1. Technological Background
Over the past three decades, dental technology has experienced an unprecedented transformation. For many years, the fabrication of dental restorations relied on manual techniques such as lost-wax casting, casting processes, or hand-layered ceramics. A paradigm shift began in the late 1980s: digital manufacturing with CAD/CAM systems (Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing) entered the dental world (Mörmann, 2006).
From analog methods to digital workflows
The introduction of the CEREC system by Mörmann and Brandestini is considered a milestone in dental digitalization. For the first time, it became possible to fabricate inlays chairside—without conventional impressions and without involving a dental laboratory (Mörmann, 2006). At the same time, a separate CAD/CAM ecosystem emerged in dental laboratories, enabling efficient and reproducible fabrication of highly precise restorations such as crowns and bridges (Miyazaki et al., 2009).
Advances in materials and manufacturing technologies
Digitalization also brought a transformation in material processing. While metals and veneering ceramics were long considered the standard, innovative high-performance materials such as zirconia, lithium disilicate, and hybrid resins are now at the forefront (Beuer et al., 2008). Manufacturing technologies have also evolved: in addition to 5-axis milling machines—ideal for processing zirconia and titanium—3D printing has emerged in recent years as a serious technology for fabricating prostheses, splints, and temporary restorations (Miyazaki et al., 2009).
Digitalization as an integral part of prosthetics
By 2025, digital dental technology is no longer a niche solution but a standard. Nearly all dental laboratories use CAD/CAM technologies, many dentists utilize intraoral scanners, and milling centers rely on highly automated systems with robotic handling. Prosthetics has thus evolved from a craft-driven field into a technically sophisticated discipline.
2. Practical Applications
Digitalization in dental technology is particularly evident in practical application scenarios that reshape the daily operations of laboratories and dental practices. Prosthetics benefits especially from fully digital workflows that combine efficiency with precision.
Digital impressions and data transfer
The basis of modern workflows is the intraoral scan. Instead of traditional impressions, dentists digitally capture the oral situation and transfer the data directly to the laboratory or milling center. This shortens communication pathways and increases the precision of subsequent modeling (Reich et al., 2016).
CAD design and customized restorations
In the laboratory, digital data is imported into CAD software, where technicians design patient-specific restorations such as crowns, bridges, or implant abutments. This step enables precise planning, improved visualization for the dentist, and transparent communication with the patient.
CAM manufacturing: Milling and 3D printing
Transferring the design to CAM systems allows two main manufacturing methods:
Many laboratories combine both technologies to expand their indication range and enhance flexibility.
Chairside vs. laboratory-based production
A key use case is the distinction between chairside (in-practice) and laboratory-based fabrication. While chairside systems enable same-day restorations, laboratories remain the standard for more complex cases such as multi-unit bridges or implant-supported restorations (Reich et al., 2016).
Innovative materials in use
Zirconia is now the standard material for high-strength, esthetic crowns and bridges. Lithium disilicate offers superior esthetics for anterior restorations, while hybrid resins and new high-performance polymers provide flexible solutions for temporary restorations (Vijan, 2024).
3. Benefits for the Target Group
Digital transformation offers clear advantages for all stakeholders—laboratories, dentists, and patients. Prosthetics in particular benefits from measurable improvements in precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Benefits for dental laboratories
Digital workflows standardize production processes while expanding material options. CAD/CAM technologies enable highly precise restorations in less time, enhancing competitiveness. Complex cases like implant prosthetics or multi-unit bridges can also be reproduced reliably (Beuer et al., 2010).
Automation allows scalability, making digital technologies attractive for laboratories seeking growth or client expansion (Miyazaki et al., 2009).
Benefits for dentists
Dentists benefit from improved communication with laboratories. Digital impressions can be transmitted instantly, reducing errors. Digital visualizations also help explain treatment plans to patients, improving trust and acceptance (Reich et al., 2016).
Chairside solutions go even further: they enable same-day treatments, reducing or eliminating the need for temporaries and multiple appointments.
