I'm from a dental office and I think the customer service when we have needed it has been fantastic. Most recently we had a material failure and needed a replacement, I called the home office and within that 15 minute phone call Ericka helped me reor...read moreI'm from a dental office and I think the customer service when we have needed it has been fantastic. Most recently we had a material failure and needed a replacement, I called the home office and within that 15 minute phone call Ericka helped me reorder the part and we got it the next day. She dealt with the warranty and it was about as easy an experiencevas I've ever had.In my mind when so many products are similar, the stand out has to be the people working with you. This company is doing something right.read less - 9/25/2026
Gevik Marcarian
Great experience so far from sales to tech support. - 9/17/2026
Chelsea Bricker
Working with CAD-Ray has been a great experience. The support is friendly and available when I need them. - 9/08/2026
Dr. Emmanuelle Zennie
I’ve been a customer of cadray since 2022, they have always been professional, efficient and attentive. From the purchase of the equipment to warranty support, with the consistent and reliable rapport from our tech support specialist Ericka, they hel...read moreI’ve been a customer of cadray since 2022, they have always been professional, efficient and attentive. From the purchase of the equipment to warranty support, with the consistent and reliable rapport from our tech support specialist Ericka, they helped a technologically challenged dentist (me) cross over to digital dentistry. Thank you CadRay!🩷read less - 9/03/2026
R B
Such a great customer service! If i were to buy another scanner, I would buy with them - 8/21/2026
Smiles On Greatwood
Ericka Garcia was able to move her schedule around to do a last minute Zoom training with me since I has free time with no patients. She was very knowledgable and went over test pt scans with me practicing while on the Zoom. - 8/20/2026
Zirkarts Dental Laboratory
I am a prosthodontist and lab owner, and I have been working in the digital dentistry world for more than 15 years, with experience using many different companies and systems.After replacing a couple of milling units, I had the opportunity and good f...read moreI am a prosthodontist and lab owner, and I have been working in the digital dentistry world for more than 15 years, with experience using many different companies and systems.After replacing a couple of milling units, I had the opportunity and good fortune to work with Cad-Ray. As we all know, starting a new relationship can sometimes be a little hit or miss. In the beginning, things were not completely smooth, but what truly makes a company great and successful is its service, dedication, and commitment to its clients—especially when there are a few hiccups along the way.Cad-Ray has been absolutely fantastic. Their entire team has gone above and beyond my expectations, and I genuinely feel that I have found a company I can work with for a long time.I am now a big fan and would not hesitate to purchase through Cad-Ray again. Thank you to the entire team for your dedication, support, and commitment to your clients.God bless you guys!Giancarlo Romero DDS, MSread less - 8/15/2026
Liliana Paz
Their support post sale is really what makes them 5 stars. I was able to reach out and get help with my questions immediately, even when I had a patient in the chair. The continuity of support is excellent, Heather handled it start to finish. Respons...read moreTheir support post sale is really what makes them 5 stars. I was able to reach out and get help with my questions immediately, even when I had a patient in the chair. The continuity of support is excellent, Heather handled it start to finish. Responsive and helpful!read less - 8/13/2026
Steven Oshins
I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Ericka multiple times in the past week. She is pleasant, knowledgeable, and very personable. Ericka addressed all of my concerns in a timely manner. I find the company easily available and ...read moreI've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Ericka multiple times in the past week. She is pleasant, knowledgeable, and very personable. Ericka addressed all of my concerns in a timely manner. I find the company easily available and responsive for all remote assistance.read less - 8/11/2026
Missy
I want to give a special shout-out to Griffen and the entire CAD RAY technical support team for their outstanding service and support. Griffen has recently gone above and beyond to help us with our dental equipment. He is knowledgeable, patient, prof...read moreI want to give a special shout-out to Griffen and the entire CAD RAY technical support team for their outstanding service and support. Griffen has recently gone above and beyond to help us with our dental equipment. He is knowledgeable, patient, professional, and truly takes the time to make sure our questions and concerns are addressed.We have also had a wonderful experience with the entire CAD RAY team. Personally we have had the chance to work with Frank and Ryan as well, and they too are amazing! Everyone we have worked with has been responsive, helpful, and committed to getting our issues resolved as quickly as possible.Having a dependable support team is so important in a busy dental office, and CAD RAY has consistently shown us that we can count on them when we need help.Thank you, Griffen and the entire CAD RAY team, for your exceptional customer service and continued support. We truly appreciate everything you do!Annette-Medina Family Dentalread less - 8/07/2026
