New Age of Digital Dentistry

Gilroy, California

What do you think of when you picture a dental office? Take that image in your mind’s eye, and forget it. Dental science is evolving at a rapid rate, and as a result, a state-of-the-art dental laboratory or practice will have a very different set of tools and technologies than what would have been used even a few years ago thanks to the growing use of digital dentistry.

The advent of digital technology allows the front end of dental practices to operate more efficiently. Digital scans can be used to replace the laborious and often messy process of working with traditional impressions, and CAD manufacturing can produce the same work that had been done manually in less time with greater consistency in the results.

Why is digital technology such a great fit in dentistry? Because of the need for mass customization. Just as no two people are alike, no two sets of teeth are identical, either. Factor in the small size of many of the final products needed in digital dentistry and the use of 3D printing is a natural progression for the industry.

The new age of digital dentistry is upon us, and patients can witness it in the following ways.

• Resins: Dental Model resin is one of the most precise, accurate resins available in dentistry today. Its smooth, matte surface finish and color make it easy to fabricate restorations via 3D printing. Dental LT Clear is another relatively new resin in the field, known for being highly resistant to fractures. Its clear material is ideal for fabricating clear appliances such as bite splints (mouth guards), retainers, and other orthodontic appliances.
• Dentures: As 3D printing becomes more prevalent, the concept of using that technology to produce dentures has become a reality. This allows for the production of dentures that are more precise and ensure optimization of bite because of the accessibility to digital scans as a guide for constructing the dentures.

3D printing, in conjunction with digital scans and CAD/CAM software, allows a completely digital workflow in the dental industry, producing more precise and convenient results for patients.

For more information on the services we offer and how they are enhanced through the “digital difference” please contact Williams Dental Lab of Gilroy, California by calling (800) 713-5390, or e-mail us at Bob@williamsdentallab.com.