Digital chairside: myths and reality

CAD/CAM technology is one of the fastest evolving technologies in modern restorative dentistry. Major advantages of intraoral scanning and the digital workflow include: patient's preference, superior mechanical performance of CAD/CAM materials and excellent fit of the restorations. The poor machinability of many CAD/CAM materials has been a limitation for many years, resulting in marginal chipping of minimally invasive restorations. However, novel chairside milling machines are now available that enable faster fabrication times with protocols that are adjusted to the respective CAD/CAM material. Complex reconstructions still represent a great challenge for clinicians and dental technicians, but digital workflows significantly facilitate these rehabilitations. Various tools have been developed to evaluate the relationship between the different parts of the face and to provide guidance for treatment planning as well as for the manufacture of the permanent restorations. Advancements in CAD/CAM material systems, digital restoration planning and fabrication have resulted in the development of innovative treatment concepts for severely compromised dentitions. Digital face scans and novel CAD/CAM applications offer a standardized manufacturing process that provides a reliable, predictable and economic workflow not only for chairside restorations, but also for complex rehabilitations.

This lecture will

1. provide insight into the emerging technologies for chairside dentistry.
2. highlight the advantages of modern CAD/CAM materials and comprehensive digital workflows.
3. present a case series and scientific evidence for the clinical success of CAD/CAM materials and the corresponding preparation designs.