CAD / CAM is undoubtedly the fashion of restorative dentistry, but it is not the only technology in the office or laboratory. Other dental equipments need to pay attention to produce the best recovery effect.
Proper computer construction
CAD systems require a certain minimum standard to complete the job, but strengthening the system will increase your ability.
"The one thing we discovered was that using your computer for 3D design, using just the PC's minimum requirements was not enough," Atwood said. “If you increase your PC's RAM and computing power, whatever the minimum requirements, we will find it very helpful to increase efficiency. One of the tools we have is really improving the efficiency of our design center, which is to upgrade all our PCs. RAM, this may be ignored. "
3D mouse
Being as simple as a computer mouse can help improve recovery quality and work efficiency. The 3D mouse (sometimes called "bat") lets you work in at least three degrees of freedom while panning, zooming, and rotating 3D models.
Atwood said: "The 3D mouse can help you navigate the screen while you work. "I have some technical staff who find it difficult to learn, but once they learn it, they will not look back. They really like it. ”
Shadow matching
Shadow matching seems simple - simply compare the patient's teeth color with the shading guide and do it there. However, this method depends on subjectivity and may not be accurate enough. The digital tone matching system eliminates the possibility of human error.
"Some systems allow us to remove teeth from technology-driven patients," Dr. Rice said. "Several scanners such as CEREC or 3Shape will scan the image in addition to the tone of the teeth. Anything that minimizes subjectivity and makes things very objective is beneficial."
Doctor's Armory
When the restoration returns from the laboratory (or leaves the office), it needs to be placed in the patient's mouth. The doctor will provide some tools based on his or her treatment, with the best quality and aesthetics.
Matrix system
When you need to restore inter-zones, it is best to use a matrix system. There are many matrix systems from different manufacturers, including segmented matrix systems, matrix bands, and other configurations. Ultimately, they are all designed to be placed between the restored tooth and the adjacent tooth to help create the outer contour of the repair material.
Dr. John Flucke, of DDS, a dental product report technical editor, said: “When you fill between teeth, the entire system can help you to recreate the tooth structure. “So it is anatomically the same shape and correctly contacts the adjacent tooth. ”
Dental Curing Light
Composites can be self-curing through chemical processes, and can also be cured using curing light. The treatment lamp allows the clinician enough time to place the composition exactly where it is needed and then begin to place it.
There are many curing lamps available, but Dr. Flucke likes Ultradent's VELO.
Dr Flucke said: "Other lamps are made of plastic and this lamp is made of aerospace grade aluminum. "It is very durable. You can literally throw this thing and it won't break. “
Also, note the type of composite you are using and the wavelength of light it will cure.
Diode laser
Among the three different types of lasers used in dentistry (carbon dioxide, neon, and diodes) Dr. Flucke is particularly interested in diode lasers and their functions.
Dr. Flucke said: "The laser has a very good way to define the boundary - where to stop drilling and where the natural tooth starts." "This actually just gives the lab a very good visualization of what you are doing And what they need to see. For the lab, it just makes their job easier - it makes everything easier to see, so they can complete their work faster, easier, and better."
