Have you ever wondered how a dental crown, veneer, or bridge is made so that it fits perfectly in your mouth? The process has been transformed over the past few decades, moving from a hands-on, multi-step process to a more streamlined, precise digital workflow. This major shift is thanks to a technology known as CAD CAM.
At Iverson Dental Labs, we are at the forefront of this digital revolution. We believe that by integrating the latest technology, we can create restorations that are not only more accurate and durable but also enhance the entire experience for dental professionals and their patients.
What is CAD CAM?
CAD CAM stands for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. While the technology has been used in various industries for a long time—think of designing cars or airplane parts—its application in dentistry has truly been a game-changer.
The process is quite straightforward and highly efficient:
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD): This is the “design” part of the process. Instead of working with a physical model, a dental technician uses specialized software to design a restoration on a computer. This software works with a digital model of the patient’s teeth.
- Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): This is the “manufacturing” part. Once the design is complete, the digital file is sent to a milling machine or 3D printer. This machine then precisely fabricates the restoration, whether it’s carving a crown out of a block of ceramic or printing a custom surgical guide.
This combination of design and manufacturing technology is what makes modern dentistry so precise and effective.
The CAD CAM Dental Scanner: The First Step to a Perfect Restoration
The entire digital workflow begins with a cad cam dental scanner. This is the tool that captures the digital impression of a patient’s mouth. There are two main types of scanners used in this process:
- Intraoral Scanners: These are small, handheld wands that dentists use to scan a patient’s teeth directly in the dental chair. This is a very comfortable experience for the patient, as it eliminates the need for messy physical impressions. The scanner takes thousands of images in a matter of minutes, creating a detailed 3D digital model of the teeth and gums.
- Desktop or Lab Scanners: If a traditional physical impression is still used, it can be sent to our lab. We then use a high-precision lab scanner to digitize the physical model, converting it into a 3D digital file that can be used in our CAD/CAM workflow. This ensures that even traditional cases can benefit from the precision of digital design and manufacturing.
Both types of scanners are incredibly accurate, capturing minute details that can be difficult to get with older methods. This precision is the foundation of a perfectly fitting restoration.
The Role of a Dental Laboratory in USA
Once the digital scan is complete, it is sent electronically to a dental laboratory in USA, like Iverson Dental Labs. This is where the magic happens. The digital file arrives almost instantly, allowing our team to begin work without the delays of shipping a physical model.
Our process looks something like this:
- Digital Design: A skilled dental technician at Iverson Dental Labs receives the digital scan. They use sophisticated CAD software to design the restoration. They can view the digital model from any angle, make precise adjustments to the shape and size, and ensure that the new restoration will fit perfectly with the patient’s existing teeth.
- Precision Milling: The finalized design is then sent to one of our advanced milling machines. This is the CAM part of the process. The machine uses diamond burs to carve the restoration from a solid block of high-quality material, such as zirconia or porcelain. The milling process is automated and incredibly accurate, ensuring the final product matches the digital design exactly.
- Finishing Touches: After milling, our technicians add the finishing touches. They meticulously stain, glaze, and polish the restoration to give it a lifelike appearance that blends seamlessly with the patient’s natural teeth. This step requires a trained eye and an artistic hand, as it is what makes the restoration look natural.
The efficiency of this digital workflow means we can complete cases faster, reducing the turnaround time for dentists and getting patients their final restorations sooner.
Why the CAD/CAM System is a Game-Changer
The integration of a cad cam dental scanner and a modern dental laboratory in USA offers significant advantages for everyone involved:
- For Patients: The experience is much more comfortable and faster. No more messy impression materials or multiple appointments for a single restoration. The final product fits better, reducing the need for adjustments and ensuring a more natural, comfortable feel.
- For Dentists: The digital workflow is more efficient and reliable. It eliminates the variables of traditional impressions, reduces the chance of errors, and allows for faster communication with the lab. This frees up more time to focus on patient care and allows for a more predictable outcome.
- For the Lab: The digital data we receive is clean, precise, and immediately ready to work with. This allows our technicians to focus on the craftsmanship and artistry of creating the restoration, rather than spending time on manual preparation. It improves our workflow, reduces remakes, and allows us to produce a higher volume of quality work.
At Iverson Dental Labs, we have made a significant investment in this technology because we believe it is the best way to serve our clients. Our team has the expertise to make the most of the digital data we receive, and our advanced equipment ensures that every restoration we produce is of the highest standard.
Partnering for a Better Smile
The relationship between a dental practice and a dental laboratory is a partnership. With the rise of digital dentistry, that partnership has become more seamless and powerful than ever before. We work closely with our dental partners to ensure a smooth transition to a digital workflow and to provide support every step of the way.
We are committed to helping dental professionals provide their patients with the best possible care. This means staying up-to-date with the latest advancements, continuously training our team, and maintaining a focus on quality and precision.
If you are a dental professional looking for a dental laboratory in USA that understands and excels in the digital workflow, we invite you to connect with us. At Iverson Dental Labs, we are proud to combine cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship to create beautiful, functional, and long-lasting smiles.
