Digital Dentistry
Redefining dental care
Advanced dental tools for precise diagnostics,
efficient treatment planning and quality care
Digital Dentistry
Digital dentistry integrates advanced computer-aided technologies to improve dental care. This increases diagnostic accuracy, streamlines treatments and enhances patient comfort, leading to faster, more effective results and aesthetically superior dental restorations.
Digital precision in dentistry for improved diagnostics and care
With rapid progress being made in digital dentistry, dental procedures are becoming far quicker, safer, more comfortable and undeniably reliable. Advances in 3D imaging and computer-aided design tools have opened the door to new efficient methods for diagnosis and treatment planning. These developments enable rapid in-house production of highly-accurate restorations, ensuring excellent oral care in record time.
How does Digital Dentistry Work?
Digital dentistry extends to different stages of dental procedures, including:
- Diagnosis
- Data capture
- Data processing
- Designing
- Fabrication
- Clinical applications
Resulting in:
- Enhanced precision
- Optimised treatment planning
- Enhanced collaboration among dental professionals
- Improved patient communication
- Minimised chances of errors
- Time efficiency
- Lower expenses by reducing consumables
- Improved patient satisfaction
- Efficient file management
- Advanced clinic facilities
Digital dentistry involves the use of advanced technologies in different dental procedures. It begins with digital imaging, where tools like intraoral scanners take detailed 3D images of the patient’s mouth. These 3D images are then processed and integrated into dental treatment procedures through modelling design software.
Digital design allows for clear visualisation of tooth structures and aids in designing treatment plans or replacements. The software further guides the fabrication process, either by milling or printing. This advanced production process helps create precise, efficient and customised solutions for many dental applications.
Embracing Technological Advancements
Dr. Sonny Lee has been using computer-aided design and manufacturing systems in his dental practice for many years. He utilises an intraoral scanner, a milling machine & sintering furnace and has recently added a state-of-the-art 3D printer to his clinic. These technological upgrades have dramatically reduced the time needed for various procedures.
Custom dental work that previously took days or weeks for transportation from an external laboratory can now be completed in as little as 2 hours within our in-house lab. The dental restoration production phase takes about an hour with milling and about 20 minutes with 3D printing. Convenient, customisable and highly reliable, these innovative tools deliver smoother client experiences and higher-quality restorations with minimal waits.
Common Digital Dentistry Tools
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
CBCT technology provides a panoramic view of the dental and facial structures, offering a 3D perspective that surpasses traditional X-rays. Dental professionals use CBCT to plan implant placements, assess jaw and facial issues, diagnose dental trauma and visualise complex cases like cleft palates. Although CBCT exposes patients to slightly more radiation than conventional X-rays, it remains an invaluable tool for comprehensive diagnostic evaluations.
OPG X-rays
Orthopantomography (OPG) X-rays provide a wide-ranging view of the entire oral and maxillofacial region. These panoramic X-rays are necessary for diagnosing conditions like impacted wisdom teeth, jaw disorders and orthodontic evaluations. Digital OPG X-rays help make dental diagnostics faster and safer by reducing the amount of radiation absorbed and making images available immediately.
Intraoral Scanners
An intraoral scanner is a dental device used to create highly detailed 3D images of the inside of a patient’s mouth. Instead of traditional moulds or impressions, which patients may find uncomfortable, intraoral scanners use optical technology to capture a digital replica of the teeth and oral tissues. The scanner typically consists of a handheld wand with a small camera that rapidly captures multiple images. The digital dental design software assembles these images to generate a complete 3D model.
Digital impressions are used for many dental applications, including restorative, orthodontic and surgical procedures. Intraoral scanners contribute to a more comfortable experience for the patient and allow for faster, more accurate and efficient dental procedures, reducing the need for physical moulds and their associated wait times.
Digital Dental Design Software
Digital dental design software refers to computer programs and applications designed for dental professionals to plan, develop and execute dental procedures using digital tools. This software is a key component of digital dentistry. It is commonly used for designing dental appliances, treatment planning and creating virtual models of patients’ oral structures.
Dental design software can create detailed three-dimensional models of a patient’s oral structures. Furthermore, the software can guide milling machines and 3D printers during the fabrication process.
Digital Smile Design
Digital Smile Design (DSD) uses digital technology to plan and design a patient’s smile before performing cosmetic or restorative dental procedures. The process integrates digital tools and imaging techniques to analyse and visualise the patient’s facial and dental characteristics, allowing for a more precise and personalised treatment plan.
DSD is a valuable communication tool between the dental team and the patient. It helps set realistic expectations, foster a better understanding of the proposed treatments and ensure that both parties are on the same page regarding the desired outcomes.
Milling and Sintering
Milling is the process of shaping or carving out a dental prosthesis from a solid block of material using a computer-controlled milling machine. Its applications involve a range of dental restorations, including inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns, bridges and implant abutments. Following the digital design phase, the milling machine precisely carves the restoration according to the digital specifications.
In-house milling machines and sintering furnaces reduce turnaround times significantly. It provides quality, customised restorations fabricated right within the dental practice, reducing the need for outsourcing.
3D printing
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a technology that involves the layer-by-layer fabrication of dental objects or structures using digital 3D models. This technology can produce:
- Dental components
- Study models
- Veneers
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Splints & night guards
- Dentures
- Implants
- Bleaching trays
- Clear aligners
- Mouthguards
- Surgical guides
This dental technology offers precision, speed and cost-efficiency in production, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes in terms of fit, comfort and functionality.
Upgrade your Practice with
Digital Dentistry
In a fast-paced culture that values speed and efficiency, integrating advanced digital solutions is essential for staying competitive. Many dental practices have benefited from digital workflows, offering improved outcomes for dentists and patients. Seize the opportunity to bring digital dentistry into your practice.
Make the smart choice and embrace the future of digital dentistry!