THE USE OF COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN AND COMPUTER-AIDED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES IN DENTAL WORK

Abstract

Information and communication technologies have found their application in the healthcare 
sector, including the frameworks of modern dentistry. CAD / CAM application in dentistry is the 
process by which is attained finished dental restoration through fine milling process of ready 
ceramic blocks. CAD / CAM is an acronym of english words Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) / 
Computer-Aided-Manufacture (CAM), respectively dental computer aided design and computer 
aided manufacture of inlays, onlays, crowns and bridges. CAD / CAM technology essentially 
allows you to create a two-dimensional and three-dimensional models and their materialization by 
numerical controlled machines. In order to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, increase 
user/patient satisfaction and ultimately achieve profits, many dental offices in the world have their 
attention focused on implementation of modern IT solutions in everyday practice. In addition to 
the specialized clinic management software, inventory control, etc., or hardware such as the use of 
lasers in cosmetic dentistry or intraoral scanning, recently the importance is given to the 
application of CAD / CAM technology in the field of prosthetic. After the removal of 
pathologically altered tooth structure, it is necessary to achieve restoration that will be most similar 
to the anatomy of a natural tooth. Applying CAD / CAM technology on applicable ceramic blocks 
it can be obtained very quick, but also very accurate restoration, in the forms of inlays, onlays, 
bridges and crowns. The paper presents the advantages of using this technology as well as 
satisfaction of the patients and dentists by using systems as: Cercon, Celay, Cerec, Lava, Everest, 
which represent imperative of modern dentistry in creating fixed dental restorations.