CAD/CAM vs 3D Printing: Which Technology to Choose in Digital Dentistry?
Technical comparison between CAD/CAM milling and 3D printing for dental prostheses. When to use each technology and how to combine them for maximum clinical efficiency.
Technical comparison between CAD/CAM milling and 3D printing for dental prostheses. When to use each technology and how to combine them for maximum clinical efficiency.
CAD/CAM vs. 3D Printing — When to use each technology
Milling (CAD/CAM) and 3D printing are complementary technologies, not competing ones. Understanding the indications for each maximizes clinical results and profitability.
CAD/CAM Milling — Indications
- Definitive crowns and veneers: Feldspathic ceramic, lithium disilicate, zirconia
- Inlays and onlays: High marginal precision required
- Zirconia frameworks: Long-lasting fixed bridges
- CAD/CAM composite block: SmartMake for definitive restorations
3D Printing — Indications
- Temporaries: Smart Print Bio Vitality — FDA 510(k) K260152 Class II approved for DEFINITIVE restorations (crowns, veneers, inlays, prosthetics)
- Working models: Smart Print Precision Model, L'Aqua Model
- Surgical guides: Smart Print Bio Clear Guide
- Full denture bases: Smart Print Bio Denture
- Aligners: Smart Print Aligner
- Occlusal splints: Smart Print Bio Bite Splint
Advantages of 3D printing over milling
- No bur wear — zero cost per piece beyond the resin
- Multiple simultaneous pieces — 5 to 10 crowns in parallel
- Complex geometries without cutting axis limitations
- Cost per piece 70-90% lower than milled ceramic
Advantages of milling over 3D printing
- Definitive material (ceramic, zirconia) available in block form
- Superior surface finish — fewer pores
- Maximum mechanical strength for permanent prosthetics
The ideal workflow for most dental practices
3D printing for temporaries and models + CAD/CAM milling or laboratory for definitive parts. Smart Dent covers the 3D printing side; exocad (CAD partner) covers the design for both workflows.
Perguntas Frequentes
What is the main difference between CAD/CAM milling and 3D printing in digital dentistry?
They are complementary technologies, not competing ones. Milling is indicated for ceramic and zirconia restorations requiring high marginal precision, while 3D printing is ideal for temporaries, models, surgical guides, aligners, and also definitive restorations with approved resins.
Can 3D printing be used for definitive restorations?
Yes. The Smart Print Bio Vitality resin has FDA 510(k) K260152 Class II approval, making it suitable for definitive restorations such as crowns, veneers, inlays, and prosthetics.
What are the main indications for CAD/CAM milling?
Definitive crowns and veneers in ceramic, lithium disilicate, and zirconia, inlays and onlays requiring high marginal precision, zirconia frameworks for fixed bridges, and composite blocks like SmartMake.
What are the main indications for 3D printing in dentistry?
Temporaries, working models, surgical guides, full denture bases, aligners, and occlusal splints, in addition to definitive restorations with specific resins like Smart Print Bio Vitality.
What is the advantage of 3D printing over CAD/CAM milling?
3D printing does not wear down burs, eliminating the cost of replacing cutting tools, which reduces the operational cost per piece produced.