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Technology
CAD/CAM Dental Technology in Bel Air, MD: Permanent Crowns Designed and Milled On-Site
CAD/CAM, or Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing, is the technology that makes same-day dental crowns possible. At Elevated Smiles Dentistry in Bel Air, MD, the entire process of designing and producing a permanent ceramic restoration happens in our office, eliminating the need for a dental lab and reducing a two-appointment process to one.
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Precise, efficient care
How Does CAD/CAM Technology Work?
After preparing the tooth, Dr. Englander takes a digital scan using an intraoral scanner rather than a traditional impression. The scan creates a precise 3D model of the tooth and surrounding bite on a computer screen. Using dedicated design software, Dr. Englander designs the restoration to exact specifications, matching the shape, contours, and bite relationship of the surrounding teeth. The design file is sent wirelessly to an in-office milling unit that carves the crown from a solid block of high-strength ceramic material in about 15 minutes. After minor finishing and color characterization, the crown is cemented permanently.
What Restorations Can Be Made with CAD/CAM?
Our CAD/CAM system is capable of producing crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers from multiple ceramic materials including feldspathic porcelain and zirconia. Most single-tooth restorations that would traditionally require a dental lab are candidates for same-day production. The technology is particularly well suited for crowns on premolars and molars and for final crowns on dental implants, where the combination of in-house implant placement and same-day crown fabrication streamlines the entire implant process significantly.
How Accurate Are CAD/CAM Restorations?
CAD/CAM milling produces restorations with margins measured in microns, exceeding the tolerance achievable by most dental lab fabrication methods. Digital scanning eliminates the dimensional inaccuracies inherent in physical impression materials, which can shift or distort during setting. Long-term clinical studies show that CAD/CAM ceramic restorations have survival rates comparable to traditionally fabricated equivalents, with some studies showing advantages in marginal fit. The materials used, particularly zirconia and lithium disilicate, are clinically proven for durability and biocompatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About CAD/CAM Same-Day Crowns
Is a same-day CAD/CAM crown as strong as a traditionally made one?
Yes. CAD/CAM restorations are milled from industrially produced ceramic blocks that have been manufactured under controlled conditions for consistent density and strength. Clinical evidence supports their durability as equivalent to lab-fabricated alternatives.
Can CAD/CAM be used for front teeth?
Yes. With aesthetic ceramic materials like feldspathic porcelain or lithium disilicate, CAD/CAM restorations on front teeth can be made to closely match natural tooth color and translucency. Dr. Englander will select the best material for each case.
What happens if my CAD/CAM crown chips or breaks?
Most ceramic crowns are very resistant to chipping under normal use. If a crown does fracture, repair or replacement can often be completed in a single same-day appointment using the same CAD/CAM system.
Does insurance cover CAD/CAM crowns?
Insurance covers the crown as a procedure regardless of how it is made. The same-day manufacturing method does not change your coverage. Benefits are based on the type of restoration and your specific plan.
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Visit us at our modern office in downtown Bel Air. We’re ready to help you achieve your best smile.
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Office Hours
Monday: 8am – 4pm
Tuesday: 8am – 4pm
Wednesday: 7am – 3pm
Thursday: 7am – 3pm
Friday: By Appointment Only
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
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