daniela inman
Thank you so much for your help Erika for your promotion responses and help.You are awesome ! - 7/30/2026
Alex Besmer
I had the best experience with Mr. Bonner and Mr. Cortes. I can’t say I’m the easiest customer and they made this whole process seamless and easy. I’d recommend them to any dentist looking to get into digital workflows. - 7/23/2026
Alaa Moustafa, DDS, MS
excellent customer support and very helpful, patient and professional technical support, thank you Cad-Ray team - 7/09/2026
Tom Bartley
What a fantastic supplier. They stock very hard to find parts and their customer service is superb. So willing to help me in a tough spot. They really hustle to make things awesome. Matt in particular is simply a great guy and a fantastic business pa...read moreWhat a fantastic supplier. They stock very hard to find parts and their customer service is superb. So willing to help me in a tough spot. They really hustle to make things awesome. Matt in particular is simply a great guy and a fantastic business partner.read less - 6/24/2026
Jeffrey Urban
Everyone at CAD-RAY has been awesome to work with. I purchased the Shining 3D ELF. Heather set me up and did training. She was great!! - 6/23/2026
karneet sethi
Destaney Lathero from Cad ray is very helpful and always have a great experience working with her. Highly recommended!! - 5/28/2026
michael nugent
Destaney Lathero was an amazing Shinning Elf trainer. - 5/21/2026
Jorge Gonzalez
The best technical experience ever!!! Technical support calls can be somehow annoyingly, lengthy and frustrating. I recently experienced an issue with my IO and thankfully Erica from Cad-ray took my call. She was so nice and polite, but also obsessiv...read moreThe best technical experience ever!!! Technical support calls can be somehow annoyingly, lengthy and frustrating. I recently experienced an issue with my IO and thankfully Erica from Cad-ray took my call. She was so nice and polite, but also obsessive with her work, she went back and forth logging into my laptop tweaking every possible settings, she made several calls until she fund satisfactory results.I have dealing with CadRay for about 8 years, I have bought most of my technology acquisitions for my practice. I 💯 recommend itread less - 5/20/2026
LORAN ONG
Giovanni Cortes and Kaila Larson were super helpful setting me up with my intraoral scanner. Would 100% recommend CAD-Ray. - 5/14/2026
Enoch Kim
Gio and Heather at CadRay support are amazing!!! Professional, efficient and kind! - 5/14/2026
LoAn Huynh
Erika is one of a kind! She truly is patient with me. She has gone above and beyond to help me every time I call her. We have a few locations and she is always prompt in her responses and always manages to find a solution for me. I wish every rep was...read moreErika is one of a kind! She truly is patient with me. She has gone above and beyond to help me every time I call her. We have a few locations and she is always prompt in her responses and always manages to find a solution for me. I wish every rep was reachable ALL THE TIME and helpful! Thank you Erika! ❤️read less - 6/04/2025
Delicate Dentistry
Cad-Ray's support is truly exceptional. While the equipment represents a significant investment, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they stand firmly behind their products is invaluable. Their support team is efficient, professional, and remar...read moreCad-Ray's support is truly exceptional. While the equipment represents a significant investment, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they stand firmly behind their products is invaluable. Their support team is efficient, professional, and remarkably persistent in ensuring everything runs smoothly. I'm especially grateful to Destaney and Laura for their ongoing assistance- their dedication and expertise have made a world of a difference!read less - 5/15/2025
Penelope Lee
Frank and his team have always been ready and able to help us with any issue we’ve come across in the last 2 years since we purchased our mill and equipment from them. Today, Griffen went above and beyond to find a solution to our software issue. I w...read moreFrank and his team have always been ready and able to help us with any issue we’ve come across in the last 2 years since we purchased our mill and equipment from them. Today, Griffen went above and beyond to find a solution to our software issue. I was able to finish a project on time for a patient in pain because of his dedication. “We’ve never had a more helpful team for any of our equipment” was a quote from our head Doctor today. Excellent job Griffen and team!read less - 5/14/2025
Dr. Steven E. Hollister
