1. Technological Background
The chairside CAD/CAM workflow is based on a fully digital process chain consisting of three key steps: intraoral scanning, CAD design, and CAM-based manufacturing. This seamless integration enables precise, reproducible results and ensures a continuous digital data flow without media disruptions (Zaruba & Mehl, 2014). The technology has evolved significantly in recent years thanks to improved scanners, more powerful software, and advanced milling units.
1.1 Intraoral Scanning
Treatment begins with a digital impression. Modern intraoral scanners provide high-resolution 3D representations of the clinical situation and are increasingly replacing conventional silicone impressions.
Studies show that digital impressions achieve at least the same precision as traditional techniques for single-tooth restorations (Ender et al., 2016).
Advantages of digital impressions:
1.2 CAD Software
After scanning, the design phase begins. Modern CAD systems offer tools for shape design, margin refinement, occlusion analysis, and morphological adjustments.
Many systems include AI-supported suggestion tools that automate the anatomical design.
Key CAD features:
Open CAD systems are particularly attractive because they support scanners and milling units from different manufacturers (Miyazaki et al., 2009).
1.3 CAM and Milling Technology
During the CAM phase, the design is transferred to the milling unit, where tool paths are calculated and the restoration is manufactured.
Modern chairside milling machines can create restorations in very short cycle times.
Machine types:
Clinical research confirms the high precision of modern CAD/CAM milling (Mangano et al., 2017).
1.4 Material Diversity
Several material classes are now available for chairside manufacturing:
Material | Properties | Typical Indications |
Lithium disilicate | High strength, aesthetic | Crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers |
Hybrid ceramics | Elastic, gentle milling | Minimally invasive restorations |
PMMA | Easy to mill | Provisionals |
Fast-sinter zirconia | High strength, increasingly chairside-ready | Crowns & small bridges |
The development of chairside-sinterable zirconia has greatly expanded indications (Zhang & Lawn, 2018).
1.5 Integration into Existing Systems
Successful implementation requires seamless integration into existing practice workflows.
Key factors:
Interoperability increases efficiency and reduces long-term costs (Reiss et al., 2020).
2. Practical Application / Use Cases
The value of chairside CAD/CAM becomes especially clear in day-to-day practice. The technology enables fast, precise, and highly efficient treatments with both clinical and organizational benefits.
2.1 Single-Visit Restorations
One of the greatest advantages is the ability to fabricate high-quality single-tooth restorations in just one appointment.
Typical indications:
Research shows that chairside restorations can achieve equal or better marginal fit compared to conventional methods (Bindl & Mörmann, 2005).
Patient advantages:
2.2 Workflow Optimization
Milling units significantly increase practice efficiency.
While the machine mills, the team can work on other tasks.
Benefits:
Fasbinder (2012) describes chairside CAD/CAM as a “workflow-transforming technology.”
2.3 Collaboration with Practice Labs
Even with chairside systems, labs remain essential:
Practice:
Laboratory:
Digital workflows eliminate impression-related errors and enable immediate data transfer.
2.4 More Complex Cases
Chairside systems can also support:
More complex definitive cases remain lab-dependent (Sailer et al., 2018).
2.5 Patient Communication
Digital workflows enhance communication and case acceptance.
Benefits:
Digital visualizations significantly improve patient satisfaction (Guth et al., 2013).
3. Benefits for Dentists
Chairside CAD/CAM provides clinical, organizational, and financial advantages—especially for restoratively focused practices.
3.1 Time Savings
Eliminates:
This increases productivity and scheduling efficiency.
3.2 Digital Precision
Advantages:
Highly precise marginal fits are well documented (Miyazaki et al., 2009).
3.3 Economic Efficiency & ROI
Systems usually pay off within 12–24 months depending on:
Many practices generate additional revenue by offering single-visit premium services.
3.4 Patient Experience & Practice Image
Benefits:
Digital processes strengthen a modern, innovative practice image.
3.5 Independence & Flexibility
Dentists benefit from:
4. Challenges / Limitations
4.1 Investment Costs
Costs involve:
A careful needs assessment is essential.
4.2 Learning Curve
Requires:
Training is crucial for success (Reiss et al., 2020).
4.3 Indication Limits
Chairside is not suitable for:
4.4 Material & Device Constraints
Examples:
4.5 Integration Challenges
Important elements:
5. Market & Future Perspectives
Digital dentistry is shaped by automation, AI, and new materials.
5.1 Growing Market Adoption
Digital processes are becoming standard.
5.2 Material Innovations
New materials include:
5.3 AI-Supported Workflows
AI will increasingly automate:
5.4 Open Systems as the Future Standard
Open platforms provide:
5.5 Hybrid Practice–Lab Models
Future workflows combine:
Lab for complex/high-aesthetic cases
6. Conclusion & Recommendations
Chairside CAD/CAM offers dentists an effective way to make restorative treatments more efficient, precise, and patient-friendly. Especially for single-tooth restorations, digital workflows provide clear advantages: reduced treatment time, high precision, streamlined processes, and enhanced patient satisfaction.
Key recommendations:
Conclusion:
Chairside CAD/CAM significantly enhances efficiency, quality, and competitiveness. Practices that invest in digital workflows benefit from optimized processes, more satisfied patients, and a future-proof treatment concept.
8. References
(All references translated exactly as listed in your original text.)
FAQ Section
1. Which materials are suitable for chairside applications?
Lithium disilicate, hybrid ceramics, PMMA, and fast-sinter zirconia. They offer a balance of aesthetics, durability, and machinability.
2. How quickly does a chairside CAD/CAM system pay off?
Typically within 12–24 months depending on case volume.
3. How difficult is workflow integration?
It requires training and scheduling adjustments, but is manageable with structured processes.
4. Can complex cases be manufactured chairside?
Partially. Simple cases are ideal; complex cases remain lab-based.
5. How reliable are chairside milling machines?
Modern systems are highly reliable when properly maintained and used with validated materials.
