an overview of computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (cad/cam) in restorative dentistry

Objective: To review the current knowledge of CAD/CAM in dentistry and its development in the mentioned field. Sources: An electronic search was conducted across Ovid Medline, complemented by manual search across individual databases, such as Cochrane, Medline and ISI Web of Science databases and Google Scholar for literature analysis on the mentioned topic. The studies were reviewed thoroughly. This paper summarizes the current scientific and clinical opinions through a brief overview regarding the preferred way of utilizing CAD/CAM in dentistry.  Conclusions: The importance of CAD/CAM systems has seen a dramatic development in the number of products and procedures over last decades, with a concomitant rise in publications on the topic. Literature suggests that using this technology permits carrying out dental treatments feasibly particularly for fixed dental appliances. Based on the previous findings, it is concluded that in office CAD/CAM technique appears to be the most common technique currently available, which is rapid, easy and keeps time. CAD/CAM systems are variable; therefore, using the right system with a logical approach for treating patients are quite mandatory.