Abstract:
Introduction. CAD/CAM (Computer - aided Design, Computer - aided manufacturing) is a
perspective branch of digital dentistry. The whole СAD/CAM technological process from taking
impressions until fixation is performed by chairside and can take only one visit. According to
polls (2016), 89% of dentists consider that CAD/CAM technology has to replace conventional
process of modelling and manufacturing of prosthetic constructions in the nearest future.
Aim of the study. to analyze technological possibilities of СAD/CAM in orthopedic dentistry, to
reveal advantages and disadvantages of CAD/CAM technology on the example of a clinical case.
Materials and methods. Was carried out a review of the publications of the last 10 years on the
selected theme using PubMed system. According to a key phrase "CAD/CAM" 1862
publications were found, 80 publications were selected and analyzed. Research includes data
from 20 publications. Examination of a patient at the age of 32 years with partial defect of solid
tissues of lateral teeth of the maxilla was performed. Defect was treated with the help of
zirconium crowns manufactured by means of CAD/CAM technology.
Results.The analysis of literature allowed to define the main advantages of CAD/CAM
technology: 1) accuracy of marginal fit and occlusal contacts; 2) high esthetics; 3) concept of
one-visit dentistry; 4) decrease of human factor; 5) stability and predictability of treatment.
Presented clinical case confirms mentioned advantages of CAD/CAM technology. According to
five sources, marginal discrepancy of the CAD/CAM crowns varies from 30 to 60 microns. At
the same time traditional full ceramic crowns have an average discrepancy 90 microns.
Researches demonstrate maintaining of 95-98% of CAD/CAM crowns for the 6-year period of
clinical observation (R. Van Noort, 2012, M. Fages, 2017, Alqahtani, 2017). The analysis of
literature revealed fact that rather small significance is attached to applying of CAD/CAM digital
workflow in treatment of handicapped people and other categories. Possibility to minimize the
number of visits for this group of patients is the greatest advantage. Were defined the following
shortcomings of CAD/CAM technology: 1) high cost; 2) increased material consumption; 3)
limitations in several types of prosthetic constructions.
Conclusions. 1. The analysis of literature showed that CAD/CAM the technology has large
prospects in modern dentistry due to constant perfecting. 2. The quality of CAD/CAM crowns
and bridges surpasses the quality of conventional constructions of the same type. However,
partial and complete CAD/CAM dentures, as well as some other constructions, still have lack of
precision.
