How Andent’s embrace of innovation delivers precision, efficiency and predictability.
In today’s fast-paced clinical environment, dentists need lab partners who can deliver restorations that are not only accurate and aesthetic, but also efficient and consistent. At Andent, the key to achieving this lies in our ongoing investment in CAD/CAM technology, a cornerstone of modern dental restorations. But how did CAD/CAM become such an essential part of dentistry? And why does it matter for dentists and patients today?
A Brief History of CAD/CAM in Dentistry
CAD/CAM, short for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing, was first introduced to dentistry in the 1980s. Early systems were basic and primarily used for single crowns, often milled chairside from a limited range of materials. While revolutionary at the time, these early tools had their limitations: lower accuracy, higher costs, and restricted aesthetic outcomes.
Fast forward to today, and CAD/CAM has evolved into a sophisticated digital ecosystem. With advances in intraoral scanning, digital design, high-speed milling, and 3D printing, dental labs can now produce highly precise restorations for everything from single units to complex full-arch cases.
“At Andent, we were early adopters of digital workflows in Australia,” says Matt Smith, Managing Director, Andent ANZ. “We saw the potential early on and have continued to evolve our systems ever since.”
How Andent Uses CAD/CAM to Deliver Superior Restorations
- Precision and Fit: Digital Design at Its Best
With CAD software, our technicians can design restorations down to the micron level. Every margin, contact point, and occlusal surface is visualised in 3D, allowing for adjustments in real-time, long before a restoration is milled or printed.
“The accuracy we can achieve with CAD/CAM far surpasses traditional wax-up techniques,” says Vincenzo, our Quality Control and Ceramics Operations Manager. “It means fewer adjustments chairside and better long-term outcomes for patients.”
For dentists, that translates to more predictable seating appointments, less time spent on remakes, and restorations that just fit, the first time.
- Efficiency Without Compromising Quality
Digital workflows significantly reduce turnaround times. Once a scan is received, designs can begin almost immediately. At Andent, our in-house systems allow for rapid design, milling, and dispatch, including 24-hour and 48-hour express crown options for urgent cases.
“We know dentists are busy, and so are their patients,” Vincenzo says. “Our CAD/CAM capabilities mean we can turn things around quickly, without ever sacrificing quality.”
And because we operate from our Melbourne-based lab, there are no international shipping delays, customs holdups, or communication barriers. Everything stays under one roof.
- Material Versatility and Strength
Modern CAD/CAM systems support a wide range of high-performance materials: from ultratranslucent zirconia and lithium disilicate to medical-grade nylon and high-impact PMMA. These materials are not only aesthetic but also incredibly durable and biocompatible.
“Our Roeders milling machines – the only ones of their kind in Australia – allow us to work with these materials at a level of precision you just can’t get with older systems,” says Marc Mifsud, Andent Laboratory Manager. “They’re fast, clean, and produce exceptional results, especially for implant-supported cases or multi-unit bridges.”
- Digital Archiving and Consistency
Every case that comes through our lab is stored digitally. This makes it easy to duplicate designs, track changes, or refer back to previous restorations. For dentists, this means:
- Faster turnaround on remakes
- Simplified workflows for long-term patients
- Consistency across multiple cases or treatment phases
“You don’t have to send in old impressions or try to match something from memory,” Marc explains. “We’ve got the digital file ready to go.”
- Enhanced Communication Between Lab and Practice
Andent’s CAD/CAM workflow isn’t just about what happens in the lab, it’s about how we collaborate with dentists. Digital case submissions, real-time file sharing, and visual feedback loops allow for more streamlined communication and fewer misunderstandings.
If something isn’t clear, our local customer service and technical support teams are just a phone call away. “That’s the beauty of being a local lab with digital capabilities,” says Matt Smith. “We can fix things quickly, confirm details in real time, and keep cases moving.”
Why It Matters for Dentists and Their Patients
Incorporating CAD/CAM into the lab process isn’t just a technological upgrade, it’s a clinical advantage.
- For dentists, it means confidence in the product, peace of mind during the appointment, and more time to focus on patient care.
- For patients, it means a better-fitting, longer-lasting restoration that looks and feels like their natural teeth — all delivered faster.
“In the end, we’re not just making crowns or splints,” Marc says. “We’re creating solutions that impact people’s lives. And CAD/CAM helps us do that better, every single day.”
Looking Ahead
As CAD/CAM technology continues to evolve, so will the possibilities for better, faster, more personalised dental care. At Andent, we’re proud to lead the way in digital dentistry, combining local expertise with global innovation to support Australian clinicians and their patients.
From precision crowns and aesthetic veneers to complex implant cases and flexible splints, our CAD/CAM workflow ensures each restoration meets the highest standards of function and form. And for those who want the best in modern dentistry? It’s all right here: designed, crafted, and supported in Australia.
Experience the Andent difference for yourself.
If you’re looking for a lab partner that combines advanced CAD/CAM technology with local expertise, responsive support, and consistently high-quality outcomes, Andent is here to help. Get in touch with our team to discuss your cases, explore our digital workflows, or see how partnering with Andent can bring greater precision, efficiency, and confidence to your everyday dentistry.
Visit andent.com or contact the Andent team today to learn more.
