Articles - Forum Implantologicum

Article

Feature Article

Apr 22, 2015 // 20 min read

Dental Technician of the Future

DOI: 10.3290/iti.fi.45694

Abstract

The new technologies in the field of dental science have not only changed the way in which dentists run their practice but have also dramatically changed the procedures carried out in dental laboratories. Mechanical engineering, incorporated CMM, laser milling, 3D printing and 3D design in a mechanical tool shop are a few of the fields in which novel dental technologies are emerging.

There has been a tremendous shift towards digital approaches in the dental environment, which has subsequently changed the way of thinking and the daily procedures of all those involved in dental treatment.

The aim of this article is to compare the traditional laboratory workflows with currently applied techniques and explain the latest digital developments determining the future role of the dental technician.

Introduction

The new technologies in the field of dental science have not only changed the way in which dentists run their practice but have also dramatically changed the procedures carried out in dental laboratories. Mechanical engineering, incorporated CMM, laser milling and 3D design in a mechanical tool shop are a few of the fields in which novel dental technologies are emerging.

Manual waxing up and casting in gold or (precious) metal alloys have given way to computer assisted design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM). Milling and printing of implant-supported fixed dentures and superstructure frameworks are today considered to be the golden standard.

The so-called digital workflow has been the focus of the dental world in recent years. Almost all dental/implant companies have become increasingly involved in extending, improving and inventing novel digital procedures and equipment.

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) can be considered the most promising technical development of the last decade and its application in dentistry will likely change the future of our profession.

The aim of this article is to compare the traditional laboratory workflows to the techniques currently applied and explain the digital developments that are determining the role of the dental technician of the future.

Fig 1: Scan of clinical study on intra-oral scans of full-arch implant cases

Fig. 2: Final bar of clinical study on intra-oral scans of full-arch implant cases

Fig. 5: Border molding with medium body material (polyvinyl siloxane)

Fig. 9: IOS difficulty pyramid (Derksen 2013)

Fig. 10: Telescopic CAD/CAM bar with matching telescopic structure incorporated in the denture

Fig. 11: Telescopic CAD/CAM bar with matching telescopic structure incorporated in the denture

Fig. 12: Classic design of CAD/CAM frameworks; not supporting the veneering porcelain adequately

Fig. 13: Classic design of CAD/CAM frameworks; not supporting the veneering porcelain adequately

Fig. 14: Anatomic CAD/CAM framework design with minimal cutback for veneering porcelain

Fig. 15: Pre-sintered staining of a monolithic zirconia crown ‘en bloc’

Fig. 16: Selective pre-sintered staining leading to a dark-to-light color gradient

Fig. 17: Monolithic zirconia crowns made based on a digital impression. Selective pre-sintered staining gave a color gradient from cervical to incisal and subsequent glazing and staining gave identity to the teeth

Fig. 18: Monolithic zirconia crowns made based on a digital impression. Selective pre-sintered staining gave a color gradient from cervical to incisal and subsequent glazing and staining gave identity to the teeth

Fig. 19: Monolithic zirconia crowns made based on a digital impression. Selective pre-sintered staining gave a color gradient from cervical to incisal and subsequent glazing and staining gave identity to the teeth

Fig. 20: Schematic drawing of a Ti-base abutment on an implant