Digital dentistry
What are digital dentistry and CAD/CAM systems?
Digital dentistry (CAD/CAM – computer-aided design / computer-aided manufacturing) is a modern approach in which the impression and design stages are carried out entirely with digital scanners and computer systems, taking the place of traditional methods in dental treatments. In our clinic the CEREC Primescan AC intra-oral scanner, one of the most preferred systems worldwide in this field, is used. Thanks to this system, the use of traditional impression trays and nauseating impression materials is minimised, human error is eliminated and highly aesthetic, reinforced ceramic restorations are produced.
Who is it suitable for?
- Patients who have a strong nausea (gag) reflex when traditional paste (silicone) impression materials are placed in the mouth,
- Those with time constraints who want dental treatments (crowns, porcelain fillings, etc.) finished as quickly as possible, with a minimum number of sessions,
- Patients with high aesthetic expectations who want restorations that fit the teeth in millimetres, without the risk of human impression error,
- All patients who will receive inlay/onlay (porcelain filling), laminate veneer (porcelain laminate), zirconium or implant-supported crown treatment.
How does treatment proceed?
- Preparation: The tooth to be restored is made ready for the digital impression by the dentist and the necessary minimal adjustments are made.
- Digital scanning (impression): High-resolution, three-dimensional images of the teeth and surrounding tissues are transferred to the computer in seconds with the CEREC Primescan AC intra-oral scanner. No impression tray is used.
- Computer-aided design (CAD): From the 3D images obtained, the restoration (filling or crown) best suited to the patient’s bite and neighbouring teeth is designed digitally.
- Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM): The completed tooth design is milled with millimetre precision from reinforced ceramic or zirconium blocks in milling units in the clinic or laboratory.
- Placement: The prepared aesthetic restoration is permanently bonded to the patient’s tooth with special adhesive agents the same day or in the shortest time.
Points to consider before treatment
- Clean tooth surfaces are important for a flawless scan; brushing the teeth before the procedure is therefore recommended.
- Appointment planning should be done together with the dentist, bearing in mind that thanks to the speed of digital dentistry many procedures can be finished in a single session.
Points to consider after treatment
- Although the reinforced ceramic restorations applied are as strong as natural enamel, movements that overload the teeth, such as cracking very hard objects (walnut shells, etc.), should be avoided.
- The fit of restorations produced from a digital impression with the gum is excellent; daily oral hygiene (brushing, interdental cleaning and floss) must not be neglected in order to keep this fit for many years.
- Routine 6-monthly dental check-ups should continue after treatment.
Absolutely not. The greatest advantage of the digital impression system is the comfort it offers the patient. Because traditional paste impression materials and large trays are not used, a gag reflex does not occur. The inside of the mouth is scanned with a small camera; it is a completely painless procedure lasting seconds.
In traditional methods the impression going to the laboratory and try-ins can take days, whereas with digital dentistry the number of sessions and appointment times fall to a minimum. Many aesthetic porcelain restorations can be produced and fitted for the patient in a single session within a few hours.
Yes. In computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), industrially prepared special reinforced ceramic blocks that withstand high pressure are used. Because human errors (remaining air bubbles, shrinkage, etc.) are eliminated, biological fit and aesthetics are flawless and resistance to fracture is extremely high.