Abstract
In recent years, precision machining of the dental prosthesis by computer assisted system is becoming pervasive in clinical dentistry. Prosthesis fabricating system that is designed by computer software and made by computer devices is called as a CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) system. By the use of dental CAD/CAM system, the improvement of marginal compatibility and mechanical properties in prosthesis can be obtained more effectively, an aesthetic quality by using new materials such as zirconia can be increased. Also, the restoration process can be simple and efficient, the production time can be shortened, the process of manufacture can be standardized, and the mass production is possible. What is clear is that these benefits are theoretically possible, but the dentist or dental technician must understand the CAD/CAM basic principles and limitations for obtaining the maximum advantages of CAD/CAM system. For this reason, this article will be presented about the basic principles of CAD/CAM system and the factors of error that might occur in the CAD/CAM process based on my empirical study.