Had a training session for use of my Medit scanner this afternoon, and Heather G. was simply the best.....knowledgeable, patient and a great trainer. She had a wealth of knowledge regarding my scanner and she was so very patient with my computer glit...read moreHad a training session for use of my Medit scanner this afternoon, and Heather G. was simply the best.....knowledgeable, patient and a great trainer. She had a wealth of knowledge regarding my scanner and she was so very patient with my computer glitches! CAD-Ray is number one in my book! Thanks Heather, your time was much appreciated! Dr. Steve Hollisterread less - 5/14/2025
Brenden Rogers
This company is excellent. Their knowledge, support, and sincerity is unmatched.Thank you, Frank, Damien, and Jonathan. You guys rock! - 5/08/2025
Andrea Sleep
Thank you guys so much. You guys have the absolute best customer service! - 5/05/2025
Susan Latimer
Cad Ray has always provided me with the best customer support for my Medit scanner. Today, I worked with Destiny. She is quick to respond and identify problems and also great at explaining how to fix them! I highly recommend this company! - 5/01/2025
lizette aguero
Highly recommended. Ericka help me through all the process when we were having some trouble with our scanner. The help was super fast and secure. She answered all our questions and made sure our scanner were working perfectly. - 4/29/2025
Victoria Rinando
Danielle was super helpful and kind trouble shooting to get us back up and going very quickly this morning. We appreciate it! - 4/15/2025
Ravi Sawhney
Fantastic folks. I'm an orthodontist and opened an office in 2020. They helped me find the perfect intraoral scanner to suit my needs. Not too much or too little, and a great price. Every time we have a technical question, a sharp human answers the p...read moreFantastic folks. I'm an orthodontist and opened an office in 2020. They helped me find the perfect intraoral scanner to suit my needs. Not too much or too little, and a great price. Every time we have a technical question, a sharp human answers the phone, troubleshoots, and remotes in when needed-- navigating MS updates and graphics card issues. My i500 died this week. They overnighted me a trade-in at a totally reasonable price, and even shipped me a laptop to drive the i600 while I got a new one (they knew my 2020 laptop wouldn't keep up!). CAD-Ray has consistently hit it out of the park.read less - 4/14/2025
Faisal Mir
Exceptional customer service! - 4/11/2025
A C
Kaila and Laura were amazing to work with. I would not hesitate to buy again from them. Super helpful/available and one of the best experiences I’ve had making such a big investment in equipment like I had to make for my practice. Way to go Cad Ray f...read moreKaila and Laura were amazing to work with. I would not hesitate to buy again from them. Super helpful/available and one of the best experiences I’ve had making such a big investment in equipment like I had to make for my practice. Way to go Cad Ray for running a solid business!read less - 11/15/2024
Laura
Very helpful and attentive when setting up my new Medit scanner. Seamless process from start to finish - 10/28/2024
All Clear
Great experience with CAD-Ray, specifically Damien, with purchasing and customer service with servicing a scanner that needed replacing under warranty. All around excellent service and I will definitely come back for future technology we'll eventuall...read moreGreat experience with CAD-Ray, specifically Damien, with purchasing and customer service with servicing a scanner that needed replacing under warranty. All around excellent service and I will definitely come back for future technology we'll eventually be adding to our practice.read less - 10/23/2024
Chris Kleist
Cad-Ray is the absolute best if you're in the market for digital dental tools. I have purchased two Medit scanners through them. There will be hiccups with any complex piece of machinery, but every time I have needed Cad-Ray, they have been there. I ...read moreCad-Ray is the absolute best if you're in the market for digital dental tools. I have purchased two Medit scanners through them. There will be hiccups with any complex piece of machinery, but every time I have needed Cad-Ray, they have been there. I recently had a scanner go down. I called Cad-Ray tech support and they got me on the phone with Medit immediately. Within a day, a replacement scanner was sitting on my desk. It doesn't get much better than that.read less - 10/03/2024
Jordan Bower
Frank helped me out when 3dbiocad could not help me with my trios issue. Thank you cad-ray. - 9/15/2024
Matt v
Matt Newman was excellent solving a cable problem.! Quick response and good follow up! - 9/11/2024
Kip Covington
Customer support! I've had handfuls of scanners over the years and support has always been the biggest variable. We recently had a scanner bought through and implant company and received limited to no support. Through recommendations from several fri...read moreCustomer support! I've had handfuls of scanners over the years and support has always been the biggest variable. We recently had a scanner bought through and implant company and received limited to no support. Through recommendations from several friends, I purchased a second scanner through cad-ray and had them transfer over our support for the first. I wish I would have done this years ago. Destaney, has been incredible helping us troubleshoot a hardware issue that came up. It was on 3-shapes side but not only did she run it up the ladder there and get us back up and running quickly, but she promptly answered all questions and continuously checked in to make sure things were moving along. I won't purchase from anyone else going forward.read less - 8/14/2024
