PDL CatBack in exocad: Why This Anatomy Tops Downloads
PDL CatBack is one of the most downloaded tooth anatomy libraries for exocad DentalCAD, and its versions consistently rank at the top of the catalog. Tooth anatomy libraries define the reference morphology that the CAD module uses as a starting point to design crowns, bridges and full-anatomic restorations.
In the DentalLibs catalog the anatomy section holds 444 libraries, which is still fairly untapped compared with 1058 implant libraries. The CatBack1 line accounts for about 30 versions here, from early builds to current releases. Below we break down what this morphology is and why technicians keep choosing it.
What is the PDL CatBack anatomy library in exocad
In exocad DentalCAD the shape of a restoration is not drawn from scratch. The CAD picks a reference morphology from the selected tooth database and adapts it to the preparation, the antagonist and the neighboring teeth. The quality of the source anatomy directly determines how much manual refinement the technician will need.
PDL CatBack1 is a custom morphology set from PDL. It loads into the tooth database and is assigned to a position just like the native exocad libraries, but delivers a recognizable natural relief: pronounced yet not caricatured cusps, clean fissures and smooth transitions. In practice it is the starting shape the design module uses as its point of departure.
Why PDL CatBack tops exocad downloads
The reason for its popularity is simple: CatBack1 saves time and delivers a predictable result. Natural morphology reduces the amount of manual sculpting, and a consistent style across the arch is convenient for bridges and full-contour work.
- Natural relief without excessive anatomy — fewer edits for milling and ceramics.
- Consistent handwriting across all positions — crowns in a bridge look like a single job.
- Sits well on biogeneric and exocad TruSmile visualization.
- Many revisions — you can match the morphology to your own style.
The top download spots go to CatBack1 4.2 and CatBack1 2.0. This shows that technicians value both fresh refinements and proven major releases — the library stays in demand at every stage of the line's evolution.
PDL CatBack1 versions: from 0.0 to 6.4 — which to choose
The line evolved iteratively. The early 0.x builds refine the morphology up to the first stable release CatBack1 1.0. The 2.0 branch brought a reworked reference morphology, while CatBack1 5.0 marked the shift to the next generation of the set. The 5.x and 6.x branches are the final polishing of the style.
A practical rule: take the latest stable revision of the branch you need, not the highest number. Minor versions (for example 5.4 after 5.0) usually fine-tune the relief rather than change it radically, so moving between them is painless.
How to install the CatBack library in exocad DentalCAD
The library goes into the exocad tooth database folder and, after a restart, appears in the list of available morphologies. From there you assign it to the desired position in the project — just like any tooth library.
- Copy the library into the exocad DentalCAD tooth database directory.
- Restart the software and select CatBack1 from the anatomy list.
- Assign the morphology to the position before the design stage.
- Check the result in the preview and switch the version if needed.
All versions of the line are available in the DentalLibs catalog — you can download several at once and keep them on hand for different types of work.
Crowns, bridges and full-anatomic: where CatBack shines
CatBack1 performs well on monolithic full-anatomic crowns and bridges, where a consistent natural relief matters. The recognizable style of the morphology is a plus here: adjacent units look coherent, with no mismatch in cusps and fissures.
On copings for veneering the library's anatomy is less critical, but even here a correct starting shape speeds up creating the cutback for ceramics. For a full arch it is handy that CatBack1 5.4 and neighboring revisions keep a consistent handwriting across all positions.
Frequently asked questions about PDL CatBack in exocad
How does PDL CatBack differ from the standard exocad teeth?
It is a custom morphology with a more natural relief and a consistent style across the arch. The native libraries are universal, while CatBack1 gives a recognizable handwriting and often needs less manual refinement.
Which CatBack1 version should I choose?
Take the latest stable revision of the branch you need. Major releases (2.0, 5.0) change the morphology noticeably, minor ones (5.4) only polish it.
Is CatBack compatible with TruSmile and biogeneric?
Yes. The library works as a source of the reference shape, on top of which exocad applies biogeneric and TruSmile visualization.
How do I load the CatBack library?
Copy it into the exocad DentalCAD tooth database folder, restart the software and assign the morphology to the position before the design stage.