAD/CAM technology represents a fundamental shift toward digital dentistry and has the potential to revolutionize restorative and prosthetic treatments. Continued advancements in scanning accuracy, artificial intelligence integration, and biomaterial development expected to expand the clinical capabilities of CAD/CAM systems. Understanding these developments is essential for dental professionals seeking to optimize treatment outcomes and adopt modern digital workflows in dental practice.
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