A review of the developments in dental CAD/CAM systems

At least 1000 CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) systems for producing restorations are in dental offices. At least nine different systems have been described; the Cerec system (Siemens, Bensheim, FRG) is the best known and most widely used. Clinical results to date suggest that the automated CAD/CAM systems can provide restorations which perform at least as well as cast restorations. There are some technique sensitivities that must be managed with the new technology. The importance of fit at the margins is a controversial issue that remains to be settled. Bond strength of composite-luted restorations is dependent on margin location and luting material properties, and on the combination of silanating, etching, and curing mechanism of the luting composite. Surface finishes equivalent to cast gold and glazed porcelain can be achieved for machinable CAD/CAM materials.