Let’s face it, whether it is audibly stated or not, we are consumers living in what is arguably the most technology influenced time in history. What used to take individuals hours, days, or weeks to do even ten years ago has probably been streamlined, refined, and turned into an application for an iPhone that makes it as easy as point, click, download, and done. With the evolution of technology rolling in like a thunder cloud and blanketing all corners of every industry, one might ask, “What’s next? Where do we go from here?”
At Precision Dental Laboratories we make a habit of asking ourselves these questions on a continual basis in order to remain up to date on the newest advancements in dentistry. By surveying the landscape of the industry we are not only able to continuously perfect and adjust our craft, we are also able to pass along any of the information that we believe our customers will be able to benefit from. So, even to those who have spent little to no time in a dental related field, it should come as no surprise that the dental industry has recently felt the heavy hand of technology and the benefits that can be reaped from it. It has allowed laboratories and practices alike offer a better quality product, reduce the cost of labor, save time on certain procedures, and offer a more precise approach to the art of dentistry.
For some of us it can be beneficial (or necessary) to take a step back, collect our thoughts, and just listen to what others are saying about our field. In the most recent publication of Today’s Medical Developments, writer Avi Cohen has this to say about the progression of digital dentistry. “The old days of dentistry are gone as the 3D printing technology bullet train accelerates a pace of change.” While Cohen might say that the “old days” of dentistry are gone, I think it is important take those “old” concepts to heart while preparing for the journey into new advancements in technology. Call it a healthy marriage between what has been done, and what is around the corner.
With the recent progress seen in digital dentistry, laboratories like ours are now able to offer affordable and attractive options to customers because of rapid manufacturing capabilities. Developments in the realm of CAD/CAM technology have not only opened doors to other options, they have begun to change how we view and complete our work every day. Full Zirconia and Emax™ crowns in the posterior region are now able to be milled from intraoral scans which provide cost savings that are easily transferrable to the customer. Advancements in digital dentistry have also allowed things like surgical guides to not only be made easier, but it has allowed them to be more predictable as well. Though these are only a couple of the numerous examples of how CAD/CAM technology has started to shape the world of dentistry, the question still stands, “Where do go from here?” As certain practices and technologies become more refined in the coming months and years, things like custom milled abutments and bars may begin to seem more prevalent than they were in the past. As will things like CAD/CAM dentures and partials, composite materials that can be milled, and stronger, milled ceramics. These items which were at one time only able to be created and refined by hand, will now be able to be constructed more precisely and efficiently because of the digital revolution in dentistry that is happening before our eyes.
Though the previously quoted Avi Cohen might say that, “We may look back at 2012 as the year when the dental laboratory industry passed the point of no return from a traditional manual workflow toward an all-digital design and manufacture process,” we can look forward and be certain of one thing and that is this: We are living in a time in which technology is reshaping the way work is done. A digital revolution in dentistry is gathering up older approaches to doing a job and giving them a face lift. It is because of this that we can plan on more efficient ways to work, better quality products, and opportunities for better time management without dumping out our wallets. If these advancements in technology really are like a bullet train, then I’d suggest holding on tight for what will certainly be an exciting ride.
-Ian M. Johnson
Marketing Coordinator