Modern society is becoming more connected to computers and the digital dental lab is one more example. The digital age has descended and while it may seem like science fiction initially, it begins to become the norm. Think of digital cameras. Remember when everyone had film that they loaded into the back of their instamatic? When the roll was finished, the photographer would take it to the photo developer in order to get the pictures back. In a few days, the photographs would be ready. With the advent of digital cameras, many things changed.
Individuals no longer have to buy film in order to take pictures. Those One Hour Photo processing labs which seemed so revolutionary have pretty much closed their shops. Now, little cameras are even embedded in every persons cell phone. Capturing images anytime, anywhere and sending them via the computer across the world is a normal occurrence. Just a few years ago, this would have seemed impossible. And the same is true with dentistry. The old ways are becoming pass and the modern technological advances will soon become the norm. Here are some things to think about:
- The equipment: Digital dental equipment includes computerized design and milling tools to provide accurate and instantaneous results. CAD/CAM stands for computer aided design and computer aided manufacture. It is a type of software used for multiple functions including creating oral prosthetics, treatments and reconstructions. This type of software was originally used for architectural design of buildings. Now its used for architecture of teeth.
- 3D capabilities: Rather than just flat images, the new CAD/CAM software has the capability to create 3 dimensional imagery. That is a huge improvement in being able to create natural looking dental prosthetics and treatments.
- Models of patients teeth: A digitalized model of a patients overbite or cosmetic dentistry issues can provide the dentists with a model to work from. This is advantageous to the doc and to the patient.
- Wax or metal casting: The computerized program can scan and make a replica of the patients teeth with wax of metal. This enables prosthetics, crowns and bridges to be made quickly and on the premises.
- Invisalign straighteners: The way Invisalign orthodontic straighteners can be made to fit so perfectly is through the CAD/CAM software. This requires a specific program called SLA which is able to create a smooth and comfortable orthodontic product.
- Dental Implants: Implantation methods are improved with a digitalized technique as well. Implants are high tech ways of using titanium to adhere false tooth to jawbone permanently.
- Dentures: Dentures can be made accurately and quickly which is a boon to denture wearers. The exactness and rapid turnaround will provide a more exact fit and less time for a patient being toothless.
We live in the computer age and many products are becoming interwoven with this technology. Photographs, architecture, and communication have entered this digitalized era and why not dentistry? Patients and their DDSs will benefit from the high quality products as well as cutting out the middle man. Middle men always add to the wait and cost. A digital dental lab is a win-win solution.
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