Thanh Huynh
I am beyond impressed with Destaney and Cad-Ray! Despite accidentally throwing away my old scanner, which I was supposed to return, their team went above and beyond to advocate for me. Their exceptional support and understanding turned a stressful si...read moreI am beyond impressed with Destaney and Cad-Ray! Despite accidentally throwing away my old scanner, which I was supposed to return, their team went above and beyond to advocate for me. Their exceptional support and understanding turned a stressful situation into a seamless experience. Highly recommend!read less - 8/02/2024
Northwest Orthodontics
Every staff member has been very helpful and kind every time we call. Thank you! - 7/24/2024
SCOTT MEUSELBACH
I bought a Medit i700 and admittedly did not use it for a year or so. Once I got going on it, I now hate analog impressions (time, lab time, expense, questions of quality, etc). I had a cord go bad (fray) and could not scan. I called and spoke to Hea...read moreI bought a Medit i700 and admittedly did not use it for a year or so. Once I got going on it, I now hate analog impressions (time, lab time, expense, questions of quality, etc). I had a cord go bad (fray) and could not scan. I called and spoke to Heather, and she was outstanding in providing service. I texted a pic, she corresponded with Medit, and they got a new one to me the next day. Tracking, email correspondence, etc. all was provided there as well. I was back up and running in no time, and having to do some analog impressions made me realize how much we love the scanner. The service from Heather and Medit (Dane) verified it. I sent a text out to a pile of dental friends to let them know as well. Highly recommended!read less - 7/10/2024
John Eum
Love all the staff there. Great support and instruction from Armen, Laura, Damien. We are very grateful for Kaila who has been incredible in getting us going - very friendly, professional and responsive. Thank you! - 7/03/2024
Jansen Bean
Heather with CADRay provided wonderful assistance with setting up our new scanner, and was able to work around a minor scheduling issue on my part. Top notch service! - 6/28/2024
Andy M
It has been great to work with Laura and Heather. The purchase, financing, shipping, and training process has been smooth. The training was very comprehensive and not rushed at all. I love my Medit i-600 scanner, and I recommend CAD-RAY 100%! - 5/22/2024
Ma. Teresa Santana
Best support and customer service ever! My scanner is long past warranty and they still answer all my questions. When it's time to upgrade I'll be buying from them again. A friend bought same scanner from another vendor and got zero support. I had to...read moreBest support and customer service ever! My scanner is long past warranty and they still answer all my questions. When it's time to upgrade I'll be buying from them again. A friend bought same scanner from another vendor and got zero support. I had to help them. Told her next time buy from Cad Rayread less - 5/10/2024
Brandon Jones
Cad-Ray customer service is great! Super responsive and efficient. - 3/26/2024
Greg Stepka
Highly Recommend working with Cad-Ray. Just purchased a MeditI700. So easy to work with. Training with Destaney was awesome. - 3/19/2024
Aaron LaRock
Dentist here. Bought a scanner, mill and 3d printer with Cad-Ray. I don't know what I'd do if I bought these items without their support. They've helped me so much and are awesome. I felt I had to repay by writing them this nice review. You won't reg...read moreDentist here. Bought a scanner, mill and 3d printer with Cad-Ray. I don't know what I'd do if I bought these items without their support. They've helped me so much and are awesome. I felt I had to repay by writing them this nice review. You won't regret getting whatever you need through Cad Ray.read less - 3/15/2024
Tiffany Lee
Update to CAD-Ray as this company has morphed into something even better and grander than it was previously. This is the company where you go to when you need a scanner or 3d printer. Their customer service is second to none and their training on sca...read moreUpdate to CAD-Ray as this company has morphed into something even better and grander than it was previously. This is the company where you go to when you need a scanner or 3d printer. Their customer service is second to none and their training on scanners is top level. Don't buy your scanners anywhere else because Cad-Ray is the only company who knows how to solve any of your problems and provides the best technical support. I recently had purchased a software to mill crowns from my medit to my MCXL. No body could get it to work.12 months in and I was resigned to it not working and not being able to mill in house. With Cad-Ray's tremendous hard work, we were able to get the milling unit synchronized to the inlab and inlab synchronized to clinux and clinux meshed to medit. I am now milling scanned crowns for the first time in about 12 months. Yay Cad-Ray, Thank you!!!!!read less - 3/06/2024
