1. Technological Background
Digital workflows consist of three core steps: scanning, designing, and manufacturing (CAM). Open and closed systems differ significantly in these aspects.
Closed Systems – Where They Make Sense
Closed systems provide a fully defined process chain from a single manufacturer. This can offer advantages such as:
They are ideal for users who work with a fixed set of indications and prefer a highly controlled solution.
Open Systems – Flexibility Through Interoperability
Open CAD/CAM systems allow the free combination of scanners, software, and manufacturing units from different manufacturers. This is made possible through vendor-neutral file formats such as STL, PLY, or OBJ.
Studies such as Zhermack (2022) show that open data pathways become especially important when workflows between practice and laboratory vary or when systems need to remain adaptable over time.
Key advantages of open systems:
Technical Standards
The FDI (2020) explicitly recommends the use of open digital standards to reduce workflow barriers and long-term proprietary dependencies.
2. Practical Application / Use Cases
2.1 Dental Practice
Flexible Scanner Integration
Open systems allow the use of various intraoral scanners—from entry-level models with high speed to high-resolution color scanners for aesthetic cases.
Chairside or Labside? Both Are Possible
The decision whether a restoration is manufactured chairside or in a laboratory can be made individually for each case—without system restrictions.
Improved Collaboration With Laboratories
Open formats simplify data transfer and reduce errors that may occur during conversions.
2.2 Dental Laboratory
Material Variety Without Restrictions
Laboratories benefit greatly from open architecture because they require a variety of materials depending on the indication—such as zirconia, PMMA, hybrid ceramics, or lithium disilicate.
Open CAD/CAM systems remove material limitations commonly found in closed systems.
Handling Data From Many Scanners
Labs receive data from various practices. Open systems simplify handling multiple scan qualities and formats.
Integration of New Technologies
AI design modules, automatic nesting tools, and modern CAM algorithms can be integrated more easily when formats and interfaces follow standards.
2.3 Milling Center
Processing Heterogeneous Data
Milling centers receive files from countless sources. Open CAM infrastructures reduce bottlenecks and improve scalability.
Modular Machine Park Expansion
New machines, materials, or automation stages can be added without having to redesign the entire system.
3. Benefits for Manufacturing Centers
3.1 Clinical Advantages
3.2 Process Optimization
Open workflows eliminate unnecessary conversions and waiting times. Especially between practice ↔ laboratory, a cleaner and more efficient data flow is created.
3.3 Economic Advantages & Investment Security
Open systems allow:
3.4 Independence in Workflow Design
Practices and laboratories can replace and optimize devices without being tied to a closed ecosystem.
4. Challenges / Limitations
4.1 Higher Requirements for System Understanding
Open workflows require some knowledge of data formats and process steps. However, modern assistance features and AI tools help reduce this complexity.
4.2 More Distributed Responsibility
Compared to closed systems, users carry more responsibility for compatibility and updates.
Well-defined internal processes and reliable service partners make this manageable.
4.3 Differences in Data Quality
Scanner precision varies.
At the same time, open systems offer the advantage of choosing the scanner that best fits the indication.
5. Market & Future Perspectives
5.1 Openness as a Key Component of Digitalization
González et al. (2025) show that innovations in digital dentistry are adopted faster when systems are designed openly.
5.2 AI Enhances the Value of Open Data
Many AI-driven design tools rely on standardized formats. Open systems enable seamless integration.
5.3 The Trend Clearly Favors Modular Systems
Given the variety of technologies available today, it is increasingly unlikely that closed systems will dominate long-term. Future-ready workflows are modular, interoperable, and easily expandable.
6. Conclusion & Recommendations
Open CAD/CAM systems offer a compelling combination of flexibility, investment security, and long-term adaptability. Both practices and laboratories benefit from the freedom to combine digital devices and software modules as needed.
For practices, this means:
For laboratories, this means:
For milling centers, it ensures maximum freedom when processing heterogeneous data and materials.
Recommendation:
When purchasing new equipment, users should ensure that systems support standardized formats, follow modular design principles, and can be integrated into existing workflows without limitations. This increases flexibility and protects long-term investments.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between an open and a closed CAD/CAM system?
Open systems use standardized file formats (e.g., STL, PLY) and allow free choice of scanners, software, and materials. Closed systems limit this freedom but offer a unified environment.
2. What are the advantages of open systems for dental practices?
Practices benefit from flexible scanner integration, freely selectable partner laboratories, and the ability to work chairside or labside as needed.
3. Why are open systems important in laboratories?
Labs receive data from many sources. Open systems reduce conversion errors, allow material freedom, and support scalability.
4. Are open systems more complicated?
They require some understanding of interfaces but benefit greatly from modern automation and standardized file formats.
5. Will the future of dentistry be open or closed?
Current literature and market trends clearly indicate that modular open systems will dominate thanks to their flexibility and investment security.
