CAD/CAM (computer assisted design/manufacture)

Includes:

• A method of digitizing the object
  
• Software to design the part
  
• A manufacturing/milling unit to produce the under structures
  

Advantages:

• increased strength
  
• decreased fabrication time
  
• novel materials
  
• gives the lab technician complete control over the fit, and color of the restoration, while the dentist can rely on the consistent dependability of the technology and the aesthetic quality of the material
  
  

Dentists can continue to use their existing all-ceramic preparation techniques because the system works well with both chamfer and shoulder margins. Margins can be placed at or above the free gingival margin, rather than subgingivally, because there is no opaque or metallic margin to conceal.

Speed, productivity, and accuracy are increased without compromising esthetic quality