CAD/CAM
Pronunciation: kad-KAM
Also written as: CAD/CAM — Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing
Acronym for Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing; the digital workflow used to design and mill or 3D-print dental prostheses.
Full Definition
CAD/CAM in prosthodontics refers to the integrated digital process by which prostheses—crowns, bridges, veneers, implant components, and full-arch restorations—are designed using software (CAD) and fabricated by subtractive milling or additive manufacturing (CAM). Editors must render the abbreviation with the slash and no spaces (CAD/CAM) and expand it on first use. Key related terms include 'intraoral scanner', 'digital impression', 'milling unit', 'sintered zirconia', and 'STL file'. The workflow is contrasted with 'conventional (analogue) prosthodontics'. Editors should also be alert to proprietary names (e.g., CEREC, E4D) that should remain capitalised.
Usage
Usage note: Write with the slash and no spaces: CAD/CAM. Expand on first use. Distinguish from 'CBCT' (Cone Beam Computed Tomography), which is an imaging modality, not a fabrication method.
In Context
- "The all-ceramic crown was fabricated using a CAD/CAM milling unit from a pre-sintered zirconia block." — Digital prosthodontics case report
- "CAD/CAM technology reduced the number of clinical appointments required for the full-arch rehabilitation." — Clinical audit report