Digital Dentistry

Digital dentistry involves the use of dental technology or devices which use computer-based or digital components. Traditional dental mediums, on the other hand, use mechanical or electrical procedures.

Computer-based technology enables dental practices to further enhance patient care.

Above all, digital dentistry eliminates manual steps of dental procedures. For this reason, dentists can provide an efficient and more automated treatment process.

About Digital Dentistry

In a dental practice, there are a variety of diagnostic and treatment techniques which require the use of computer-controlled technology.

The Digital Revolution is changing the world: computers and digital devices are making what were previously manual tasks easier, faster, cheaper and more predictable.

Even in dentistry, digital technologies are rapidly advancing: intraoral, desktop and face scanners, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), software for computer-assisted-design/ computer-assisted-manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and fabrication procedures like milling and 3D printing are changing the way we treat our patients.

Types of digital dentistry technology

Some common types of dental technology used at Suir Clinic are:

01. Digital Radiography

Digital radiography is the use of optical face scanners to produce a clear map of teeth and dental impressions. These scans can be viewed, printed or assessed by the dentist while you are in the chair.

In addition, digital radiographs emit up to 70 percent less radiation than traditional X-rays and are more environmentally friendly. At Suir Clinic, our practices use several types of 3D intra-oral scanners including DentalWings (Straumann Group) Virtuo Vivo™, Medit i500™, and we plan to get an iTero™ intra-oral scanner for Invisalign™ system early next year (2022) to give more orthodontic solutions to our patients.

02. Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Imaging (CBCT)

A Cone-beam CT is a rotating X-ray machine which provides a three-dimensional view of teeth and the oral anatomy. Additionally, this imaging technique identifies oral conditions which are not detectable by regular X-ray screenings. A CBCT can also determine the exact position of teeth and their roots.

03. Intra-Oral Cameras

Intra-oral cameras allow dental practitioners to see clear, accurate images of the mouth. Shaped like a wand, the camera can magnify images on a computer screen in real time. This enables patients to clearly see what the dentist is doing or referring to. In addition, the intra-oral camera can provide a detailed view of hard to see areas in the mouth. This helps to accurately identify problems such as a fractured tooth.

04. The Chairside Design of Highly-Aesthetic Restorations

Using latest innovative technology within an intuitive interface, and special design tools, DWOS Chairside software helps facilitate the design of multiple indications and restorations including inlays, onlays, full contour crowns, and veneers, as well as other indications such as implant abutments.

05. Computer Aided Design or Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and 3D Printing

Computer aided design and 3D printing have made it more efficient for practitioners to design and manufacture dental restorations. Such restorations may include porcelain crowns, bridges, or veneers, and navigation implantology products.

Computer aided dentistry allows dentists to design, fabricate and insert dental restorations on the same day. Traditionally, a dental laboratory would make the restoration. This process could take up to 3 weeks. The new technology, however, means that the patient can receive the final restoration within a day.

Suir Clinic practices use Dentalwings CAD / CAM technology for our digital works.

Benefits of digital dentistry

The development of new technologies and techniques in dentistry offer a variety of advantages for patients. This includes:

I. Accurate Condition Diagnoses

Dentists can use digital dentistry techniques to accurately identify, diagnose and treat oral diseases in its early stages. Unlike traditional x-ray images, digital radiography images and CBCT X-rays can be enlarged. For this reason, they can display an accurate representation of a patient’s teeth and oral anatomy.

II. Reduce Time and Costs

Instead of waiting days for a laboratory to create a restoration, a practitioner can have it ready on the same day. Therefore, the team can eliminate further appointments saving time and money. Furthermore, digital images are immediately available for labs and insurance providers. As well, patients do not have to wait for the images and can easily view them on the screen.

III. Enhanced Patient Experience

Digital imaging has also enabled our dentists to reduce the usage of traditional impression material which many patients find uncomfortable. Instead of taking impressions, your dentist can now easily scan your teeth with a 3D scanner. This means, you won’t have to bite into impression material or have trays inserted into your mouth. Overall, many patients find the use of the 3D scanner much more comfortable.

IV. Improved Communication

Digital imaging also allows our dentists to collaborate with other specialists and dental laboratories. This even can happen while the patient is still in the practice. Additionally, 3D teeth impressions can be sent off for instant feedback on procedures and planned restorations.

DentalWings Workflow

This is the workflow of producing navigated implantology guides. Normal workflow for crowns, veneers, bridges, or orthodontic aligners only contains step 1,2,4.