Academy
CAD/CAM Programs in Dentistry
Dentistry has always had a unique approach within medicine. Traditionally, it was more of a craft—similar to surgery in its early days. Today, dentistry is recognized as a fusion of medicine, engineering, and art. The reason is clear: dental treatment isn’t just about health; it also focuses on aesthetics. Patients expect restorations, crowns, and bridges to not only function well but also enhance their smiles.
Achieving both high-level aesthetics and optimal health outcomes is a priority for every dentist. To meet these demands, modern technology has become an integral part of dental practice. This is where CAD/CAM systems excel, revolutionizing the way dental restorations are designed and fabricated. Let’s take a closer look at their role in dentistry.
What is CAD/CAM Technology in Dentistry?
CAD CAM systems in dentistry stand for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing—two interconnected processes which together form digital dentistry workflow.
CAD
This refers to the digital design process, where dental restorations (crowns, bridges, veneers, or implant prosthetics), surgical guides, and orthodontic appliances are created using specialized software. Instead of relying on traditional impressions and manual modeling, dentists or technicians design constructions on a computer, ensuring precise fit and aesthetics at the moment of treatment planning.
CAM
Once the design is complete, CAM technology takes over to fabricate the restoration or the appliance. Using automated milling machines or 3D printers, the digital model is turned into a physical object with high accuracy and minimal material waste.
How CAD/CAM Works in Dentistry
Computer-Aided Design
CAD involves the digital creation and modification of dental restorations, aligners, and prosthetics. This stage includes data collection, virtual modeling, and treatment planning.
Data Collection and Digital Impressions
The first step in CAD is obtaining a highly accurate digital representation of the patient’s oral structures. This is done using:
-
Intraoral scanners – capture direct digital impressions of the teeth and gums.
-
CBCT scans – provide a 3D view of bones, roots, and soft tissues, often used for implant planning.
-
Photography – used for smile design and aesthetic planning.
These digital records replace traditional impression materials, offering a more comfortable experience for patients and reducing errors in impression-taking.
Digital Design and Treatment Planning
Once the data is collected, it is processed in dental CAD CAM software to create restorations, aligners, prosthetic designs, and other constructions. Key features of CAD in dentistry include:
-
Virtual tooth alignment and occlusion analysis – ensuring optimal function and aesthetics.
-
Treatment planning – software assists in designing aligners and restorations with high precision, often using AI-driven technologies.
-
Customization and patient-specific design – constructions are tailored to the individual anatomy and needs of each patient.
For orthodontic treatments, CAD software maps out tooth movements in stages, producing an aligner sequence that follows a carefully controlled plan.
Computer-Aided Manufacturing
CAM transforms digital designs into physical dental appliances, restorations, or models through milling or 3D printing.
Milling Technology
Milling machines carve restorations from solid blocks of metal, ceramic, zirconia, or composite materials. This process is commonly used for crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, and onlays. Milled restorations typically require sintering, glazing, and polishing for final adjustments.
3D Printing
3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology widely used in dentistry for fabricating models, surgical guides, and orthodontic appliances. Unlike subtractive methods that carve objects from a solid block, 3D printing builds them layer by layer, ensuring precision and minimal material waste. Once printed, models undergo post-processing, which includes UV light curing and surface finishing.
For clear aligners, an additional thermoforming step follows. A heated plastic sheet is vacuum-formed over the printed model to shape the aligner.
Popular CAD/CAM Software for Dentistry
Most CAD CAM programs in dentistry are designed to integrate seamlessly with specific equipment, creating a complete digital workflow for dental professionals.
CEREC
Developed by Dentsply Sirona, CEREC is a chairside CAD/CAM system that enables same-day restorations. With in-office milling, dentists can scan, design, and fabricate crowns, inlays, and veneers within a single appointment.
3Shape
3Shape provides a comprehensive suite of CAD/CAM solutions for clinics and labs, featuring AI-driven tools for precise treatment planning and seamless collaboration between dental professionals.
Medit ClinicCAD
Medit ClinicCAD supports digital dentistry workflows, offering tools for virtual model creation, implant planning, and restoration design, enhancing efficiency in both diagnosis and treatment.
There are also suites that offer cross-platform solutions for CAD, meaning they are not tied to specific scanners or printers.
Exocad
Exocad is an open-system CAD software widely used by clinicians and dental technicians. It supports a vast library of tooth models, implants, dentures, and materials while integrating with most scanners and printers.
Blender for Dental
Blender for Dental (B4D) is an open-source dental CAD solution built as a plug-in for Blender, a free software tool set for 3D modelling. It offers a modular system where users can purchase specific tools based on their needs, each accompanied by detailed video tutorials.
There is no single best CAD CAM software for dentistry that fits every clinical case. The ideal choice depends on a clinic’s or lab’s workflow, existing equipment compatibility, and personal preference.
Aligner Treatment Planning Software
eXceed is a web-based aligner treatment planning platform designed to simplify digital orthodontics. Unlike traditional CAD/CAM systems, it eliminates the need for clinicians to have experience in digital design or advanced software. Instead, treatment plans are created by trained specialists and reviewed by experienced orthodontists, allowing doctors to focus on patient care rather than technical complexities.
Upload intraoral scans, CBCT images, and patient photos to generate a comprehensive treatment plan.
-
Receive step-by-step digital setups that precisely simulate aligner movements.
-
Visualize the full treatment timeline for better predictability and patient communication.
eXceed integrates with a wide range of intraoral scanners, including:
-
iTero® (Align Technologies)
-
3Shape Trios®
-
CS3600 (Carestream Dental)
-
R700/800 (Dental Wings)
-
Medit i500
Many additional scanners are also compatible. If yours isn't listed, eXceed’s support team can verify compatibility and provide guidance on optimal scan quality.
Benefits of Using CAD/CAM Technology
Improved Accuracy and Precision
CAD/CAM systems eliminate human error in manual fabrication, ensuring highly accurate restorations, aligners, and prosthetics. Digital workflows allow for precise measurements and better-fitting appliances.
Faster Turnaround Time
Traditional methods require multiple appointments for impressions, lab work, and adjustments. With CAD/CAM, many procedures—such as fabricating and fixating dental crowns—can be completed in a single visit.
Versatility and Customization
CAD CAM technology in dentistry supports a wide range of applications. It allows for highly customized treatment plans, tailored to each patient’s needs.
Digital Record Keeping and Easy Collaboration
Digital files can be stored, modified, and easily shared between clinicians, labs, and specialists, improving communication and treatment efficiency.
