How does CAD/CAM technology influence modern dental laboratory workflows?

How does CAD/CAM technology influence modern dental laboratory workflows?

• A. It enables digital impressions, design, milling or 3D printing, reducing turnaround time and improving fit.
• B. It increases manual steps.
• C. It eliminates digital impressions entirely.
• D. It worsens fit.

Answer: (A)

CAD/CAM creates a digital workflow in the dental lab, moving impressions, design, and fabrication into computer-based processes. Digital impressions capture accurate tooth geometry, CAD software lets you precisely design the restoration, and CAM methods—milling or 3D printing—fabricate it from the chosen material. This streamlines production, cutting turnaround time because you go from scan to finished product without multiple physical steps, and it improves fit due to tighter tolerances and more consistent geometry. It also reduces errors and remakes by standardizing measurements and enabling quick design revisions. The idea that manual steps would increase isn’t accurate, since CAD/CAM actually minimizes manual waxing, pouring, and manual model work. Digital impressions aren’t eliminated—they’re essential inputs. And digital methods tend to improve, not worsen, fit due to precision and repeatability.

CAD/CAM creates a digital workflow in the dental lab, moving impressions, design, and fabrication into computer-based processes. Digital impressions capture accurate tooth geometry, CAD software lets you precisely design the restoration, and CAM methods—milling or 3D printing—fabricate it from the chosen material. This streamlines production, cutting turnaround time because you go from scan to finished product without multiple physical steps, and it improves fit due to tighter tolerances and more consistent geometry. It also reduces errors and remakes by standardizing measurements and enabling quick design revisions.

The idea that manual steps would increase isn’t accurate, since CAD/CAM actually minimizes manual waxing, pouring, and manual model work. Digital impressions aren’t eliminated—they’re essential inputs. And digital methods tend to improve, not worsen, fit due to precision and repeatability.