Smile Correction Devices: The Good, The Bad And The Amazing

Dental implants have revolutionized the way people with missing teeth can get a fully restored and functional smile. The traditional procedure of dental implants involves evaluating oral health, creating custom-fitted dental crowns, and placing the crown onto dental implants surgically inserted into the jawbone. But with the advancements in technology, digital dentistry is introducing new ways to make dental implants more efficient, convenient, and accurate.

1. Digital Impressions

Digital impressions can provide accurate measurements and eliminate the need for traditional impressions that use messy materials. The dentist can use a small handheld intraoral scanner and take digital 3D impressions of the teeth, gums, and jawbone. The scanner captures multiple images, and the software integrates the images to produce a digital model. This model then forms the basis for creating a surgical guide used during implant surgery. This less-intrusive procedure reduces the time spent creating models and increases the accuracy and efficiency of the implant procedure.

2. Computerized Tomography Scans

Cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) is an advanced imaging technology used to generate highly accurate 3D images of the teeth, gums, and jawbone. CBCT enables detailed visualization of hard and soft tissues, aiding in accurate implant placement. The software can calculate the optimal location and angle of implant placement based on the patient's bone density, and gum tissue.

3. CAD/CAM Restorations

With the introduction of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies, dental restorations can now be done faster, with fewer chairside appointments and without the need for physical impressions. Dental labs can now use CAD software to design customized restorations accurately. These restorations can be produced from high-quality materials with precision machinery, unlike traditional methods that rely on the use of wax materials and other manual techniques. This technology ensures an exact fitting of the crown onto the implant to achieve full functionality, high-quality esthetics, and longevity.

4. Robotic Systems

Robotic-assisted dental surgery is a technique that uses robotic systems to perform implant surgeries with more precision. As opposed to traditional procedures where the surgery is performed directly by the surgeon's hand, a robotic arm is used to guide the placement of the implant. The robot arm offers greater accuracy and flexibility, minimizing any discomfort, and optimizing implant placement. The guided implant surgeries offer data-driven and predictable results, making this a useful and innovative technology.

Digital dentistry is changing the game for dental implants, allowing improved accuracy, speed, and convenience. The technology used provides accurate measurements, planning, and placement, making the process smoother and less invasive. So if you're considering dental implants, contact a dentist with a digital dentistry lab.