CAD-CAM Technology Helps Labs Make More Accurate Tooth Restorations
CAD-CAM technology has made it easier and faster to repair problems with teeth, so there is no need any longer for people to procrastinate about seeking out restorative services when necessary. Whereas it used to take several dental appointments to make restorations such as inlays, onlays, bridges, and crowns, now they can all be fitted in two visits maximum. Dentists used to have to make models of teeth by making impressions of teeth and then sending them to a lab. The lab would then have to manually create the tooth restorations. With a CAD-CAM machine, however, a tooth-colored inlay, only, veneer, or crown can be made in record time.
CAD-CAM method involves a number of steps. The first of these steps is tooth preparation. As we noted earlier, dentists had to rely upon manual impressions and physical models to prepare teeth for cosmetic restoration. However, with CAD-CAM a special, precision optical camera is placed in the patient’s mouth. The camera records the exact dimensions of the teeth and sends this data back to the CAD-CAM computer.
The computer then uses this information to create a virtual model of the teeth for making the new tooth restorations. The dentist chooses the appropriate material for the restoration and selects a color that matches the texture and color of existing teeth. The material is then fed into a machine that fabricates the restoration using the information recorded by the CAD-CAM.
After the tooth restoration has been made, the dentist applies the appropriate color and bonds it to the teeth. The dentist then double checks the bite to make certain that the natural teeth and the new cosmetic teeth restorations are in alignment. If any adjustments are needed, they are made at this time.
At the Cosmetic Dentistry Center, we believe there is still great benefit to using a laboratory as part of our tooth restoration services. We take impressions of teeth here in our office, and then send them over to a lab that owns a CAD-CAM system. The mold actually imitates the natural teeth, and the precise optics of the CAD-CAM camera and the computer creates an even more accurate fabrication.
We find that this blend of tradition and new technology benefits our patients more than rushing to complete the process in the office in the same day. While it is necessary for patients to return to the office after the restorations have been made in the lab, it only takes one follow up visit for more accurate, more natural looking, and better-lasting results.
CAD-CAM method involves a number of steps. The first of these steps is tooth preparation. As we noted earlier, dentists had to rely upon manual impressions and physical models to prepare teeth for cosmetic restoration. However, with CAD-CAM a special, precision optical camera is placed in the patient’s mouth. The camera records the exact dimensions of the teeth and sends this data back to the CAD-CAM computer.
The computer then uses this information to create a virtual model of the teeth for making the new tooth restorations. The dentist chooses the appropriate material for the restoration and selects a color that matches the texture and color of existing teeth. The material is then fed into a machine that fabricates the restoration using the information recorded by the CAD-CAM.
After the tooth restoration has been made, the dentist applies the appropriate color and bonds it to the teeth. The dentist then double checks the bite to make certain that the natural teeth and the new cosmetic teeth restorations are in alignment. If any adjustments are needed, they are made at this time.
At the Cosmetic Dentistry Center, we believe there is still great benefit to using a laboratory as part of our tooth restoration services. We take impressions of teeth here in our office, and then send them over to a lab that owns a CAD-CAM system. The mold actually imitates the natural teeth, and the precise optics of the CAD-CAM camera and the computer creates an even more accurate fabrication.
We find that this blend of tradition and new technology benefits our patients more than rushing to complete the process in the office in the same day. While it is necessary for patients to return to the office after the restorations have been made in the lab, it only takes one follow up visit for more accurate, more natural looking, and better-lasting results.
Labels: cad-cam, dental labs, tooth restorations
posted by Dental Expert at
2:25 AM
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