CAD/CAM in dentistry: a historical perspective and view of the future

What can we look forward too? Lots of fun with new CAD/CAM systems that will enhance dentistry, providing quality restorations quickly. The evolution of an array of new versions of already available systems as well as altogether new systems will provide improved quality, expanded capabilities, and increasing user friendliness. And new materials will be more esthetic, wear more nearly like enamel, and strong enough for full crowns and bridges. We can also look forward to lots of change. Because of the cost of CAD/CAM systems, many clinicians are likely to collaborate by sharing a single system. Laboratories and clinicians may collaborate as well, with data being gathered in the operatory and sent to a laboratory via modem. The fabrication would then be done by the laboratory. Other changes that we cannot even predict are likely to occur in dentistry. Exciting times are here. Automation through dental CAD/CAM systems will, most certainly, change the profession. The impact of that change will only be known in the future. But as the future approaches, the systems and materials available to us will continue to evolve, improve, and enhance dentistry.