The Newest Evolution in Hybrid CAD/CAM Restorations

This article will explore CAD/CAM technology in relation to the main challenges it was developed to address: adequate strength of restorations, especially for posterior teeth; giving restorations a natural appearance; and making tooth restoration easier, faster, and more accurate. CAD/CAM restorations will be reviewed from a historical perspective, concluding with a description of newer ceramic materials, particularly a newer hybrid ceramic (HC) described in the context of a case study.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Describe the challenges that CAD/CAM technology was designed to address.

• Describe the characteristics of newer ceramics, including hybrid ceramics.

• Discuss the impact of CAD/CAM restorations on dentistry.

About the Author

Hugh Flax, DDS
Private Practice
Atlanta, Georgia