CAD/CAM in the dental practice: Things you should know!

14 March 2017

Are you faced by the decision of introducing CAD/CAM to your practice? If so, the following six facts may be of interest to you!

1.) CAD/CAM is making inroads

As everyone knows digital technology is finding its way into the dental world and therefore also into dental practices. More and more dental professionals are turning to digital processes and techniques. As a result, it’s not surprising that this topic is attracting a great deal of interest and playing an increasingly significant role at congresses and trade fairs, e.g. IDS. The number of dental practices in which CAD/CAM tools are used continues to grow.

2.) CAD/CAM heightens your efficiency

CAD/CAM methods allow you to work more efficiently. You can treat your patients in a single appointment because you can place the final restoration immediately. Furthermore, scanned restorations are easy to adapt on the computer. The risk of a restoration not fitting properly due to a flawed preparation design or inadequate layer thickness is almost nil. What’s more, if a restoration is damaged while it is in the patient’s mouth, you can produce a new restoration quickly and easily by referring to the data you have stored on your computer.

3.) CAD/CAM makes your results more predictable

Digital processes improve your accuracy and increase the predictability of your work. The assurance that everything will fit properly and look great in the end is much higher when CAD/CAM methods are used. The results of your work are predictable and reproducible. Any uncertainties and unknowns are practically eliminated.

4.) CAD/CAM keeps patients happy

Your patients will appreciate the fact that they can be treated in one appointment thanks to CAD/CAM technology. They will no longer require temporaries, since they can go home with their permanent restoration. Patients who have to travel great distances to see their dentist will certainly like this new single-visit solution. Seeing their new restorations taking shape will make patients value them more highly. You could place your CAD/CAM unit in the waiting room so that patients can follow the entire restorative process and take part in the excitement. Why not give it a try!

5.) CAD/CAM helps to set yourself apart from your competitors

Embracing digital methods will help to differentiate your dental practice from those of your competitors. It will give your practice a modern and future-oriented image.

Ivoclar Digital is the name of a strong and focused new brand developed by Ivoclar Vivadent. It provides dentists and dental technicians with state-of-the-art professional expertise throughout the entire digital process chain.

The following three tips will help you to decide whether or not it is the right time for you to change to CAD/CAM:

1.) Don’t take decisions hastily

Undoubtedly,the decision to adopt CAD/CAM methods has to be considered very carefully. You have to clarify a number of things: How do you intend to position your practice in the long run?Are you prepared to make the investment? When will it pay off? It is important to answer these questions in your own time. And remember that nothing works well right from the beginning. If you decide to incorporate CAD/CAM in your practice, you will have to familiarize yourself with the subject matter and be prepared to experiment. But it will be well worth your while! You will optimize your workflow in no time at all.

2.) Gather information

Before you commit to using CAD/CAM methods collect as much information as possible so that you can make a well-founded decision. This includes finding out about the availability and salaries of qualified staff. The situation will be different in every country.

3.) Be prepared to learn

Don’t be shy: It’s important to continue learning. Be on the lookout for associations, organizations, companies and perhaps even dentists who offer learning opportunities on the topic of CAD/CAM. Many exiting offers are available already.