Benefits for patients
Patients enjoy higher treatment quality and comfort. Digital impressions are more pleasant and provide more precise results. Faster treatment times and improved fit increase satisfaction (Alhallak, 2023).
Modern materials such as highly translucent zirconia and lithium disilicate also provide superior esthetic outcomes, particularly in the anterior region (Vijan, 2024).
4. Challenges and Limitations
Despite the benefits, dental laboratories and dentists face several challenges in 2025—economic, organizational, and technological.
Investment costs and profitability
Modern CAD/CAM systems, milling units, and 3D printers require significant investments. Smaller laboratories must carefully assess how these technologies will pay off. While studies show long-term profitability through increased efficiency, short-term financial burdens can be substantial (Miyazaki et al., 2009).
Training requirements and skilled labor shortage
Digital technologies require specialized expertise. Technicians must be trained in CAD software, CAM systems, and new materials. The shortage of skilled dental technicians exacerbates this issue (Reich et al., 2016).
Material costs and system compatibility
High-performance materials such as zirconia or lithium disilicate are more expensive but offer superior results. Additionally, some CAD/CAM systems are closed, limiting material selection and workflow flexibility.
Data protection and digital networking
Digitalization increases the amount of sensitive patient data exchanged among practices, labs, and production centers. This demands stringent data security and compliance with regulations such as GDPR (Abduo et al., 2017).
Acceptance and willingness to change
Resistance to new technologies—due to cost concerns, lack of experience, or fear of job changes—can slow progress. Successful implementation requires strategic planning and staff involvement.
5. Market & Future Outlook
In 2025, dental technology is at a pivotal moment: the transition from craft-based to fully digital processes is nearly complete, yet the next innovation wave is already emerging.
Advancement of CAD/CAM systems
Future systems will focus even more on automation and process integration, including robotics and AI-based optimization (Miyazaki et al., 2009).
3D printing as a growth driver
As new, more robust, and biocompatible materials emerge, 3D printing will increasingly play a role in definitive prosthetics (Abduo et al., 2017).
Integration of artificial intelligence
AI will support automated restoration design, error analysis, quality control, and material selection—reducing workload and increasing efficiency.
Sustainability and resource efficiency
Energy-efficient machines, resource-saving processes, and recyclable materials will become key competitive factors.
Global market dynamics
The global dental market is expanding due to demographic changes and growing aesthetic demands. This increases opportunities but also competition from large, automated milling centers (Reich et al., 2016).
The laboratory of the future
Future laboratories will rely on fully digital infrastructures: networked scanners, design software, manufacturing units, and cloud platforms. The role of the technician will shift toward digital design and process management.
6. Conclusion & Recommendations
Dental technology in 2025 is characterized by continuous digitalization, expanding material diversity, and increasing automation. Technologies such as CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and AI are already part of daily laboratory and practice routines (Miyazaki et al., 2009; Abduo et al., 2017).
However, challenges such as high investment costs, training needs, and system compatibility must be addressed. Successful market participants strategically implement new technologies step by step.
Recommendations for laboratories and practices:
Those who embrace digitalization, invest in knowledge, and make strategic decisions will help shape the future of dental technology.
7. FAQ
1. Which materials are most important in 2025?
Zirconia for strong, esthetic restorations; lithium disilicate for anterior esthetics; titanium for implant prosthetics; and hybrid resins and high-performance polymers for temporaries (Beuer et al., 2008).
2. What role does 3D printing play compared to milling?
3D printing complements milling: milling is essential for strong materials like zirconia and titanium, while 3D printing is ideal for temporaries, splints, and complex geometries—and increasingly for definitive prostheses (Miyazaki et al., 2009).
3. Is digitalization worthwhile for smaller laboratories?
Yes. Modular systems allow a gradual transition. Efficiency gains and improved communication justify the investment long-term (Reich et al., 2016).
4. Which trends will shape the next 5 years?
AI integration, expanded use of 3D printing, more automation, and increased sustainability (Abduo et al., 2017).
5. What benefits do patients experience?
More precise results, shorter treatment times, greater comfort, and better esthetics thanks to modern materials (Reich et al., 2016).
