One of the least talked-about secrets of dental tourism in Costa Rica revolves around technologies that were introduced to the field of dentistry in the late 20^th century. Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) are digital technologies applied to prosthodontics, a specialized branch of dentistry that deals with replacement of teeth and restoration of oral health by means of artificial devices.

 

CAD/CAM dentistry is often considered to have been one of the most important factors that put Costa Rica in the map in terms of dental tourism. The combination of CAD/CAM technology and metal-free materials provide patients with milled ceramic crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays and bridges. Dental CAD/CAM is also used to fabricate abutments for dental implants, used to replace missing teeth.

 

Dental clinics that use in-house CAD/CAM also have their own laboratories where prostheses are manufactured, thereby making prosthodontic procedures more efficient. In the past, the making of prostheses was done outside of the clinic, where dentists could not control the process. The costs were higher, and the waiting times longer; these are factors that are not conducive to dental tourism.

 

In Costa Rica, the New Smile Dental Group is a pioneer in both CAD/CAM dentistry and dental tourism. The patients who engage in dental tourism are those who need prosthodontic and restoration work, which is often very expensive in North America and Europe. Thanks to CAD/CAM dentistry, dental tourists in Costa Rica can visit the New Smile Dental Group and get complex dental procedures done for much lower prices and within reasonable time.

 

The CAD/CAM system used by the New Smile Dental Group in Costa Rica was manufactured by the Schütz Dental Group in Germany. Schütz Dental has been producing dental materials and equipment for dental technicians, dentists and implantologists for over 50 years, and it is one of the most respected named in CAD/CAM and implantology equipment around the world.