Digital dentistry refers to the use of computer-assisted devices, methods, and technologies, either partially or completely, during diagnosis, planning, and treatment. Digital dentistry methods are developed to reduce human error, increase production precision, and shorten treatment times. From simple fillings to complex implant treatments, aesthetic planning to smile design, orthodontics to porcelain crowns, many procedures are now performed using digital technologies and devices.
In addition to advantages like speed and production precision, another important advantage of digital methods is that the production data of fillings, crowns, bridges, orthodontic plates, night guards, and similar applications produced for the patient can be stored in databases. If production needs to be repeated for any reason, it can be done using the same data without taking new impressions. In fact, if the patient cannot come to the clinic or is in another city or country, the data can be sent online and production can be carried out in the country where the patient is located.
Another advantage is that the patient’s current oral condition can be scanned and recorded, and later scans can be compared to identify wear, shifts, and other changes.
One-Day Dental Treatment
With digital dentistry methods, some treatments that used to take several weeks can now be completed in one day. Treatments like porcelain or zirconia crown-bridge procedures, implant-supported bridges can be done in one day with this method. The patient's teeth are scanned in seconds with a camera and transferred to the computer in 3D form. This eliminates the need for impression-taking, which often triggers gag reflexes and discomfort. After scanning, the design of restorations begins in the computer environment.
During the design process, anatomical and functional features such as edge fits, gum fits, and contact points with adjacent and opposing teeth are adjusted, making it ready for production. The prepared designs are produced using fully computer-controlled manufacturing devices. Production times vary between 20 minutes and 2 hours depending on the number of teeth to be produced, and restorations are ready for placement in the mouth.
Digital Impressions - Intraoral Scanners
In many dental treatments, it is necessary to take impressions of the patient's mouth to create a model of their teeth. Traditional impression-taking is often a nauseating and uncomfortable process. Today, with advancements in technology, the entire mouth can be scanned with intraoral cameras and converted into a 3D model in the computer. With this technology, the image of the teeth and gums is transferred to the computer in real size in seconds. Smile design, implant planning, restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, etc.), orthodontic planning, and similar treatments can be performed on this data using special software.
If desired, a 3D model of the jaw and teeth can be produced with 3D printers. All restorations, plates, or guides planned for the person can be produced without human intervention using CAD-CAM systems and 3D printers or milling devices.
CAD-CAM (Computer Aided Design – Computer Aided Manufacturing)
As the name suggests, CAD-CAM refers to the process of designing the treatment and the restorations, appliances, or other products to be used in that treatment in 3D on a computer, and then producing them in computer-controlled manufacturing devices without human intervention. This design and manufacturing method has been developed to reduce human error, increase manufacturing precision, and shorten treatment times.
In this method, digital impressions (intraoral scanning) are used to transfer the entire mouth into the computer in 3D. Digital design software is used to create the desired restorations (zirconium/porcelain teeth), plates, or appliances in 3D. The designed products are produced without human intervention using digital production systems, i.e., CAD-CAM methods.
Some examples of treatments and applications that can be done using CAD-CAM methods include:
- Porcelain Lamina Veneers
- Zirconium Crowns
- Inlay/Onlay Porcelain Fillings
- Surgical Guides for Implant Placement
- Clear Orthodontic Aligners
- Temporary Crowns
- 3D Dental Models
- Gum Surgery Guides
- Same-Day Dental Treatments
- All-on-Four Concept
Digital Smile Design
Smile design is the process of determining and applying the most suitable smile design for a person to improve their current smile. The goal of a smile design may be to correct minor imperfections that disturb the person, or it may involve completely changing the smile to achieve the most ideal smile for that person.
This application can be done using traditional methods, but today it can also be performed entirely in the digital environment using special software programs and manufacturing systems. During the first appointment, 3D scans of the mouth and face are made, and photos and videos are taken to transfer all the data to the computer. The person can digitally try out how they would look with different dental designs using a virtual mirror application. Then, the person’s entire aesthetic analysis and design process are done digitally. Afterward, a mock-up of the design is made in the person's mouth for a real trial. After the final design is confirmed, the restoration is produced using CAD-CAM systems and placed in the patient's mouth.
Digital Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatments for teeth misalignment were previously only done with braces, which often caused aesthetic concerns. Now, with the advancements in digital dentistry technologies, it is possible to perform a completely wireless orthodontic treatment, sometimes called digital orthodontics or clear aligners.
With transparent aligners that are invisible to others, removable during meals, and can be worn without aesthetic concerns, orthodontic treatments can be done without the need for traditional braces. Using computer software, the diagnosis and treatment plan are made for the teeth, and before starting the treatment, the expected result can be viewed as a 3D animation. The treatment duration can also be estimated. As with any treatment, the suitability of the method should be evaluated by the treating dentist.
Digital Implant Planning
Digital technologies help in determining the most suitable combination of implants and prostheses for each patient through digital planning. In this process, the patient’s bone structure is analyzed in 3D, and the optimal implant positions are determined. A CT scan of the jaw is taken for the treatment. The intraoral scans of the teeth and gums are also transferred to the computer (digital impressions). These data are combined for a detailed examination in the virtual environment before surgery. Regions with adequate and quality bone, as well as surrounding tissues, are examined, and the most appropriate implant positions and sizes are determined. Surgical guides are then prepared to transfer the planned treatment precisely to the mouth. With guided implant surgery, the implant positions planned in the computer are accurately applied to the mouth.
Digital Inlay/Onlay Fillings
Inlay/Onlay fillings are highly durable fillings used for teeth with significant material loss while preserving the remaining tooth structure. With digital dentistry methods, highly compatible fillings can be produced in a very short time. The measurement of the tooth to be filled is taken with an intraoral scanner. A 3D filling design is prepared using design software. This design is then produced using computer-controlled production devices, eliminating human intervention.
Ideal fillings can be produced very quickly using digital methods. This treatment method, which can even be completed in the same day, also provides long-lasting solutions. Advantages over traditional methods include faster production, the ability to reproduce the filling without taking new impressions, and the absence of impression-taking that causes gag reflexes.
3D Printers
3D printers are computer-assisted manufacturing devices that produce three-dimensional objects. Like regular printers, they use digital data from a computer to produce items, but instead of printing on paper, they create a 3D object from a special material. Dental models, orthodontic appliances, implant surgical guides, temporary crowns, and other similar products are produced with 3D printers.