CAD/CAM and 3D Printers

A chairside digital workflow requires an intraoral scanner for digital impressions, CAD/CAM design software, a milling unit or 3D printer for fabrication, and compatible restorative materials such as zirconia, lithium disilicate, or resin blocks. Some systems like CEREC integrate scanning, design, and milling in a single ecosystem.

Milling subtracts material from a pre-fabricated block — producing highly accurate, dense restorations from materials like zirconia and lithium disilicate suitable for permanent crowns and bridges. 3D printing builds restorations layer by layer from photopolymer resins, making it better suited for surgical guides, provisionals, dentures, and splints.

Common chairside milling materials include lithium disilicate, zirconia, hybrid ceramic composites, and PMMA for temporaries. Material selection depends on the restoration type, esthetic requirements, occlusal load, and milling unit compatibility — not all units can mill high-strength full-contour zirconia without sintering.

Milling time varies by material and unit. High-speed milling units like CEREC Primemill can produce a crown in as little as 4 minutes for lithium disilicate; zirconia requires additional sintering time of 15–25 minutes or more depending on the furnace used. Total same-day appointment time typically runs 90–120 minutes.

Independent panels of practicing dentists use products in their own offices for approximately 4 weeks, rating on criteria including milling accuracy, material compatibility, software usability, and same-day workflow efficiency. Products scoring 4.3 or above earn the DPS Best Product designation.