During the CAD-CAM crown procedure, instead of taking physical impressions, a dentist uses optical or laser scanning technology to capture a digital image of the tooth from all angles. The dental practitioner uses special 3D software to design the crown and sends it to a mill located in the office. The dentist then places a block of porcelain in the mill to form the tooth. Drills in the mill carve and shape the tooth, following the pattern of the mold sent via scan.

Align Technology, a leading Orthodontic Company using 3D Printing has made a recent announcement with press release stating they will now acquire Global Dental CAD/CAM software firm, Exocad.  The two companies have signed a cash deal for the purchase of the privately held company for around 376 million Euro which is expected to close during the second quarter of 2020. The two companies see it as an opportunity to expand the orthodontic market  for doctors by integrating clear aligner orthodontics and restorative treatment with flexible, reliable, and easy-to-use CAD/CAM software and digital workflows.

Scientists from US and China collaborated on a study to integrate Virtual and 3D Printing Applications into postoperative treatment of cancer. They shared 5 Cases of: Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma; 3 × 3 cm Right neck mass discovered during examination for a stroke; 5.0 × 4.5 cm Mass in left cheek- Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma; 2.5 × 3.5 cm left Gingival Squamous Cell Carcinoma and 5 cm left Sub-Mucosal Oral Cavity Lesion. They explained how 3D Printing assisted with CAD/CAM and Virtual Reality assisted them in creating medical models prior to surgery and planning better outcomes.