DT News - MEA - Transforming treatment for the better with digital dentistry

3D Systems - Middle East

Sun. 5 January 2020

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Capabilities in dentistry have evolved at an astonishing rate over the past several years, and the transformations are by no means slowing down.

The introduction of synergistic technologies such as intraoral 3D scanning, computer aided design (CAD) software, 3D printing, and materials science are creating new treatment and business opportunities for dental professionals with equally positive impacts on patients. Offering unprecedented speed, accuracy and cost-effectiveness, the digital dentistry workflow is not theoretical; it is in use in labs and clinics around the world, and it is gaining traction daily.

Generally speaking, a complete digital dentistry workflow includes methods for digitizing patient information, precisely manipulating that digital information, and transferring digital information back into the physical world in a suitable material. Many dental offices have now adopted intraoral 3D scanning, which satisfies the first step of the workflow and gives patients a more comfortable alternative to traditional impressions.

For the design and fabrication stages of the workflow, access points vary. Some dentists prefer to outsource these operations to a lab, where digital design and fabrication methods are becoming an increasingly popular choice for fast, high quality and cost-effective dental models and restorations. Other clinics find it more cost-effective, productive and valuable to have a complete digital workflow available for immediate use on site. For both labs and offices, digital production has become far more obtainable through the emergence of easy to operate dental 3D printers like the NextDent 5100, which offers high print speeds, a small footprint, and high material versatility. The NextDent portfolio includes 30 unique biocompatible and CE-certified materials, making it capable of addressing a broad range of clinical needs.

The reality is that digital dental technology has now become user-friendly and affordable enough to be adopted by anyone who wants to access its benefits. Clinics and labs of all sizes are unlocking substantial efficiency and productivity gains with no compromise in quality. In fact, many digital workflow users’ credit digital dentistry tools with contributing to improved quality in care due to the level of precision that is now possible, and the fidelity of planned versus actual outcomes.

Digital scans and digital designs fuel accurate digital production that increasingly requires less and less post-processing before next steps can be taken. This is true for everything from prosthodontic models to long-term, full-arch dentures. These advancements are exciting and beneficial to everyone involved. Labs can handle higher volumes, practitioners can expand in-house services, and patients can get precise treatment faster, with fewer visits.

For instance, the new capabilities in 3D printing speed make it possible for clinicians to deliver complete restorations within a same-day appointment that have historically required multiple visits. On the NextDent 5100, for example, it is now possible to 3D print a full arch in half-an-hour or less. For practitioners, this means the ability to see more patients over time while offering a more convenient, expedited treatment experience. For patients, the integration of this technology means fewer scheduling conflicts and life disruptions to address their concerns.

For dental laboratories of all sizes, increases in digital production speeds are of tremendous value. Large laboratories are able to increase productivity to keep production volumes up, and small laboratories are able to avoid backlogs to maintain availability to take on new jobs. Fast and highly accurate 3D printing also enables superior communication between dentists and laboratories to enable streamlined restoration fabrication and delivery and increased patient satisfaction.

The expedient input to output loop created by the digital dentistry workflow is more comfortable and convenient to the patient than the traditional processes it replaces.

Furthermore, digital precision at every stage gives care providers higher confidence in fit. The author of this piece has firsthand experience to support these statements, as I was one of the first patients to receive a 3D printed restoration. I had a tooth replaced in 2016 using 3D printing, and it works and looks as great as it did on day one!

As dentistry and 3D printing continue to evolve and synergize, my experience is becoming less and less unique, which I view as a wonderful thing. From high production labs where large volumes of unique parts must be fabricated quickly, to private clinics where the provider wants to enhance patient experience with high quality expedited treatment: 3D printing technology is leading a transformation in dental occupations that allows everybody to win.

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