The dawn of digital dentistry

The revolution in dentistry began in 1985 when the first rudimentary commercial digital systems became available, eliminating the need for physical impressions, which many patients find uncomfortable. Since then, the field has expanded rapidly.

What the technology can do
Hand-held wands with embedded cameras can now scan the mouth from many different angles, making analogue impressions a thing of the past. These hand-held scanners make it possible to create accurate 3D models and fabricate restorations. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), an imaging technology, can be combined with 3D printing to produce templates to improve the accuracy of implant placement. Crowns and restorations can be produced using CAD/CAM mills instead of traditional casting and porcelain technologies….