Is CAD CAM the Same as CEREC?

Understanding CAD CAM and CEREC

In the world of modern dentistry, terms like CAD CAM and CEREC are often mentioned together, leading to confusion about whether they are the same. While closely related, CAD CAM and CEREC are not identical. This article clarifies the differences and connections between the two, helping patients and professionals understand their roles in dental care.

What is CAD CAM?

CAD CAM stands for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). It is a broad technology used in various industries, including dentistry, to design and produce precise components. In dental practices, CAD CAM involves digital scanning, designing restorations (like crowns or bridges) on software, and fabricating them using milling machines or 3D printers. It’s a versatile system adopted by many dental equipment manufacturers.

What is CEREC?

CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, is a specific CAD CAM system developed by Sirona (now part of Dentsply Sirona). It is a brand-name technology designed exclusively for dental applications, allowing dentists to create, mill, and place restorations in a single patient visit. CEREC integrates intraoral scanning, design software, and in-office milling to streamline the restorative process.

Key Differences Between CAD CAM and CEREC

While CEREC is a type of CAD CAM technology, there are distinct differences:

1. Scope of Technology

• CAD CAM: A general term for the technology used across various dental systems and brands. Many manufacturers offer CAD CAM solutions, each with unique features and workflows.

• CEREC: A specific CAD CAM system tailored for chairside restorations, primarily used for same-day crowns, veneers, and inlays/onlays.

2. Application

• CAD CAM: Used in both chairside (in-office) and laboratory settings. It supports a wide range of dental restorations and orthodontic appliances.

• CEREC: Focused on chairside dentistry, enabling dentists to complete restorations in one appointment without relying on external labs.

3. Brand and Equipment

• CAD CAM: Encompasses systems from multiple brands, such as Planmeca, Roland, or Amann Girrbach, each with different hardware and software.

• CEREC: A proprietary system with specific hardware (e.g., CEREC Primescan, CEREC MC XL milling unit) and software designed by Dentsply Sirona.

Similarities Between CAD CAM and CEREC

• Both use digital scanning to capture 3D images of teeth.

• Both involve designing restorations on specialized software.

• Both rely on milling or 3D printing for fabrication.

• Both improve precision and reduce treatment time compared to traditional methods.

Conclusion

CAD CAM is the overarching technology used in dentistry for designing and manufacturing restorations, while CEREC is a specialized, brand-specific CAD CAM system focused on chairside efficiency. Understanding this distinction helps patients and dentists choose the right tools for their needs. Whether using CEREC or another CAD CAM system, the result is faster, more accurate dental care.