Digital Dentistry, Design and Fabrication

Is it worth to swich to digital dentistry? 

I found it interesting to talk about digital CAD- CAM use in dentistry. 

isn’t it amazing to understand all possibilities we can have as professionals!!

I am an old School dental prosthetics provider, what are my options to integrate digital Technology in my practice?

It is one of many questions professionals ask, and are scared of all costs related to move forward in their journey providing their services to their clients, but the fact is that all aroud the World the trend for firms is towards technologies, digital design and fabrication. Just by taking one step more learning, you will get full of your potential, experiencing Digital Dentistry World.

The Terms CAD- CAM stand for computer- aided design & computer- aided manufacturing.

In the previous blog, we saw how dentistry is active to fulfill and adapt to the trend. The CAD- CAM has been one of the methods of producing crowns and bridges these last years, but few laboratories were providing this service to their clients. By today’s time more and more laboratories are using digital design and fabrication to produce dental prosthetics. The products are diversified, from simple crown, to night guard, Invisalign, dental veneers, to more complicated cases of full mouth crowns’ design and implant- supported dentures. Digital design and fabrication for fixed and removable appliances have successfully invaded the market, and full satisfaction is expressed by both, patients and clinicians.

The use of the CAD- CAM for removable dental dentures was limited because of a lack of systems’ development. These last decade many providers and systems are available in the market and are a great alternative to conventional complete dentures. Stadies state high levels of patients’ and doctors’ satisfaction, but digital design for dentures still in progress and indicated for specific cases or most cases for specific stages of production. I will publish more on digital removable denture methods and stages of production. Stay connected 😁.

Whether, the impressions are taken traditionally or digitaly by scanners, more laboratories are adapting to fulfill the trend. What is interesting to mention is that this method of production CAD- CAM is now adopted by Clinics. Many specialized dentists, and some clinics are no longer sending their patients’ cases to laboratories, they insured an In-house production. This will expand in the few coming years, and be surly generalized as more and more clinics are interested to save money and time.

Digital design and fabrication of removable dentures seems suited to denturists and is adopted. Some are now equiped for In- House production.

To embrace technology, it

is quite costly, but it is needed.

As professionals we have to adapt.

No one can deny the efficiency of traditional methods of production, and will remain to insure services for specific cases, but dental technologist, technician, dental technician assistants are affected if they don’t ajust their skills. Even, dental assistants and hygienists have to ajust their skills too. Taking this step will enhance professionals’ opportunities in the market profile. 

The dentists, and denturists who are from old school, and prefer to maintain traditional methods, are they concerned by the trend? 

Of course, they are concerned, and Many factors are leading to force professionals to think “digial” since the option is available, this will reduce chemical products. Many organisations around the world are active to save the planet from industrial activities and are promoting the climate change. Digital industry is one of these solutions. Even, it will reduce and prevent hazardous injuries in workplace.

In the near future, dental products that dentists and laboratories used to use to produce dental prosthetics will notice shortage in the market. Scanners and printers are the trend now. Most of clinics already switched to digital scanning for impressions. Remenber, the competion is a major factor for Businesses in the marketplace.

What is good and to mention is that we can move to digital design and production softly. Dentists who are still taking impressions traditionally, it is worth for them to start learning about scanners, and get one. Get started by trainings and learn more about the methods of scanning, and ensure to train your dental Assistants. Dentists who embraced scanning on chairside feel confortable with this method, saving time and creating data.

Patients’ impressions and photos are sent directly to the laboratory where the design is performed on computer and well stored. Dentists can check the design directly from their computer if any ajustment is needed. 

Patients are very pleased with this method, they have no to deal with uncomfortable and disagreeable feelings of nausea, when the material of impression is inserted in their mouth. In addition, they have no to deal with repeatitive appointments for try in. Number of appointments are reduced, while insuring superior fit of the denture. 

It will be interesting to discuss the educational system’s trend, and the evolution of the industry, but let us focus on the possibilities we can create right now for ourselves.

Next blog, I will be developing about methods and systems used in digital design and fabrication. Hope you enjoyed reading my blog, like it and share it, and don’t hesitate to contact me for any services you need, or any questions.

references:

director@instituteofdigitaldentistry.com,

http://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/ce-courses/ce662