CAD/CAM

What Is CAD/CAM Dentistry? (How Your Crown Went from Weeks to Hours)

Remember when getting a dental crown meant suffering through goopy impressions, wearing a temporary crown that could fall off at any moment, and returning weeks later for a second appointment? CAD/CAM technology threw all of that out the window.

CAD/CAM stands for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. Think of it as 3D printing for your teeth, but instead of adding material, a robotic milling machine precisely carves your new crown from a solid block of high-strength ceramic. It has transformed a multi-week ordeal into a single, convenient visit.

The Magic Behind Same-Day Crowns

It’s not actually magic, but the streamlined process can feel like it.

1. The Digital Scan: Instead of biting into a tray of impression goop, we use a small camera wand to take a hyper-accurate 3D video of your tooth.
2. The Digital Design: You can watch on a large screen as we become digital architects, designing your new crown to perfectly match your bite and anatomy.
3. The In-Office Milling: The design is sent wirelessly to our milling unit, which carves your permanent crown while you relax. It’s mesmerizing to watch!
4. The Finishing Touches: Your new crown is custom-stained, glazed, and polished to match your natural teeth before being permanently bonded in place. You walk out with your final restoration—no follow-up needed.

The Real-World Benefits of CAD/CAM

The "one visit" advantage is huge, but the other benefits are just as important.

• No Temporary Crown: This eliminates the biggest hassle of the old process. There's no risk of a temporary falling off during a business trip or before a wedding.
• Enhanced Accuracy: Digital scans are often more precise than physical impressions, eliminating distortions and leading to a flawless fit.
• Less Time Being Vulnerable: A tooth is safest with its permanent crown. CAD/CAM reduces the time your prepared tooth is covered by a temporary from a few weeks to a few hours.
• A Single Numbing Session: One appointment means you only have to get numb once.

"But Is It as Good as a Lab-Made Crown?"

This is the number one question we get, and it’s a fair one. The answer is a resounding yes.

• We use the exact same materials, often from the same manufacturers (like BruxZir® or E-max), that the best labs use.
• The all-digital workflow eliminates many potential sources of human or material error, often resulting in a more precise fit.

For the vast majority of single-tooth restorations, a CAD/CAM crown meets or exceeds the quality of a lab-made crown, with the unbeatable advantage of being completed in a single visit. The only exception is for some highly complex cosmetic cases involving multiple front teeth, where the hand-layering artistry of a master lab ceramist is still preferred.

Here's what we want you to remember:

CAD/CAM technology has revolutionized the crown process, enabling us to deliver a permanent, high-quality, and perfectly-fitting restoration in a single appointment. It's a fusion of your dentist's expertise with the precision of computer-aided design and manufacturing.

Every patient's situation is unique.

While CAD/CAM is the ideal solution for most single-crown restorations, we always evaluate your specific needs. For some complex cosmetic cases or bridges, a traditional lab process may still be the best choice. We'll always recommend the option that ensures the best possible outcome for you.

Curious about same-day CAD/CAM crowns?

Want to see the technology in action before you decide? We're here to give you honest, personalized answers. Schedule a consultation at our Woodland Hills practice – let's talk about what's really best for your smile.