How Small and Medium Dental Laboratories in Brazil Reduce Labor and Material Costs with CAD/CAM Equipment in 2026

Brazil's dental laboratory sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation, with small and medium-sized labs (typically 5–25 technicians) increasingly adopting CAD/CAM systems to stay competitive. As of 2026, Brazil's dental devices market is valued at approximately USD 275 million and projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% toward USD 365 million by the end of the decade. CAD/CAM adoption is a key driver, particularly in the Southeast region (São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro), where urban demand for faster, precise restorations pushes labs to modernize.

Traditional analog workflows rely on manual wax-ups, plaster models, porcelain layering, and extensive technician time—processes prone to human error, material overuse, and delays. CAD/CAM shifts production to digital design (CAD) and automated milling or 3D printing (CAM), delivering substantial savings in labor and materials for small-to-medium labs.

Key Ways CAD/CAM Reduces Labor Costs

1. Automation of Design and Fabrication Digital workflows automate repetitive tasks like margin marking, anatomy shaping, and nesting. Technicians spend less time on manual sculpting and adjustments. Studies show digitalization can reduce overall labor in traditional labs by up to 30%, as one technician handles multiple cases simultaneously instead of sequential handwork.
2. Faster Turnaround and Higher Throughput A single crown that once took 2–5 days can now be designed in minutes and milled in 8–20 minutes. This allows small labs to increase output without hiring additional staff, directly lowering per-unit labor costs. In Brazil's competitive market, labs report 2–3x faster case completion, enabling them to accept more orders from local clinics.
3. Reduced Remakes and Adjustments Digital precision minimizes errors from manual processes. Fewer remakes mean less re-work labor. Global data indicates CAD/CAM reduces remake rates by 20–40% compared to conventional methods, translating to significant time savings for resource-limited Brazilian labs.
4. Simplified Training and Skill Requirements Modern CAD software with AI-assisted tools lowers the skill barrier. Junior technicians can produce high-quality restorations after short training, reducing reliance on highly experienced (and higher-paid) senior staff.

Key Ways CAD/CAM Reduces Material Costs

1. Optimized Material Usage and Nesting Digital nesting software maximizes block or disc usage, often achieving 80–90% material efficiency versus 50–60% in manual setups. This is especially beneficial for expensive materials like zirconia and lithium disilicate, common in Brazilian restorations.
2. Minimal Waste in Subtractive Manufacturing Precise milling generates far less scrap than traditional casting or layering. Additive options (3D printing) use only the required resin volume, virtually eliminating waste for models, temporaries, and some prosthetics.
3. Elimination of Consumables Digital impressions replace traditional alginate/silicone materials, cutting impression material costs. No need for physical models in fully digital cases further reduces plaster and stone expenses.
4. Bulk Purchasing and Standardized Blocks As adoption grows, labs negotiate better prices for CAD/CAM-compatible materials. In Brazil, increased competition among suppliers has driven down zirconia block costs, amplifying savings for volume users.

Brazil-Specific Context and Real-World Impact in 2026

Brazil's dental labs face unique pressures: high caries prevalence, growing aesthetic demand, and competition from chairside systems in urban clinics. Small and medium labs, dominant in the interior and smaller cities, use CAD/CAM to compete by offering faster, lower-cost services to dentists.

Many adopt entry-level or mid-range milling units and scanners, often through financing or leasing, to minimize upfront costs. The digital dentistry market in Brazil, valued at around USD 462 million in recent years, continues growing at ~3% CAGR, with CAD/CAM devices and materials leading adoption.

Real benefits include:

• Labor savings — Labs report 20–35% reduction in technician hours per case.
• Material savings — Up to 40% less waste on high-value blocks.
• Overall profitability — Faster turnaround increases case volume by 50–100%, offsetting initial investment within 12–24 months for active labs.

Challenges remain: initial equipment costs, training needs, and reliable power/internet in some regions. However, government health initiatives and rising private insurance coverage support digital transitions, making CAD/CAM accessible even for smaller operations.

Conclusion

For small and medium dental laboratories in Brazil, CAD/CAM equipment represents a game-changing investment in 2026. By automating workflows, optimizing materials, and boosting efficiency, these labs achieve meaningful reductions in labor (up to 30%) and material costs while improving quality and speed. As digital adoption accelerates, Brazilian labs embracing CAD/CAM gain a clear competitive edge in a market prioritizing precision, aesthetics, and affordability.