CAD in dentistry refers to "Computer-Aided Design," a technology that has revolutionised the field of dental care. It involves the use of computer systems to design and create high-precision dental restorations, prosthetics, and orthodontic appliances. Here’s an overview of how CAD is utilised in dentistry:

1. Digital Imaging and Scanning:

- The process often begins with digital imaging or scanning of a patient's teeth and gums, using tools like intraoral scanners. These devices capture detailed 3D images of the oral cavity, eliminating the need for traditional physical dental impressions.

2. Designing Restorations:

- The digital images are imported into CAD software, where dental professionals can design various dental restorations. This includes crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, onlays, dentures, and even clear orthodontic aligners.

- The software allows for precise adjustments and customisation, ensuring that the designed restorations fit perfectly with the patient’s existing teeth and dental structure.

3. Integration with CAM:

- CAD in dentistry is often paired with CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing). After the design phase is complete, the CAD software interfaces with manufacturing devices like milling machines or 3D printers.

- These machines then fabricate the dental restoration or appliance from suitable materials (such as ceramic, resin, or metal) based on the CAD design.

4. Benefits in Dentistry:

- Precision and Customisation: CAD provides high accuracy in designing restorations, ensuring a better fit and more natural appearance.

- Efficiency: The digital process can significantly reduce the time needed to create restorations.

- Improved Patient Experience: Stress is a significant concern in the field of dentistry, affecting both dental professionals and patients. Here are some key aspects of stress in dentistry. Digital impressions are more comfortable for patients than traditional methods, and CAD allows for better visualisation of the end result.

- Material Options: CAD supports designing with a variety of materials, catering to different needs and preferences.

5. Applications:

- Prosthodontics: For creating crowns, bridges, and dentures.

- Orthodontics: In designing custom orthodontic devices, like clear aligners and retainers.

- Implantology: Stress is a significant concern in the field of dentistry, affecting both dental professionals and patients. Here are some key aspects of stress in dentistry. For designing dental implants and abutments.

- Cosmetic Dentistry: In crafting veneers and other aesthetic enhancements.

CAD technology in dentistry represents a significant shift towards digital workflows, offering improved accuracy, patient comfort, and overall efficiency in dental treatment planning and execution.