Roy Elturk
Outstanding customer service! Laura helped me purchase my first Trios scanner and she took the time to go over all the specs, models, and details with me. Their on going tech support is what sets this company a part from others. - 3/05/2024
Most if not all milling machines do not adequately cool the tools or restoration while milling. At CAD-Ray we have developed augmenting tools that reduce or eliminate any dry milling of glass ceramic restorations. We can either run tubing from the holding tank or we can submerge the block for soaked milling
This implant was initially placed at the crest of the ridge in 2012. its placement did not allow proper emergence profile and subsequently lost bone around the head of the implant by 2015. The lack of blood flow to the crest of the bone at the cortical plate certainly could have contributed to its demise. By 2015, the bacteria trap forced a new restoration to be placed which also ultimately lead to chronic inflammation due to improper contours. The implant itself was well integrated and the decision was made to remove the top 3-5 mm of the implant and treat it as a cast post and core.
You can see how the Medit i700 was used to mix intra-oral scans with a PVS impression to capture the fixture. Advanced users can utilize the stl of the implant itself to fabricate a post and core digitally.
The post and core and the emax restoration were returned for delivery. The emax was not crystalized until after the abutment was cemented and then it was tried in by itself to assure proper contours and contacts. The great feature of lithium dissilicate is that you can add contact and glaze at the same time, which was required here as the mesial contact was weaker than desired after some minor adjustments
For our advanced users who mill in house or what to speed up their digital impressions we advocate taking advantage of digital dentistry’s unique features that allow you to take impressions over a period of time and segments, building larger models over different sequences and time. In this particular case we have two molars in the lower left quadrant that warranted replacement. The traditional method would be to prep both, isolate both, retract both, and take your final impression, but we will approach this as if there are two separate patients involved
Case Presentation on how to manage two crowns with a single milling machine
For the second molar, we will take advantage of the anesthesia time and capture the first bite, the opposing, the pre-existing situation and then crop out the preparation area digitally. Once the tooth is prepared, we will check for proper reduction. We will then take the second bite to verify the vertical dimension has not changed.
While the second molar is being designed and milled in the first case, we will launch a second window by cloning the first case. All the data remains the same and this time we crop out the first molar digitally and protect the rest of the arch. Once the first molar is isolated, it is digitally captured and then designed and milled.
image first molar while second molar is being milled
To manage the contact between the two crowns, there are many advanced applications. Here is a simple explanation of how we use the prep model from case 1 as the pre-op model for case two. Since the second molar in case 1 made contact with the distal wall of the first molar, when we design the crown for the first molar in case 2, all we have to do is make sure the distal wall is flush to the pre-op. This guarantees us a contact between the two. There are lots of shortcuts to this puzzle once you get the basics of digital impressions under your belt.
For our coritec users: new users often mislabel restorations in the Rx form that leads to a lot of trouble. like calling a crown and onlay or vice versa. this can lead to all kinds of trouble
first sign of trouble is if the two purple lines don’t define the borders of the the restoration. sometimes it is missing, other times it is off the restoration. so always double check this step and usually the missed nomenclature is what causes the trouble.
the next problem people have is that the default setting for the sprue design is poor. it makes the sprue thicker at the mandrel than the restoration. this creates a crevice that the drill can’t get to. this leads to quick drill breakage as it tries to drill into that space (red circle). it is easy to set change these settings so the drill “flows” with the design of the sprue and you get a lot of use out of it. it’s annoying to do this manually so a subsequent video shows you how to change this by default.
another problem is the offset. the last video shows the distance from the restoration to the mandrel as 2mm. the drill is 2.5 in diameter. if you set it at 2, the calculation doesn’t allow enough space for the drill that also breaks it off. set it at 2.7 or 3 and it will last you a long time.
two subsequent videos will show you how to create your own blocks and change their orientation, so you can fit a taller design into a smaller size block
Here are two very simple examples of clinical advantages of digital impressions over analog ones. You can edit or add to your models and you can work independent of time and sequence.
