Part 1: “The future of Dentistry is Digital”

Thanks to advancements in digital dental technology, visits to your dentist are becoming quick, comfortable, and precise. But what exactly is digital dentistry, and what impact does it have on the treatment you receive?

Digital dentistry involves the use of any digital or computer-based technology for establishing your diagnosis, treatment plan and manufacture prosthesis or products which are required for your treatment.

What does Digital Dentistry offer you?

Digital Dentistry is transforming every aspect of dentistry. Focus is shifting towards a digital patient. You will have an online consultation with your dentist from the comfort of your home and once everything is discussed and finalized then you will go to your dentist for the work to begin.

As soon as you step into your dentist's operatory digital dentistry comes into play. Intraoral cameras take your initial pictures for record keeping after which intraoral scanners record your preoperative impressions.

Digital radiography is faster, the images are stored on servers online and AI software’s help detect anomalies which can be missed by the naked eye.

Does the Digital element stop here? NO!

In case you want a smile makeover you can see 3D simulations of how your smile will look after the procedure and then decide whether you want to continue the procedure or opt for an alternate treatment plan.

Accurate measurements, precision guided placement of implants and same day crown placements have revolutionized implant dentistry leading to better long-term prognosis and you can use your new teeth on the same day.

Crowns and bridges have never been so quick. You just have to sip on a cup of coffee or your favorite smoothie and before you finish, your prothesis are ready for cementation all thanks to inhouse designing which is done by your dentist and then millings on CAD-CAM machines.

There are many other situations in which digital dentistry helps you and the dentist e.g. in Gum Surgeries – specially designed templates give proper shape to your gums; jaw surgeries are performed using guides which can be easily designed and 3D printed within a few minutes this not only saves time but offers more precise and favorable results. Digital Dentistry also plays a huge role in orthodontic treatments – by allowing accurate placement of brackets using specially designed positioning guides and designing of aligners for your orthodontic treatment all of which help to facilitate orthodontists and give better end results.

Part 2:

Dental laboratory work has never been so precise and accurate. Dentists have taken over the design part of the workflow hence providing you with the prosthesis that are best for you. Restorations are milled in specially designed CAM machines using products which give you accurate contacts and a comfortable bite.

Shade matching and selection is done accurately with the help of specials software’s and identifiers which help the dental laboratory personal to achieve accurate shade matching for your case leading to a more natural looking tooth.

3D Printing allows for accurate and quick printing of models hence speeding up the lab workflow as there is no need to wait for receiving of impression and models from clients who are out of town. This is a benefit for the dentists also as it saves them the cost of courier companies along with saving of resources.

Benefits of Digital Dentistry

The development of modern technology and techniques in dentistry offers you a wide variety of advantages.

• Dentists can use digital dentistry techniques to accurately diagnose and treat oral diseases.
• Digital Software’s allow dentists to provide temporary crowns and bridges within the same appointment.
• 3D teeth impressions can be sent off for instant feedback on procedures and plan restorations.
• Intraoral Scanners have eliminated biting into impression material and tray insertions into the mouth reducing nausea.
• Updated record keeping
• Anticipation of any problems that would come around during the procedure

Digital technology in dentistry is accelerating rapidly, and dental health professionals who harness proven advances in their field may be able to offer you the best care. Digital dentistry is constantly providing dental professionals with ways in which they can help you in faster, safer, more comfortable, and more reliable ways than they ever have before. That is something you can look up to when visiting a dentist.