1. GHALI MUKHLEF ALSHAMMERI - Orthodontics Specialist, Ministry of Health, Second Health Cluster, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
2. SHEREEN AL-HENAKI - BDS, General Dentist, Dental Department, Al-Kharj Military Industrial Corporation Hospital, Al-Kharj, Saudi
Arabia.
3. MASHARY SAUD ALANZI - Technician Medical Devices, Medical Devices Department, Al-Kharj Military Industrial Corporation Hospital,
Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.
4. MUTEB MOHAMMED HURAYSI - Technician Medical Devices, Medical Devices Department, Wadi AL Dawasere Armed Forces Hospital,
Wadi Aldawasere, Saudi Arabia.
5. HUSSAM ALI SABIE - Technician Medical Devices, Medical Devices Department, Al-Kharj Military Industrial Corporation Hospital,
Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.
6. AWADH SALEH AWADH ALSHEHRI - Technician Medical Devices, Medical Devices Department, Al-Kharj Military Industrial Corporation Hospital, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.
7. MOHAMMED NASSER ESSA ALSHUDUKHI - Medical Equipment Technician, Department of Applied Biomedical Engineering, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Background: Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and related 3D technologies are now integral to orthodontics and restorative dentistry. We systematically reviewed clinical evidence on their effectiveness across common orthodontic and prosthodontic indications. Methods: Following PRISMA guidance, we screened nine original clinical studies for qualitative synthesis. Outcomes included treatment efficiency, stability/relapse, failure or complication rates, fit/accuracy, patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), and costs. Results: In randomized and comparative trials, CAD/CAM fixed retainers showed similar 6–24-month stability and failure rates to multistranded wires, with one RCT showing less relapse vs. chairside or lab-bent retainers, and another noting slight cost savings. Digital indirect bonding offered comparable accuracy with markedly shorter chair time. For brackets/appliances, customized systems delivered similar overall outcomes and treatment time to noncustomized appliances in multicenter RCTs and prospective studies, with trade-offs. In prosthodontics, digital workflows reduced clinical adjustment time and improved interim-crown fit. Conclusion: CAD/CAM 3D technology generally matches conventional methods and can improve efficiency or specific process metrics (chair time, adjustments). Longer follow-up and standardized outcomes are needed to clarify durability and cost-effectiveness across indications.
CAD/CAM; Orthodontics; Fixed retainers; Customized Brackets; Indirect Bonding; Digital Impressions; 3D Printing; Prosthodontics.