The evolution of the digital age came to Dentistry. Its application has become essential to streamline processes, increase predictability and provide greater comfort and safety in procedures for both the dentist and the patient.
In this post, explore some of the equipment used in digital dentistry and what its functions are:
Intraoral Scanner
Intraoral scanner lets you run with precision and speed. Intraoral scanners are the main means to transform dental clinics in cooperation with 3D dentistry.
This is a very important device that can be integrated into the daily office routine. When making this decision, it is necessary to consider the type of use of the digital file and whether the professionals involved can provide an integrated solution for the digital system. The current cost of this equipment is high, but dentists are already within your reach.
CAD / CAM
The CAD / CAM (Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing) system is a process in which the dental structures are scanned and the eliminated images are processed by software, which allows the planning of surgery (implantology, periodontics and maxillofacial -facial), orthodontics, endodontics and prosthesis, virtually generating a file, which can be exported to a milling machine or 3D printer, thus producing the part that was virtually planned.
Scanning can be added directly from the mouth or indirectly through the bench scanner, the latter being conventional molding and plaster models being referenced. After obtaining the images of the data, planning software bulletins are processed. We have a variety, and your choice depends on the type of treatment you want (periodontal surgery, orthodontics, implant dentistry, prosthesis, etc.). Once digitally planned, such as prostheses, surgical guides, models, etc., they can be manufactured by 3D printers or milling machines. The planning images must be transferred to the manufacturing software.
3D Printer
The use of 3D printing in digital dentistry means that digitized data can be quickly converted to STL files or other print files and sent directly to the machine.
As a result, direct digital manufacturing eliminates process steps, reduces manual steps and the number of patient visits, and allows dentists to deliver equipment to patients faster.
In the case of dentures, the resin device can be 3D printed directly without considering design difficulties such as the incisions that can be produced by milling. Custom 3D dentures are not only more accurate than traditional or milled dentures, they are also faster and easier to produce.
3D printers can print various parts such as models, surgical guides for various specialties, prostheses, interocclusal plates; each with a specific type of resin. After printing, the resin needs a UV light bath for polymerization.
Although 3D printing is still relatively new in digital dentistry, this technology has what it takes to be the new trend in offices in the coming years
Intraoral camera
Intraoral camera accurate images of the teeth and supporting structures, allowing the patient, dentist and dental technician to be able to perform the treatment, thus analyzing the dental defects. In addition, intraoral cameras allow a better understanding of the need for the recommended treatment. Another function of this equipment is to help with dental hygiene habits, including the main points of brushing your teeth.
Diagnodent
A tool widely used by dentists who practice digital dentistry is the diagnodent, a tool for early detection of caries. Diagnosis uses advanced technology of sonic pulses and lasers to detect cavities at an early stage much faster than traditional methods so that treatment can be started immediately, thus limiting the number of cavities. This helps to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
The professional can start with the use of digital dentistry equipment little by little, depending on how much he can invest, but not introducing these tools is obsolete, as they are a reality in the offices of dentists around the world.
