Designing crowns and restorations
“Designing crowns and restorations” (Dentist) was largely replaced by AI in 2025, after AI entered in 2016.
AI enters
2016
Largely replaced
2025
Replacement progress
100%
Technology / key factor
CAD/CAM + AI auto-design
What this task is
Designing the shape and bite of crowns, inlays and veneers from an intraoral scan or model of the tooth, then sending the design for fabrication.
How AI replaces it
From 2016, intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM systems spread, with AI auto-designing restorations from neighboring and opposing teeth for milling or 3D printing. By 2025, routine restoration design was largely automated.
What stays human
Dentists and lab technicians fine-tune aesthetics and bite, take on complex cases that automated design handles poorly, and carry out the chairside fitting and final adjustment with the patient.
Other Dentist tasks
All Dentist tasks →Reading dental X-raysBeing replaced
2019 → 2027 · Dental imaging AI
Orthodontic treatment planningBeing replaced
2018 → 2028 · AI ortho planning + clear aligners
Implant surgeryBeing replaced
2024 → 2036 · Implant robots
Complex treatment and patient communicationWill be replaced
2035 → 2045+ · Needs clinical judgment and trust