You can also know immediately if you have captured your margins correctly. Once you understand these concepts, there are dozens of ways you can apply these principles to make some of the most challenging clinical cases very easy to manage
distinct advantages of digital dentistry over analog dentistry
FIND OUT HOW RESTORING IMPLANTS CAN BE THE MOST PREDICTABLE PROCEDURE YOU CAN DO
For decades, placing and restoring implants was a very stressful and unpredictable procedure. Digital dentistry has reversed that trend, making it now the most predictable procedure you can perform. You can easily capture contacts, opposing dentition, and the location of the implant. More importantly, you can design the emergence profile to your liking.
SEE HOW EASY IT IS TO ADD A CONTACT TO A RESTORATION WITH AN OVEN
Emax restorations are milled in a pre-crystalized state (blue phase) as it is more gentle on the drills than the final crystallized form. A big advantage of emax lithium dissilicate material is that you can easily add contacts with addition powder in the same cycle as glazing. This reduces the stress of try-ins and allows you to recover without wasting precious time. Other materials on the other hand may require extensive oven times or a re-mill (or send the restoration back to the lab)
In Digital Dentistry, once you acquire your models accurately, the CAD software doesn’t care where and how you capture them. Once you are done with the design, the cam and the milling machine have no clue what scanner you used.
here we take an intra-oral scan with the medit i500 and design in exocad and send it to 2 different milling machines. One is the CEREC MCXL and the other is the imes icore coritec one.
Please Note: This page is from dentalcadcamshop.com: 13.03.2020
When it comes to single visit dentistry (procedures in under 90 minutes), CEREC is tough to beat. From the integrated camera, CAD software and mill, CEREC is the most streamlined technology to serve patients in one visit.
Nevertheless, increasingly doctors are expanding their range of indications with CAD/CAM technologies and sometimes we simply want to combine CEREC with other equipment and software manufacturers. But wait, isn’t CEREC a closed system? Yes and no. While nobody would accuse CEREC of being a completely open system, it is possible to export .STL files of CEREC scans which gives us some flexibility to bring CEREC scans into other programs.
But today we are not focusing on exporting CEREC scans, but rather:
1) How can we bring scans from other cameras into CEREC?
Example: I own a 3rd Party Camera and I want to import those scans into CEREC for making crowns, etc.
2) How can we use CEREC to mill CAD objects made from 3rd Party Software?
Example: I own a 3rd Party CAD Software and want to import those into CEREC for milling.
But wait, I thought no 3rd Party files (scans or CAD designs) may be imported into CEREC. How, then, can we unlock the system? The missing piece to the puzzle is the inLab Software! With inLab Software, the CEREC system can be opened up for all kinds of interesting workflows. Here are two workflows CEREC owners constantly ask us about:
1) I own a 3rd Party Camera – How do I mill from my MC XL?
2) I own a 3rd Party CAD Software (e.g. exocad) and I want to mill (e.g. crowns) designed with 3rd Party software and mill them with my MC XL
Please note carefully the Requirements listed above!
– If you want to import a Scan .STL… You will need the inLab SW Interfaces Module, inLab CAD Software (18.0 and above) andthe inLab CAM Software (18.0 and above).
– If you want to import CAD .STL designs for milling… You only need inLab CAM Software (18.0 and above).
– In case you never owned any inLab Software before, or your copy of inLab Software is below 4.X, you will additionally need to order the License Stick (SKU: 6364785) and install the License Stick on the PC or workstation on which you are using the inLab Software (CAD or CAM). Please note this is NOT the same License Stick as you have on your CEREC AC unit!
– In no case can the inLab Software mill on the CEREC MC!
Still have questions? No problem, we are here with answers: Contact us
In this clinical case a patient lost a pre-existing crown. The remaining tooth structure had recurrent decay and a new crown was warranted.
After anesthesia was administered, the clearance from opposing dentition was assessed. The preparation was reduced to accommodate the necessary thickness of the material.
