Digital Dentistry is a term that encompasses any computer-based technology used in dentistry to enhance and improve treatment delivery. But, the history of digital dentistry does not stand alone, as Dr. Francois Duret, applied the rules & principles of CAD/CAM technology almost 40 years ago. Digital Dentistry has been a game changer, as it has revolutionized the way dentists diagnose, plan treatments, fabricate restorations, etc. that too with precision in work, improved accuracy, and enhanced patient comfort and satisfaction.
Digital dentistry includes:
1)Digital Imaging: Digital Imaging Technologies, like digital X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), have replaced the traditional methods of X-ray taking. This has allowed dental professionals to improve and enhance their diagnostic capabilities. Now, they can zoom in and out, increase or decrease the exposure, contrast, and colors of the image on the computer screen to make a precise diagnosis.
2)CAD/CAM Technology: Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) have changed the fabrication of dental restorations. With the help of CAD/CAM technology dental professionals can digitally design dental restorations like crowns, veneers, bridges, and other prosthesis, which can be further milled, and 3D printing can be done. This increases the precision and quality of the prosthesis and nullifies the chances of errors like in traditional impression-taking and manufacturing methods and much more improved aesthetics.
3) Teledentistry and Consultations: Digital Dentistry has also paved a path for dental professionals and patients by facilitating virtual online consultations through video calling, image sharing portals, by which dentists can provide diagnosis and treatment plans, to patients with limited mobility.
4) Digital Smile Design: Digital Dentistry helps dental professionals to digitally customize and design the smile for their patients. With the help of digital smile designing software, dentists can modify, and analyze the smile design and can also see the most expected final result thereafter. This provides better treatment results and communications with the patients about their treatment goals.
5)Digital Treatment Planning: Digital Software allows dentists to make treatment plans for complex cases. For orthodontic treatments, digital software can be used by orthodontists to plan and simulate tooth movement and see the aesthetic outcome of the treatment virtually. It provides a roadmap to dentists along with patient satisfaction and comfort.
6)Intraoral Scanning: Goodbye to messy traditional impressions and hello to the new technology. Intraoral scanning has transformed the ways dental impressions were taken. Intraoral scanning is done with the help of intraoral scanners which capture the 3D model of the teeth and oral tissues of a patient in just a few minutes. That results in a precise outcome and no distortion of records. These scanned models can also be easily stored, shared, and used by both dentists and laboratory technicians. Intraoral scanning is used in taking impressions, for diagnosis, for clear aligner making, etc.
Advantages of digital dentistry:
- Patient Comfort
- Patient Engagement
- More precision
- Time-saving
- Space saving
- More Accurate treatment planning
- Cost-effective
- No gag reflex.
As Technology continues to advance, there will more and more advancements in digital dentistry as well, which will be helpful in delivering better quality treatments for patients and working space for dental professionals. Teeth Care Centre the Best Dental Clinic in Ahmedabad, always believes in staying one step ahead when it comes to Advancement and Technology to provide precise dental treatments to all our patients. So, being the frontrunner here as well, we are India’s First Dental Clinic to embrace cutting-edge technology by accommodating the World’s No. 1 Ultra-Modern, Intraoral scanner, 3SHAPE TRIOS 5, which has redefined the standard of care in dentistry. Embracing this groundbreaking technology, TCC showcases its commitment to delivering exceptional dental services to its patients.