Which step is commonly enabled by CAD/CAM technology in modern dental labs?

Which step is commonly enabled by CAD/CAM technology in modern dental labs?

• A. Digital impressions, design, milling or 3D printing.
• B. Traditional waxing.
• C. Manual impression scanning.
• D. Cementation.

Answer: (A)

CAD/CAM is all about a digital workflow from start to finish. digital impressions capture a precise 3D model of the prepared teeth, which is then used in CAD software to design the restoration. The designed model is sent to CAM equipment that fabricates the part by milling or 3D printing. This sequence—digital impression, digital design, and manufacturing through milling or additive printing—is what CAD/CAM enables in modern labs, offering accuracy and efficiency. Traditional waxing is a manual process used in conventional fabrications, not a digital manufacturing step. Manual impression scanning would involve handling physical impressions rather than a fully digital workflow, which isn’t the standard CAD/CAM approach. Cementation is a clinical procedure performed when placing the restoration in the mouth, not a lab fabrication step.

CAD/CAM is all about a digital workflow from start to finish. digital impressions capture a precise 3D model of the prepared teeth, which is then used in CAD software to design the restoration. The designed model is sent to CAM equipment that fabricates the part by milling or 3D printing. This sequence—digital impression, digital design, and manufacturing through milling or additive printing—is what CAD/CAM enables in modern labs, offering accuracy and efficiency.

Traditional waxing is a manual process used in conventional fabrications, not a digital manufacturing step. Manual impression scanning would involve handling physical impressions rather than a fully digital workflow, which isn’t the standard CAD/CAM approach. Cementation is a clinical procedure performed when placing the restoration in the mouth, not a lab fabrication step.