Once adequate clearance was achieved an Optragate was placed and an isolite was used to isolate the area. The preparation was scanned and then the lower arch was captured. The buccal bite was then taken to along the arches together
With Meditlink software, you have the option of designing the case yourself or sending it off to your partnered lab. The following video shows what happens to your case once the lab downloads the case
In this particular case, we designed our own crown and milled it with the coritec one milling machine
Once the amber lithium disilicate material was milled, its for was verified clinically. The crown was then crystallized and seated with NX3 resin cement
In this case presentation, we utilize the medit i500 to image the pre-existing crown and to fabricate a restoration that is a replica of the pre-existing condition. The patient was advised that the recurrent decay was in close proximity to the canal space and that endodontic treatment may be a possibility. The CBCT showed no evidence of any peri-apical radiolucency and the premolar tested vital prior to treatment
CT used to evaluate apex of premolar for crown replacement
Case set up involved imaging the pre-existing condition in the pre-op catalog box. Excess information was cropped to reduce file size. The data was then copied to the maxillary arch catalog box and the area to prepared was edited out in preparation for final optical impressions.
Immediate Post Op
The remaining decay and previous build up material was removed just prior to bonding the restoration with NX3 dual cure resin cement so the dentin was exposed for the least amount of time possible.
In this article, we demonstrate how to manage a crown replacement on a second upper premolar with the Medit i500, exocad, and the imes icore CORiTEC ONE milling machine. The pre-existing crown was over 2 decades old and the recession revealed a supra-gingival margin. Furthermore, there was no room to improve the anatomy or its outline form as it was in occlusion with the opposing dentition.
A powerful design technique is the copy of the pre-existing crown. Images of the pre-op are taken while the patient is numb and its contours are copied onto the final design of the restoration. This process usually takes a minute or so, after which we milled a size 12 emax block restoration.
One of the most dreaded procedures in dentistry is to cut off a bonded lithium disilicate material. With zirconia, since the bond strength is weak, just “rattling” the crown helps it pop off. You could also debond the restoration with a laser pretty quickly. With emax, you must use copious amounts of water so you don’t fry the pulp. You must also refrain from splitting the crown with a crown remover because you can damage the remaining tooth structure catastrophically.
In this sequence of photos, you will see how we recommend the removal of the bonded restoration. You must first create a trough across the occlusal surface of the crown. Ideally, use a 1.6 mm disposable bur to reach the interface between tooth structure and restorative material. As soon as you reach this junction, take a flat ended diamond bur and start working that same location and remove all the ceramic on the occlusal surface. Staying right at the junction of the material and tooth is the critical part of the process.
After you have removed the occlusal surface, you can take any bur and work the junction one the axial wall. By this time enough work has been done where the walls of the restoration start to break and peel off on their own.
All milling machines have guidelines for proper cleaning and maintanance. The imes icore CORITEC ONE’s spray channels must be kept clean, otherwise they will spray off the target block materials. Essentially you will dry mill ceramic which will damage the material and break the drills very quickly.
You can see how little particles of ceramic and titanium dust can clog the lines.
Here we just used an ortho plier and orthowires to unclog the lines. It’s easiest to have the water spraying so you can identify the channels and see the immediate results.
A new feature coming to Medit i500 is the automatic detection of scanbodies while you are imaging. In this clinical case, two implants are placed in the lower left quadrant in a fully guided fashion. Spacing limitations and proximity to vital anatomy did not allow for proper parallelism. This can create all kinds of headaches with analog dentistry where the trays can inadvertently lock in the mouth of distort upon poor up.
With the digital approach, you can scan the gingiva, the arch with easy access to adjacent contacts, and then the scanbodies themselves. What is great is that you do not disturb the primary stability you just achieved by placing physical forces on freshly placed implants.
Once the images are captured and the scanbodies are identified, we launch exocad and the data is not only automatically imported into the Computer Aided Design Software, it also plots the fixtures in the correct position and identifies their location and timing so you can proceed with the design of the custom abutment and / or tibase restoration.
This 4 unit case was imaged in Medit i500 and designed in exocad. The final restoration was taken to CEREC inlab cam. When the construction file is imported into cam, it contains data such as the margin line which is important for the milling machine to know for its tool path calculations.
In this particular situation, the construction file dictated the position of the restoration in the block which would have not allowed for proper milling. Instead of loading the construction file, we imported the stl design, redrew the margins really quickly and were able to mill the two separate (4 unit) case out of a single emax block.
In this article, we feature an upper left lateral crown that needed to be replaced due to recurrent decay. While the patient was getting numb, we defined the job description in the Medit i500 software and imaged the pre-existing crown, the opposing and the bite. We digitally cropped out the tooth to be prepared and proceeded with crown removal. Once the margins were refined and the tissue was displaced, we imaged the preparation in HD mode and processed the case.
