What is Digital Dentistry?

​Today’s dental processes utilize digital technologies to assist in procedures or even completely replace old-school tools. New-aged digital equipment, such as scanners, milling machines, and computer-aided design and manufacturing software has created a workflow system that is sought-after by dentists, labs, and patients. 

What is Digital Dentistry?

Digital Equipment in Dentistry Today

• Intraoral Scanners: Digital impressions allow dentists to quickly scan full arches and create a virtual design of the restorative piece in minutes–all on-site. Dentists can also save on impression materials as the digital system allows them to take the impression with a scanning wand that can be easily sanitized between uses. 
• Digital Radiography: Digital radiography offers a high-tech alternative that is faster, more efficient, and reduces radiation exposure. X-rays can be taken and viewed on a display screen almost instantly. 
• Cone-beam Computed Tomography: Generate 3D images with CBCT imaging to accurately capture dentition, soft tissue, nerve pathways and facial bones. With CBCT, dentists can virtually plan a variety of dental treatments, such as implant surgery. The advanced imaging also improves their ability to diagnose conditions or abnormalities.
• Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing: CAD/CAM technology enables more accurate and predictable results by allowing the technician to see the prostheses on screen before even being manufactured. 3D prototypes are designed to scale, improving fit, turnaround and chairside time, and outsourcing and manufacturing costs. CAD/CAM software can be integrated with many other digital machinery to efficiently automate scanning, milling, and polishing processes. 
• 3D Printers: 3D printers are increasingly being used in dentistry thanks to the availability of biocompatible materials, efficiency, scalability, and production speed. The ability to be paired with CAD/CAM software results in highly accurate products that fit perfectly intraorally. 
• Milling Machines: Milling machines are synced with CAD/CAM technology to efficiently and accurately cut out the desired restoration from a millable block or disc. The prostheses are thoroughly cut out by a rotating cutting with direction via the digital design.

DIGITAL DENTAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

​There is a large range of dental products and services that can be carried out through a digital workflow. Digital products, such as complete dentures, night guards, and aligners can be 3d printed. Additionally, a digital mill can be used to fabricate partial dentures, crowns, and some orthodontic products.

BENEFITS OF DIGITAL DENTISTRY

• Modern techniques and technology;
• More accurate and reliable dental scans;
• More effective and predictable restorations;
• Increased turn around and chair time;
• Improved dental care quality;
• Better experience for patients and dentists. 

How Can The Dental Lab Help?

The Dental Lab is highly digitized and equipped with a CAD/CAM team, Carbon 3D printers, digital milling machines, and iTero intraoral scanners. Our comprehensive product line includes many digital products, including removables, orthodontics, implant solutions, and virtual case planning. Learn more about our digital lab here.

Sources:
Introducing Digital Dentistry
Digital dentistry: What to know about a few popular technologies
Dental 3D printer adoption is accelerating