Digital technologies are becoming more commonplace in today’s dental laboratories, offering technicians new efficiencies and enabling them to deliver more precise parts and final restorations faster than traditional techniques allow.
Digital dental lab systems speed up the design and production of restorations by combining 3D scanning, digital CAD design, and CAM-powered milling or 3D printing. They are available as closed systems that provide one start to finish workflow or customizable open architecture solutions. Not only are these emerging digital workflows fast and precise, they provide technicians with access to a range of advanced materials, leading to optimal results. They also allow faster communication and improved case workflow when working with cases from practices that use a digital impression system.
What Types of Digital Systems Are Available for My Lab?
There are a variety of digital systems available for dental laboratories including
3D printers that can produce models, parts and complete restorations out of various materials;
3D scanners that create 3D digital models based on physical dental models or impressions;
CAD/CAM software that creates a 3D digital model of a dental restoration and then instructs a mill or 3D printer on how to produce it;
milling units that are used to fabricate complete or partial restorations based on digital designs; and
CAD/CAM systems that make it possible to produce high-quality restorations. CAD/CAM systems include digital scanning, digital design software and a production system, which is usually a dental mill, but could also be a dental 3D printer.
What Should I Consider When Selecting Digital Lab Systems?
There’s a lot to think about when investing in digital solutions for your lab. These systems are available for any size dental lab, so be sure to select the best option for your business. Consider which tasks you want to automate, and look for a reputable manufacturer that offers training and support.
When choosing a 3D printer, be sure to evaluate the material it prints and which software it is compatible with. For mills, keep in mind different systems work with different materials. It’s important to invest in a mill that is capable of working with your material of choice.
Before you purchase a 3D scanner, make sure both the scan speed and scanner capacity are the right fit for your lab. Some scanners provide automated scanning for individual dies, while others only scan models. Scanners are commonly bundled with CAD/CAM software, and both must be compatible with the mill, 3D printer or other digital systems you plan to implement into your lab.
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