3D PRINTING
Digital Dentistry: How Things Have Moved On
I first bought my CEREC Bluecam system back in 2010, along with a milling machine and furnace, so I could make crowns in a single visit. The “blue” referred to the powder we used to spray on the teeth to capture a clean image. Thankfully, those days are gone. No more powder, and instead of milling one or two restorations at a time, we can now print multiple crowns, onlays, and hybrid restorations in one go—many of which don’t really fit the old definitions of “indirect restorations” at all.
The software has come a long way too. It can tell you if your scan quality is poor, and even suggest where a margin might need refining. The pace of improvement is constant.
Most scanners used for Invisalign (and the less well-known aligner systems) are far more versatile than many people realise. The same scan can be used to create:
In the UK, any registered Dental Nurse or above can legally scan teeth. The grey area is fitting a new denture, which does require a dentist. But for replica dentures, which are essentially the dental equivalent of ordering prescription sunglasses, it makes sense that these could be supplied by post.
A dentist is only really needed if the fit is too tight. The user simply needs to know that what they’re receiving is identical to the dentures they’ve always worn—just fresher and better looking.
I first bought my CEREC Bluecam system back in 2010, along with a milling machine and furnace, so I could make crowns in a single visit. The “blue” referred to the powder we used to spray on the teeth to capture a clean image. Thankfully, those days are gone. No more powder, and instead of milling one or two restorations at a time, we can now print multiple crowns, onlays, and hybrid restorations in one go—many of which don’t really fit the old definitions of “indirect restorations” at all.
The software has come a long way too. It can tell you if your scan quality is poor, and even suggest where a margin might need refining. The pace of improvement is constant.
Most scanners used for Invisalign (and the less well-known aligner systems) are far more versatile than many people realise. The same scan can be used to create:
- replica dentures
- reline dentures
- partial dentures
- flexible dentures
- cosmetic dentures
- bleaching trays
- sleeping aids
In the UK, any registered Dental Nurse or above can legally scan teeth. The grey area is fitting a new denture, which does require a dentist. But for replica dentures, which are essentially the dental equivalent of ordering prescription sunglasses, it makes sense that these could be supplied by post.
A dentist is only really needed if the fit is too tight. The user simply needs to know that what they’re receiving is identical to the dentures they’ve always worn—just fresher and better looking.
I min video
Ten minute video demonstrating the process in more detail. Since August 2024 it has been possiblt to make the dentures in a single print, and not a two print process for the tooth and gums seperately. Ultimately, this will produce a more natural cosmetice finish which currently can be provided by painting the dentures post printing, or post milling for the most expensive dentures maade through scannning.
Very few of my Vidoes have had many views. This one has had over 30,000 views which is a lot for false teeth. It is longer than most at 36 minutes. I spit it into sections as you could potentially claim CPD for it. The CPD course is on the care4teeth.org website, Replica denture section.
https://www.care4teeth.org/dentures-cpd-course.html
https://www.care4teeth.org/dentures-cpd-course.html
I’ve rented a Medit i600 scanner through this company, https://ioscanners.co.uk. The aim is to demonstrate how a simple, well-designed service can generate income while improving access to care. The goal is to show that a trained Dental Nurse could visit care homes and carry out both synchronous and asynchronous examinations using digital scanners, photographs, and even X-rays with the appropriate training.
I’ve created this video for a few colleagues to show how scans can be taken, uploaded, and submitted through our website. This approach could help support the development of a Dental Health Service (DHS).
I’ll make an updated video when I have time!
I’ve created this video for a few colleagues to show how scans can be taken, uploaded, and submitted through our website. This approach could help support the development of a Dental Health Service (DHS).
I’ll make an updated video when I have time!
If you have a portable scanner, and are scanning dentures as well as in the mouth, please make an SOP for your sytem and we can add it here. Over 90% of surgery time the scanner is inactive. They have multiple uses in and out of the dental surgery. Current legislation states ant qualified nurse can use a dental scanner. lets develop a few simple videos to demonstrat how. Meanwhile follow a Wally. He even shows the most time efficient way to capture a scan.
He also demonstates veneeers.
He also demonstates veneeers.
