What is Digital Dentistry? Check the Technologies used in Modern Dental Practices

Digital dentistry is a new and exciting technology for dental practices that is driving dramatic changes in the way dental treatments are delivered. As a result, dentists can provide their patients with more precise, efficient, and cost-effective treatments than ever before.

This article will explore digital dentistry, examining what it is and how it works to benefit both patients and practitioners.

Key Points

• Digital dentistry provides digital solutions for dental treatment planning and execution, allowing for greater accuracy, more efficient workflow, and improved patient satisfaction.
• Benefits include improved scanning accuracy, cost savings from no physical models, design flexibility, and improved patient communication.
• Digital dentistry is becoming increasingly popular with dental professionals, providing a great opportunity for those looking to improve their practice.

What is Digital Dentistry?

Digital dentistry is a set of dental technologies that employ computer-based techniques and instruments to deliver better dental services, using specific hardware and software.

Digital dentistry has revolutionized the way dental practitioners work, enabling them to provide treatments with greater efficiency and accuracy. This technology encompasses numerous computer-based solutions such as hardware devices and software programs which can be used for a wide range of treatment purposes.

For example, digital scanning allows dentists to take impressions, diagnose and plan treatments without having to use traditional mechanical tools. Additionally, solutions such as impression scanners and design software provided for dental labs reduce manual labor time significantly whilst still providing a high standard of quality for products created.

Digital dentistry has been around since 1984 when Dr. Francois Duret applied principles of CAD/CAM for dental impression taking and since then various solutions have been invented and patented to optimize the treatment process.

Despite that, a majority of dental clinics are still carrying out treatment through conventional methods due to the slow adoption rate of digital technology across the industry.

Digital Technologies used in Dentistry Today

Digital dentistry involves a range of processes, technologies, and solutions that come together to enable dental practitioners to plan and execute treatments with greater precision and efficiency. 

Among the technologies used in digital dentistry today, we have:

• Impression taking;
• imaging and scanning;
• digital design; and
• 3D printing or milling.

All these technologies can be used on their own or in combination with each other to improve the strength and aesthetic qualities of restorations while also reducing costs.

Take a look below of the technologies we have available in our dental lab services and discover how to bring your dental practice to the next level.

3Shape Trios® Digital Intraoral Scanner

The 3Shape Trios® Digital Intraoral Scanner is a revolutionary device that allows for faster, more precise, and more accurate acquisition of dental data. Its intuitive user interface allows for a simplified scanning experience, with quick integration into existing practice protocols and existing scanners.

The 3Shape Trios® Digital Intraoral Scanner uses advanced optical technology and perceptive smart detection to capture high-fidelity images in both color and standard grayscale. The powerful scanner is also fully automatic, enhancing productivity and reducing the costs of oral health care.

The 3Shape Trios® Digital Intraoral Scanner is a time-saving, accurate diagnostic solution for any modern dental practice.

iTero® Digital Intraoral Scanner

The iTero® Digital Intraoral Scanner is a state-of-the-art digital imaging solution that allows dentists to acquire digital impressions quickly and accurately. Its intuitive touchscreen offers a user-friendly interface and its advanced optical technology provides true-to-life color details with minimum motion artifacts.

The iTero® Digital Intraoral Scanner is also incredibly versatile, capable of scanning crowns, bridges, veneers, orthodontic devices, partial dentures, and implant abutments with consistent repeatable accuracy.

Don’t worry about getting the hang of it! The iTero® Digital Intraoral Scanner integrates seamlessly into your existing practice software, allowing for quick and easy integration into the entire workflow process.

Medit™ i500 Digital Intraoral Scanner

The Medit™ i500 Digital Intraoral Scanner is a dental scanning device designed to digitally capture dental impressions, providing a high-resolution 3D model of teeth and gums that can be used for crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. The scanner is portable, making it easy to use in the dental chair or outside of the office.

The device has three distinct scanning modes and is fully integrated with other types of software in order to provide an efficient all-in-one solution. The Medit i500 also offers an intuitive user interface and patient-friendly ergonomic design.

For more, watch this video of Dr. Jack Ringer about How to take a digital impression.

With its ability to enhance treatment planning, design, and delivery of final products, digital dentistry paves the way for an improved dental experience for both practitioners and patients alike.

Learn more at our Dental Up podcast: Engineering and Digital Dentistry

Discover Keating’s Digital Dentistry Services and Bring your dental practice to the future!

Since its introduction, Keating Dental Lab has been at the vanguard of CAD/CAM technology. We have continued to stay ahead of the curve as it has evolved, and now boast one of the most sophisticated in-house systems in the sector. Our system can be adapted to fit all practices and ensures absolute accuracy in all cases, no matter what procedures you implement.

Discover our Digital Dentistry services today!