10 Tips For Choosing a CAD/CAM System

There is a life cycle to every product. The upside of getting in early on cutting-edge technology such as CAD/CAM is that you're part of an innovative, select group and there is less price sensitivity, which means you can maintain better margins because there is limited competition. The downside is that you've got to educate your clients and you have to have an appetite for risk.

Here are 10 tips for selecting a CAD/CAM system:

1. The rule of 10. Restoration options vary by CAD/CAM system; for instance, some systems can only produce all-ceramic crowns whereas others can mill almost any type of material. In general, the more you spend, the more material options available with the system. To help determine the needs of your market, pick out the 10 cases that are most representative of the type of work you do and make duplicate models or dies of each one. Ask the CAD/CAM manufacturer to make the 10 cases so you can see how applicable...