CAD CAM in Restorative Dentistry

The aim of developing computer controlled production technologies for use in restorative dentistry is to improve the quality of the construction units and at the same time to lower manufacturing costs by simplifying the method and reducing the production time. Many different computer systems have already been discussed in the literature for dental applications and have also to some extent been used clinically. The computer assisted systems known today differ mainly with regard to the type of three-dimensional data recording system used to image the prepared tooth. In contrast, the automatic manufacturing (CAM) of the pieces is quite similar and consists mainly of a numerically controlled (NC) machine with a material specific milling unit that can be moved in multiple axes in relationship to the piece being worked on.The use of computer technology is justifiable only if computer assisted design (CAD) and computer assisted manufacturing (CAM) produce dental reconstructions that fulfill or improve existing material characteristics and/or clinical quality.