Intra-oral scanning and CAD/CAM prosthesis fabrication

Abstract

The acronym Cad-Cam stands for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. In 1970, Dr. Francois Duret and his colleagues were the first to develop a Cad-Cam dental system, later named the Sopha system (Sopha BioConcept, Inc. Los Angeles). In the early 80s, a Swiss dentist, Dr. Werner Mörmann, and an Italian electronic engineer, Eng. Marco Brandestini developed the first Cad- Cam chairside system for dental use, known as the Cerec system (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). Anderson and his colleagues attempted to create titanium caps using Cad-Cam technology. In 1983, they introduced a Cad- Cam technology to mill implant restorations in titanium and cover it with ceramic or composite. This system later became known as the Procera system. Computer- Aided Design (CAD) technology of computerized systems to create, modify, analyze and enhance the design process. Computer-Assisted Manufacturing (CAM) is an automated system that organizes manages, and controls manufacturing process. Together Cad-Cam process has three cycles: 1. The data acquisition. 2. Data elaboration and design processing. 3. Manufacturing of the appliance. An intraoral scanner can capture the optical impression of soft and hard tissue intraorally. Alternatively, models fabricated from analog (traditional) impressions can be scanned and digitalized with a scanner. Doctors will transfer accumulated data to the dental laboratory, where dental technicians design and manufacture the prosthesis. Especially in electro-welded immediate load implantology (characteristic of the Italian school of implantology) the digital flow optimized the entire rehabilitation process. The Benefits of Using a CAD-CAM technology. - Effective communication with the patient. - Greater patient comfort. - Better diagnosis. - Easy storage of data. - A scanner is far less invasive compared to traditional dental impressions. - The possibility of creating and reproducing high quantities dental models. - The fast transfer of files via the internet to a laboratory situated far away. - The reduction of corrections and remakes, high production workflow. - Saving time and costs of the entire restoration process. - The decrease in non-recyclable materials. - The possibility of planning and simulating implant surgery using designated software, merging the intraoral scanning data is 3D CAT radiography (DICOM). Limitations of Using a CAD-CAM technology: - Initial Investment. - Learning Curve. - Continuous software updating. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are innovative digital systems capable of scanning prepared teeth intended for receiving crowns, bridges, inlays, and other restorations. With the advent of technologies and potential applications, dentistry is one application area that has gained the highest market share in the last few years. CAD/CAM systems offer a better, faster, and more convenient method for fabricating dental restorations. Many dental schools adopted CAD/CAM technology intended for education and clinical patient care. CAD/ CAM technology improves the experience of both the professional and patient by reducing patient visits, increasing efficiency, and contributing to a positive practice environment and clinical productivity. Such factors ultimately contribute to the overall market growth and revenue during the forecast period