CAD/CAM TechnologyMerritt Island, FL
While the teeth are strong, they can still be affected by physical damage and decay. When these issues arise, treatment is needed as soon as possible. The longer damaged teeth go untreated, the more likely you are to face further damage or serious infections. There are several different types of restorations available for restoring damaged teeth. However, many of these restorations require two separate appointments, with about a two-week wait between them. At Florida Prosthodontics, we can provide you with better care, and same day restorations, thanks to CAD/CAM technology.
What Is CAD/CAM Technology?
CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing. This technology is fairly new to the dental field, having only been used for about the last 20 years. However, the technology has been in use for several decades in the field of manufacturing to produce parts and tools.
Uses for CAD/CAM
CAD/CAM technology enables us to produce a variety of metal-free restorations, including:
| • | Veneers. |
| • | Crowns. |
| • | Bridges. |
| • | Inlays and onlays, also known as indirect fillings. |
| • | Abutments, or connectors, for dental implants. |
The technology has improved significantly in recent years. This has led to restorations that are more realistic, better fitting, and more durable than in the past .
How CAD/CAM Works
With CAD/CAM technology, we take a digital impression of your mouth with the use of an optical scanner. The optical scanner captures a 3-dimensional picture of your mouth, which is then displayed on a computer monitor. With the assistance of CAD software, we can use your 3-dimensional impression to design and draw a customized restoration that fits the exact specifications of your mouth. The time that it takes to create your restoration varies, but typically it can take anywhere from just a few minutes to half an hour or more.
Once your restoration has been designed, the information is then sent to our in-house milling machine. This is where the CAM technology comes into play. We place a single piece of ceramic that closely matches the color of your natural teeth into the machine. The CAM technology uses the design for your restoration to bring your restoration to life. Once the restoration has been milled, it can be further customized with stains and glazes to perfectly match the color of the rest of your natural teeth. Finally, it is fired and polished, and it is ready for placement.
CAD/CAM Benefits
There are several benefits of CAD/CAM technology:
| • | Restorations made with CAD/CAM technology are stronger than their older counterparts. Because they are stronger, they are less likely to fracture. |
| • | CAD/CAM restorations are more accurate and provide a much more comfortable fit. |
| • | Because the milling unit is in-house, CAD/CAM enables us to create your restorations in a single visit. This avoids the need for a waiting period, a temporary restoration, and a second appointment. |
| • | You have less risk of experiencing complications. With traditionally placed restorations, there is a risk for a temporary restoration to fail or fall out, which can increase your risk for infections or other issues. With CAD/CAM restorations, your final restorations are placed right away, completely avoiding these issues. |
CAD/CAM technology has greatly improved the care that we can provide. It also enables us to provide you with same day restorations, meaning that you do not need to worry about temporary restorations and second, or even third, appointments. For more information, call Florida Prosthodontics today at (321) 452-3388.
Merritt Island