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Applications of Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing in Pediatric Orthodontics: A Scoping Review
Bianca Campos de Freitas1, Ana Carla do Espírito Santo Rodrigues Melo1, Vinícius Rodrigues Reis de Farias1
1Pediatric Dentistry, Afya Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Palmas, BRA.
Cureus
|August 15, 2026
Summary
Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology offers customized dental devices in pediatric orthodontics. While promising for efficiency, evidence on the long-term survival of CAD/CAM devices compared to traditional methods remains inconclusive.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Digital Health
Background:
- Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is transforming dentistry with enhanced precision and customization.
- Its application in pediatric orthodontics, particularly for preventive and interceptive care, is an evolving area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of CAD/CAM applications in pediatric preventive and interceptive orthodontics.
- To identify devices used and synthesize reported clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Searched major databases (PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, Google Scholar) up to April 2026.
- Included 18 studies: RCTs, clinical studies, case series, and reports.
- Focused on CAD/CAM applications in pediatric orthodontic devices and outcomes.
Main Results:
- CAD/CAM used for space maintainers, functional devices, prostheses, removable appliances, and nasoalveolar molding.
- Demonstrated advantages in customization, adaptation, reduced chair time, and optimized management.
- Heterogeneous clinical outcomes, especially inconsistent survival rates compared to conventional methods.
Conclusions:
- CAD/CAM technology shows potential benefits in pediatric orthodontics for specific applications.
- Limited evidence and inconsistent survival data necessitate further high-quality, long-term prospective studies.
- More rigorous research is needed to define the comparative clinical performance of CAD/CAM versus conventional approaches.