Traditional dentistry uses mechanical or electrical procedures. However, digital dentistry utilizes computer-based dental technologies and devices that operate with digital components. Digital dentistry eliminates the need for manual procedures. This allows dentists to work more efficiently and maximizes patient satisfaction. Digital dentistry applications make dental appointments much faster, safer, and more comfortable. Digital technologies make accurate diagnosis and treatment much easier.
Digital dentistry, which progresses much faster than traditional methods, offers significant advantages for both patients and dentists. Patients receive treatment much faster and more comfortably. Dentrum Private Oral and Dental Health Clinic in Adana, one of the pioneers of digital dentistry applications in Adana, explained the frequently asked questions about the subject.
What is Digital Dentistry?
Technological and methodological advancements in digital dentistry enable dentists to provide optimal care in much shorter periods. Consultations with patients and collaboration with different dentists have become much easier than in previous years. Furthermore, digital dentistry is a system that improves the quality of care, allows for precise restorations, and facilitates accurate diagnosis. In its simplest definition, digital dentistry is the efficient use of computer-based digital technologies by dentists in diagnostic and treatment processes.
What technologies are used in digital dentistry?
In digital dentistry, unlike classical dentistry, computer-based digital technologies (CAD-CAM) are used in addition to electrical and mechanical devices.
What are CAD-CAM Technologies?
CAD-CAM technologies stand for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. These technologies are a type of software program that allows many complex procedures to be successfully performed. CAD-CAM technology has been in use since the 1980s, but today it has reached a point where it provides much faster and more accurate results. CAD-CAM technology is particularly beneficial in restoration applications such as inlays, veneers, dental crowns, onlays, and bridges.
What are the differences between CAD-CAM technology and traditional methods?
A significant number of laboratories operating today utilize CAD and CAM technologies instead of classical methods. Furthermore, some of the materials used in classical methods can also be used compatibly with these new technologies.
In CAD-CAM technology, the measurements of dental designs are taken using high-resolution cameras. The measurements taken from the patient have an accuracy of 10 microns. CAD and CAM technology allows for the creation of dental designs in a computer environment after measurements are taken using digital methods.
By transmitting digital designs to the milling unit, it becomes much easier to make aesthetic adjustments on zirconium and porcelain materials. The ability to visualize the patient's mouth in three dimensions allows for the flawless execution of restorations.
In which treatments are CAD-CAM technologies used?
CAD and CAM technologies are successfully used in many treatments, from orthodontic treatments and bridges to digital smile design applications, prosthetic crowns, fixed prostheses, and implants. If we were to list the treatment applications where these technologies are used:
Implant Treatment
Following 3D imaging, plates are produced to be used as surgical guides. This allows us to plan how and where the implants will be placed. This minimizes the risk of error and significantly increases the success rate of surgical operations.
Digital Smile Design
Digital Smile Design is one of the areas where CAD and CAM technologies have made significant contributions. Three-dimensional images obtained with a micro-camera allow for adjustments to be made to the teeth, ensuring perfect harmony with the individual's facial aesthetics and oral structure.
However, analyses are also performed regarding the contact points with the opposing teeth. When the smile design is completed, the patient can see how their teeth will look beforehand and approve the treatment plan.
Orthodontic Treatments
Digital dentistry allows for the treatment of crooked teeth without the need for wires or brackets. Intraoral scans performed with cameras in digital dentistry facilitate the production of custom-made clear aligners. This provides the patient with a comfortable orthodontic treatment experience without aesthetic concerns.
Bridge Construction
Images obtained using CAD and CAM technology are sent to the laboratory in real-time, and the design is prepared in a short time. With this application, it is possible to complete the bridge construction in as little as 24 hours.
Inley – Onley
Inlays and onlays can be produced much faster with digital dentistry applications. These procedures, which even make it possible to complete treatments on the same day, also significantly extend the lifespan of the fillings. Compared to traditional methods, there are advantages such as speed and the fact that production can be carried out without the need for new impressions.
Prosthetic Veneers
In digital dentistry, the three-dimensional intraoral scanners we use allow the impression-taking process, which is the most critical point in prosthetic veneers, to be completed much faster and more comfortably compared to classical methods.
Fixed Prostheses
Fixed prostheses, which can be completed in a week using classical methods, can be completed much faster with digital dentistry. For complex prostheses, digital impressions and manufacturing can also be accomplished using CAD and CAM technology.
Who can benefit from digital dentistry treatments?
Digital dentistry applications are accessible to anyone who needs orthodontic treatment, bridges, fillings, dentures, implants, and fixed prostheses.
What are the advantages of digital dentistry?
One of the most important advantages of digital dentistry is that it provides patients with the opportunity to receive the highest quality dental care. Therefore, modern dental technologies and tools are used. Three-dimensional scanning technology provides a much wider and more detailed view. The patient's oral cavity is scanned much more precisely.
This results in a much more comfortable treatment process for both patients and dentists. Digital dentistry increases the detection rate of gaps between teeth and cavities. Digital dentistry allows many problems to be detected and treated before they even occur.
Digital dentistry offers 20% faster scanning compared to traditional methods. This significantly reduces the time patients spend in the dentist's chair.
How to Take Digital Dental Impressions?
Digital impressions are taken using a high-resolution camera placed in the patient's mouth. Many digital impression systems utilize a bedside monitor. Live images are captured using video capture technology on a touchscreen monitor to create the final digital impression.
This live video capture technique allows for the creation of final digital impressions without the need to aggregate the data. Capturing a digital image of the teeth to be produced takes a minute and a half. Imaging the teeth located in the opposing arch takes only 45 seconds.
By analyzing the electronically obtained real-time images, the dentist has the chance to correct potential errors before electronically sending the digital measurement.
How do Digital Measurement Scanners Work?
Digital impressions have revolutionized the way dentists prepare restorations today. A digital impression creates a map of the teeth. Dentists use lasers and various optical scanning devices to obtain a model. The prepared digital model is displayed on a computer screen, the necessary measurements are taken, and then it enables the accurate and rapid production of restoration models.
- Dentists prepare the teeth for examination by cleaning the area of saliva and blood.
- Then a series of digital images and videos are taken.
- The digital measurement software then combines the obtained images and displays the measurement image on the monitor.
- Digital images are analyzed and the scan is verified.
- Digital measurements are sent to the dental laboratory where the patient's restorations will be produced.
How long does it take to take digital dental impressions?
Digital dental impressions can now be completed in three to five minutes using current intraoral scanning technologies.
What is CAD-CAM Technology in Dentistry?
CAD and CAM systems are an efficient alternative for preparing fixed dental prostheses and other indirect dental restorations. The use of digital impressions eliminates some laboratory steps. It allows restorations to be delivered quickly and in a way that is compatible with the patient.
What is Digital Dental Screening?
Digital dental scanning is the process of scanning teeth using an optical camera and then transferring the image to a computer in a three-dimensional format.
What are the benefits of digital dental screening?
Digital dental scanning allows dentists to obtain detailed images of the inside of the mouth. These images are transferred to a computer equipped with scanning software that provides the final result of the dental scan. This allows us to obtain the most accurate results in the shortest possible time. Thanks to digital dental scanning, restorations that fit the patient's mouth are produced. It eliminates the need for restorative materials that cause discomfort to the patient.