Once the digital models were rendered, we launched the integrated CAD software that automatically imported the pre-op, the opposing, the prep model, and the bite. Their relationship is preserved in the CAD software and no modifications were necessary. You have two ways to copy the pre-op; one way is to program the CAD software so it replicates the pre-op perfectly while the other gives you a raw proposal that you can then choose to adapt to pre-existing situation.
Direct Import of Models into CAD Software for Design and Mill
Once the case is designed in the CAD software, you can then take it to any CAM and Milling Machine to produce a restoration. Here we milled an emax restoration with the CEREC MCXL and the imes icore CORiTEC ONE at the same time so we can compare the final results. The CEREC milling machine produced a restoration faster by about 90 seconds but the final results of the margins by the CORiTEC Machine was far superior. Also, the CAM software, Millbox in this situation, allows us to choose a third drill that is 0.6 mm in diameter. This increases milling time but results in less overmilling than the 1.2 mm burrs that milll the intaglio of the CEREC Machine.
Please, take a seat, you should not be standing while you watch this.
Artificial intelligence by Medit i500 now identifies the location of your scanbody but it also automatically launches all that proper information into CAD software for instant abutment designs. Make sure to watch both videos. Enjoy.
A custom titanium metal abutment is milled in such a manner where the drills DO NOT touch the connection. The type of connection is predetermined by the blank manufacturer and the cylindrical part of the abutment is milled out. This makes the symmetric geometry of the abutment a bit tricky for some to handle as indexing it properly to manage the timing of the connection is critical for easy delivery.
It is a good idea to know the exact dimension of the screw access hole. You want to set the diameter just outside the channel so that you don’t have to do a lot of post production adjustments. if it is made too thin however, you can have a mis-mill and have to repeat it. We’ve found 2.5 mm the perfect setting for the DESS titanium abutments.
At CAD-Ray, we are constantly looking for solutions that will satisfy a clinician’s needs in a dental practice. For the better part of a full year, we have been developing milling strategies that can speed up the manufacturing process and increase the longevity of the drills and the instruments used in fabrication.
In this video, we demonstrate a sample crown milling simulation where we try and place the restoration in the block to render the fastest crown in the shortest amount of time possible, with little wear on the drills.
The new Medit i500 software will feature the ability to mark margins in the imaging step before you import the case into a CAD software or send it to the lab. In this article we showcase a case where a 12 year old implant crown needed replacement. The pre-op images were captured, along with the opposing and the bite.
After the area was anesthetized and the crown was removed, expasyl was used to achieve hemostasis and tissue retraction. The margins of the abutment were imaged. Note how we used a feature in the Medit scanner to change the scan light from blue to white, which allows you to pick up red (blood and tissue) that is normally difficult to capture.
Once the margins were captured, we activated the margination tool. You highlight the area you want to address and the meshwork is calculated and processed locally, where you can then designate your margins that are exported to CAD software along with the jaw model, the opposing, the pre-op and the bite.
Alternatively, the traditional way would be to not place the margins in the native Medit software and to place it in the CAD software itself. As you can see both options are very viable and you do not lose any resolution of the scanned data between the imaging program or the design software.
In this particular case, we designed an occlusal splint for a patient that is a heavy bruxer. We captured the bite by having the patient gently bite down on cotton rolls on both sides. The first purpose of this is to block out the tongue and the orophayrynx when imaging the buccal bite. But it can also help you find the proper vertical dimension and dramatically reduces the time it takes to deliver an appliance.
Ideally, you place the cotton rolls in such a manner so that you don’t obstruct your view of the second molars. This allows you to see and verify the proper clearance in the most critical area! If you take it one step further and design the guard to the opposing, your seat appointments are just a few minutes long.
Once the upper jaw and the lower jaw are related to each other in the medit scan, and the clearance is verified, the models are brought into exocad’s Bite Splint Module. The case is designed in the CAD software and then milled with a 5 axis milling machine. This step should ideally be delegated to a lab as it is not practical to fabricate these in the office.
The delivery of the appliance is very predictable when you capture the bite with digital impression and you don’t have to grind away to get the jaws to close in the anterior, as the distance was taken into consideration during the design process.