By 2026, the traditional "impression-and-wait" model has been largely replaced across China's Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities by the Digital Chairside Workflow. This system allows dentists to complete a crown or bridge restoration in a single visit.

The process begins with an intraoral scanner capturing a 3D digital map of the patient's mouth. Chinese software platforms, powered by localized AI, then automatically design the prosthesis. This data is sent immediately to a compact milling machine located in the clinic. In 2026, Chinese-made chairside mills are prized for their speed, often carving a full zirconia crown in under 10 minutes, significantly increasing clinic turnover and patient satisfaction.