Dental crowns are used to restore damaged or decayed teeth. They help protect the tooth structure and improve appearance, strength, and function. Today, many dental clinics use CAD-CAM technology to create crowns faster and with more accuracy. CAD-CAM stands for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. In this article, we will explain the benefits of CAD-CAM crowns compared to traditional crowns and why more dentists are recommending them to their patients.
Faster Treatment Time
One of the biggest advantages of CAD-CAM crowns is speed. Traditional crowns usually require at least two dental visits. In the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth, takes a physical impression, and places a temporary crown. The impression is then sent to a dental lab, where the crown is made, which may take one to two weeks. After that, the patient returns for the second appointment to get the final crown placed.
With CAD-CAM crowns, the dentist uses digital tools to scan your tooth and design the crown on a computer. The crown is then milled right in the clinic using a special machine. This process often allows the patient to receive the final crown in just one visit, saving time and reducing the need for a temporary crown.
Better Accuracy and Fit
Traditional impressions can be affected by movement, temperature, or human error. CAD-CAM technology uses digital impressions, which are more precise. This leads to better-fitting crowns. A more accurate fit means the crown feels more natural and is less likely to cause discomfort. It also helps reduce the risk of decay or gum problems under the crown, which can happen if the crown does not fit perfectly.
No Need for Temporary Crowns
Temporary crowns are used while waiting for a traditional crown to be made. They can sometimes fall off, feel uncomfortable, or not match the natural tooth colour. With CAD-CAM technology, most patients do not need temporary crowns because they receive their permanent crown on the same day. This reduces the risk of problems and makes the process easier for patients.
Improved Comfort
Because CAD-CAM uses digital scanning, there is no need to use the traditional impression material that many patients find unpleasant. The digital scanner captures the shape of your teeth quickly and without discomfort. This makes the crown-making process smoother and more comfortable from start to finish.
Stronger and More Durable Materials
Many CAD-CAM crowns are made from high-quality ceramic materials, such as zirconia or lithium disilicate. These materials are strong and long-lasting. They also resist wear and fractures better than some older types of crown materials. Traditional crowns may be made of metal, porcelain fused to metal, or other materials that might not look as natural or may wear down faster. CAD-CAM crowns often provide a better combination of strength and appearance.
Natural Appearance
CAD-CAM crowns are designed digitally, so the dentist can carefully match the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth. This means the crown looks more natural and blends in better with your smile. The high-quality ceramic used in CAD-CAM crowns reflects light in a way that is similar to natural teeth, giving a more lifelike appearance.
Less Invasive Process
The digital scanning process used in CAD-CAM dentistry is more comfortable and less invasive than the traditional impression method. The scanner captures the exact details of your tooth and surrounding area in just a few minutes. There is no need for messy impression material in your mouth, which can cause gagging or discomfort for some patients.
Lower Risk of Human Error
With traditional crowns, a lot depends on the skills of different people, including the dental assistant, the lab technician, and the dentist. Errors can happen during impressions, shipping to the lab, or during the crown-making process. CAD-CAM reduces these steps and automates much of the design and manufacturing. This lowers the chance of errors and improves consistency.
Environmentally Friendly
CAD-CAM crowns are often more eco-friendly than traditional ones. Since the entire process takes place in the dental clinic, there is no need for shipping materials back and forth to a lab. Also, there is less waste from impression trays and materials. Digital records can also reduce the use of paper and other physical resources.
Conclusion
CAD-CAM crowns offer many advantages over traditional crowns. They provide faster treatment, better comfort, improved accuracy, and a more natural appearance. Patients can often receive their final crown in a single visit, avoiding the need for temporary crowns and extra appointments. The digital process is more comfortable and less prone to error, making it a popular choice for both dentists and patients. If you are considering a dental crown, talk to your dentist about whether CAD-CAM crowns are right for you.