COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICIENCY OF CAD/CAM TECHNOLOGIES AND TRADITIONAL CROWN FABRICATION METHODS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35220/2523-420X/2026.1.4Keywords:
CAD/CAM technologies; traditional crown fabrication methods; prosthetic restorations; marginal fit accuracy; clinical efficacy; crown longevityAbstract
For prosthodontics, achieving a balance between digital and well-established traditional methods is of fundamental importance, as it contributes to improving the quality of prosthetic treatment and ensures clinical comfort for both the clinician and the patient. Objective. The aim of this study was a comparative evaluation of the efficacy of CAD/CAM technologies and traditional methods of crown fabrication with regard to marginal fit accuracy, mechanical properties of materials, clinical efficacy, and longevity of prosthetic restorations. Methods. The study methodology was based on a comprehensive comparative analysis of CAD/CAM technologies and traditional methods of crown fabrication within an integrated “material-technology-clinical outcome” model. The physicomechanical properties of dental materials and technological production parameters were evaluated, accounting for sources of error and result variability. Results. A comparative analysis of CAD/CAM technologies and traditional approaches to the fabrication of prosthetic crowns was performed from the perspectives of materials science, technology, and clinical practice. It was established that materials used in CAD/CAM systems (zirconia, lithium disilicate, and hybrid ceramics) demonstrate more stable and predictable mechanical properties attributable to standardized manufacturing conditions and homogeneous microstructure. The use of digital protocols improves the accuracy and reproducibility of restorations, enhances their longevity, and streamlines the clinical workflow. Traditional methods, however, require careful technological control yet remain relevant in clinical situations that demand an individualized approach and expanded esthetic capabilities. Conclusions. Synthesis of the obtained results enabled the formulation of practical recommendations for the rational selection of crown fabrication technology based on clinical conditions, materials science characteristics, and the level of technological instrumentation available in dental practice.
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