A CAD/CAM prosthesis is a digital method of prosthetics in which a crown, bridge or veneer is designed with the help of a computer (CAD) and milled from blocks on a special milling machine (CAM). Whereas in the classic method a prosthesis is made by hand, step by step in a laboratory, with CAD/CAM a digital impression of the tooth is taken, the prosthesis is designed on screen and it is manufactured automatically from ceramic or zirconia blocks by milling. In this guide we explain in plain language what a CAD/CAM prosthesis is, how it is made, what types there are, its advantages, and when a “same-day restoration” is possible.
What is a CAD/CAM prosthesis?
CAD/CAM is an abbreviation of two stages: CAD (Computer-Aided Design) — digital design on a computer, CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) — computer-controlled manufacturing. So a CAD/CAM prosthesis is a digital prosthetic system that turns a copy of the tooth into a digital 3D model, designs the prosthesis on screen, and then makes it automatically on a milling machine (or a 3D printer). Because they are milled from a block, these prostheses are often also called “milled restorations.” The result may be a crown, bridge, veneer, inlay/onlay or an implant-supported prosthesis. With systems installed in the clinic itself, some work can be made in a single visit without sending it to a laboratory.
How is a CAD/CAM prosthesis made?
The process begins with a digital impression and consists of four main steps. First the dentist takes a digital impression of the tooth with an intraoral scanner, or a laboratory model is scanned. Then, based on this 3D model, the prosthesis is designed in special software — the shape, size and bite are refined on the computer. When the design is ready, the file is sent to the milling machine and the prosthesis is milled from a ceramic, zirconia or composite block; in some cases 3D printing may be used instead. In the final step the prosthesis is polished, coloured (glazed), fired if needed, checked in the mouth and seated in place.
The CAD/CAM workflow: four steps
1. Digital impression
An intraoral scanner takes a digital 3D impression of the tooth.
2. CAD design
The prosthesis is designed on a computer — shape, size and bite.
3. CAM milling
The design is sent to the machine; the prosthesis is milled from a block.
4. Finished restoration
The prosthesis is polished, coloured and seated in the mouth.
Types of CAD/CAM prostheses
CAD/CAM technology is used for many types of prosthesis:
- Crown — a full cap over a damaged or root-treated tooth.
- Bridge — a connected structure that replaces one or more missing teeth.
- Veneer and inlays/onlays — a digital restoration of the front surface or a part of the tooth.
- Implant-supported prosthesis — a custom abutment and crown/bridge made for an implant.
- Zirconia and ceramic work — milled restorations from aesthetic and durable materials.
Advantages of a CAD/CAM prosthesis
Digital prosthetics offers a number of potential advantages:
- Speed: because many stages are digitised, the fabrication time can be shorter, and in suitable cases the prosthesis can be completed in fewer visits.
- Precision: digital design and automated milling can improve the fit and reduce human error.
- Aesthetics: modern ceramic and zirconia blocks can give an aesthetic result close to the natural tooth colour.
- Comfort: a digital impression reduces the need for traditional putty, which can be more comfortable for patients with a gag reflex.
- Digital archive: the design is stored as a file and can be used in the future for re-manufacturing or planning.
Is a same-day restoration possible? Who is it for?
If a CAD/CAM milling machine is installed in the clinic, some work — for example a single crown or a small restoration — can in suitable cases be made in a single visit; this is often called a “same-day restoration.” Nevertheless, this is not guaranteed for every case: a bridge, an implant-supported prosthesis, a full arch or aesthetically complex work may require an extra stage, a laboratory or several visits. The choice of material (ceramic, zirconia), the state of the bite and gums, and the scope of the work all affect the outcome. Which method and material suit you, and how many visits will be needed, is determined by the dentist after an examination. A CAD/CAM prosthesis does not replace treatment — it is a tool for making the prosthesis more accurately and quickly.
For a consultation on CAD/CAM prosthetics (digital, milled restorations) and same-day restoration options in Baku, contact Dr. Bakhtiyar Aliyev.
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice or examination. Consultation with a dentist is recommended for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.