CAD CAM in Prosthodontics

During the past decade, computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) which are well-known processes in the industrial world, have found their way into dentistry. The advent of CAD/CAM technology has revolutionized prosthodontics. Interest in the designing and manufacturing process occurred because of its potential as an alternative to the traditional impressions and techniques that has been used for many decades for fabricating dental restorations. There exists a misconception that the CAD/CAM process is complicated and time-consuming. However, this CAD/CAM system is simple to operate, versatile and precise. All-ceramic restorations can be designed and milled chair-side and the patient can leave the clinic in about an hour with a final restoration in place. Dental CAD/CAM is approaching 20 years of clinical experience and has proven track record on all relevant aspects of clinical performance, including, fit, longevity, survival rates, sensitivity, strength and wear.I hope that this book will help the reader to review the history, evolution of various CAD/CAM systems, advantages, disadvantages, indications and contraindications of this most innovative technology in dentistry.