Computer Aided Dentistry (CAD / CAM)
Computer Aided Dentistry (CAD / CAM)
CAD / CAM, also known as digital dental design or digital impression systems, is considered one of the most effective and up-to-date systems developed by technology to provide a digital and modern dental treatment. With CAD / CAM dental design and production technology, the necessity of taking measurements from the patient with the classical technique has been removed, and thanks to the computer-integrated camera, it is possible to make a prosthesis design and achieve perfect restoration results in a single session.
As Doctor Zen, CAD / CAM technology, which our patients are increasingly interested in for a painless, fast and problem-free orthodontic treatment, is one of the methods frequently used in many areas of dentistry, from implant treatment to prosthetic teeth.
What is CAD / CAM?
In order to understand the place of CAD / CAM in dental treatments, first of all, it is necessary to clarify what exactly CAD / CAM technology is. In its most basic form, CAD / CAM can be defined as a system that carries a product from the conceptual stage to the concrete production stage with the help of computer programs. The system has two stages as CAD and CAM. CAD stands for Computer Aided Design, while CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing. CAD / CAM, which usually comes into play when computer software is supported in product designs, is completed by physically processing and producing models and designs prepared by software programs.
If we look at the location of CAD / CAM in dentistry, we can state that the image of the teeth is taken on the CAD foot of the process, and the tooth design prepared on the CAM foot has passed to the production stage.
What is CAD / CAM Technique in Dentistry?
Before the existence of CAD / CAM technology, it was necessary to measure orally, to create a model by pouring plaster into the impression, and to make a design with wax-like materials on this model in order to realize the changes determined while performing a restoration in the mouth. When it came to the production stage, this restoration, which was designed with wax and similar materials, was molded and took its final shape with completely hand-workmanship. After the CAD / CAM technology, the data of the tooth to be corrected is transferred to the computer with the help of a 3D scanner inside the mouth during the completion of this restoration and the restoration is designed entirely by the computer. The restoration design prepared on the computer is put into production with the help of advanced turning devices, so that the final version of the model is obtained.
When we look at which stages of dentistry CAD / CAM systems are used, it is quite possible to say that it has become a widespread use network. It is possible to say that CAD / CAM is a method used in many different dentistry fields, especially crowns and bridges, laminates, inlays and onlays, porcelain restorations, prosthetic teeth, implant planning and implant treatment. CAD / CAM technique can also be considered as a method that can be used in the case of any pathology detection in teeth and gums.
The essence of this system, also known as the Cerec system, is the concept of three-dimensional optical measurement. Intraoral cameras, which can take three-dimensional optical measurement, provide 3D images from inside the patient’s mouth. The data obtained through computer programs suitable for this purpose are processed and started to be produced in sensitive machines with the help of computer software.
What is Digital Dentistry, What Does It Do?
Digital dentistry, which is directly related to CAD / CAM, is also a modern dentistry method that is frequently used recently. Digital dentistry consists of three different stages: digital scanning, digital design and digital production. Digital scanning basically refers to taking measurements in digital environment. The patient scans the teeth to be treated in 3D with the help of digital scanners, so that the 3D image of the tooth is located in a virtual environment. In the digital design phase, the 3D scanning images that have been moved to the virtual environment become designable. Processes such as the shape of the tooth, its frames and its alignment with the gum are designed in a computer environment and gain a brand new dimension with the closest to the reality. Finally, during digital tooth production, teeth created and designed on a digital three-dimensional imaging screen are produced and brought together with the help of three-dimensional printers in the digital dental laboratory. This model, which is perfectly compatible with the patient’s mouth and tooth structure, is applied to our patients after the final checks are made.
When Is CAD / CAM Used?
For those who do not want to waste time with the rehearsal stages in traditional methods
For those who have aesthetic concerns about the construction process of their prosthesis
For people who are afraid of the measurement phase due to nausea reflex
For those who want to have their prosthesis installed in a short time
For those who want to get quick results
It is used for those with tooth loss and deficiencies.
Advantages of CAD / CAM Treatment
CAD / CAM dental treatment is a reliable method as the size of the teeth is taken with the help of a computer connected camera and the restoration is prepared virtually with the obtained images. Except this:
The sensitivity of the system is at the micon level and cannot be achieved by conventional methods.
Time is saved as restorations can be prepared in a short time.
Thanks to the ability to observe and control every detail during the design phase, the production quality also increases.
A flawless aesthetic appearance can be obtained thanks to the CAD / CAM system.
There is no need to take measurements during design.
It provides a very serious advantage for patients with gag reflexes and limited mouth opening.
While providing fast solutions with CAD / CAM dental prosthesis applications that enable perfect dental restorations, the quality of life of our patients is also increased as aesthetically successful results are obtained.
