The real power center of a digital dental lab system, dental lab CAD/CAM software is used to create a 3D digital model of a dental restoration and then instruct a mill or 3D printer on how to produce it. Dental lab CAD (computer-aided design) software is designed to guide the technician through designing a 3D digital model of a crown, bridge, denture or other dental restoration.

 

Dental lab CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software is the bridge between the computer and a mill or 3D printer and manages how materials are used. Dental lab CAD/CAM software can be open- or closed-architecture with open applications capable of working with a range of hardware and software systems, while closed only work with select scanners, mills or printers.

 

When choosing CAD/CAM software for your dental lab, it is important to ensure it is compatible with existing hardware and software, and that it comes with adequate training, support and upgradability. In our office you can find InLab 18.1 and ExoCad Matera 2.3.