There are 2 classes of in-office CAD systems. Two companies provide systems that allow the practitioner to take a digital impression, and then design, manufacture and deliver the final restoration in the office at the same visit. These currently are CEREC ( Sirona) and E4D ( Schein). There are a new group of systems that focus on the digital impression, but that scan/image is sent off to a more traditional lab for fabrication. The patient must return for a second visit but the advantages of a non-impression visit with high and consistent accuracy is a major benefit. In difference from a traditional impression, this is "shipped" almost immediately as a digital file to the lab over the internet- no waiting for a pickup, or possible lost impression.
3M LAVA Intraoral impression system