CAD/CAM Technology

With the CAD/CAM technologies, practitioners can now perform dentistry with a higher level of predictability. Also with the improvements with the CAD/CAM systems, restorations can be fabricated for patients within a matter of minutes. The CEREC CAD/CAM system has been designed to use chair side, which eliminates multiple appointments, impression taking, and the use of temporary restorations. Because of the many CAD/CAM systems available, a wide variety of materials have been introduced in chair side blocks. One of the most popular is the IPSe.max CAD (Ivoclar Vivadent) Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramic block.
This Lithium Disilicate material has enhanced strength, durability, and enhanced translucency. There are 3 levels of translucency that have been designed for specific restoration types to mimic the natural tooth structure for undetectable restorations and beautiful esthetics. They are High Translucency (HT), Medium Translucency (MT), and Low Translucency (LT). The HT and MT are used to primarily for inlay, onlay, and crownlay restorations, which are partial coverage restorations. The level of translucency in these blocks makes the restorations themselves virtually invisible one incorporated into the surrounding dentition and tooth structure. The LT blocks are used for the fabrication of full coverage restorations such as crowns. Due to the low translucency level, the dentin is blocked and not able to be seen because of the high opacity in the material used.
The versatility of the IPSe.max CAD allows for its usage for a variety of restorations. Also with the different levels of translucency, several types of permanent restorations can be fabricated including inlays, onlays, and full coverage crowns. The HT and MT are utilized for the fabrication of inlays and onlays, and the LT is utilized for full coverage crowns. Choosing the proper translucency level and restoration type leaves the restoration itself almost undetectable in the oral cavity.