CAD/CAM Technology

Today, Denver dentists are putting CAD\CAM to work in the manufacturing of restorative items such as crowns, inlays, onlays, bridges and other items. CAD/CAM or computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing, is used in a vast range of products. In essence a computer aided design program feeds data into an industrial machine which forms a product as per the specifications. The CAD/CAM equipment relies strictly on durable and natural looking porcelain which is now able to withstand a great deal more wear and tear thanks to the incorporation of zirconia into the compound.

Usually restorative dental procedures would require a patient to make two or more visits to their dentist. This is because they would need to have a mold of the tooth or area in question made from which a custom crown or other restorative would be prepared.

With CAD\CAM technology, Denver dentists can take the appropriate images and measurements and design the item to be manufactured in only a few short minutes. From there it can be immediately fitted without the patient being required to wear a temporary crown for a week or more while they wait for the new one to be manufactured.

Temporary restorations for such items as crowns and bridges can leave the area exposed to potential irritation, bacterial accumulation and infection. This situation could allow a patient to return to have their permanent crown fitted, only to have it placed improperly due to swollen gums or irritated soft tissue. With the use of CAD\CAM equipment the tooth could be prepared and the custom crown fitted in a single visit, sparing the patient any potential discomfort or risk of infection. Additionally, many restorative dental items are still made of a mixture of, amalgam, gold and other materials.

Not all Denver dentists have CAD/CAM equipment. This may mean a person interested in having some dental restoration done with CAD\CAM equipment may have to find a new dentist.