Intra Oral Scanning and CAD/CAM Technologies in Prosthodontics

Intra Oral Scanning and CAD/CAM Technologies in Prosthodontics

In prosthetic dentistry, the work in the laboratory has been in transition towards scanning and digital planning for a long time already. With the ease of use and dramatically increased accuracy of intraoral scanners, we have also entered a new era in the clinical reality of prosthodontics. This shift towards digital technologies for impression taking and CAD design also pushes the production methods towards Computer-Aided Manufacturing. In a world where our patients and their teeth (and implants) are still physical, we must be able to produce the best possible physical result with our digital tools.  Sometimes we still need working models and analog production methods to ensure optimal results. The production method of choice also plays a large role in our material selection.  What are the limitations of CAM? How to decide the appropriate workflow, method and material in each case? How to efficiently integrate best of both worlds, digital and physical?