Staying ahead of all new technology in dentistry is necessary for any dental practitioner. As we head into 2024, integrating cutting-edge technology is even more vital for providing the best care for your patients.
From revolutionary 3D printing to the impact of Micro CT Scanning in dentistry, let's talk about how these technologies are integral tools for your practice, not just now but also for the future.
Here is what you should look out for in the new dental technology 2024.
The Latest 2024 Dental Technology
3D Printing
One of the new dental technologies in dentistry is 3D printing. Specifically, dental laboratories benefit from this technology, as 3D printing machines produce accurate models of the impressions and scans from your patients.
Along with greater accuracy, 3D printing offers better speed and flexibility in manufacturing dental appliances. As it continues evolving, 3D printing will likely become a standard and a more cost-effective solution for developing dental restorations for your patients.
Using 3D printing alongside tools such as CAD and 3D scanners in your dental practice makes it easier to satisfy and fulfill your patient's dental needs. Intraoral scanners are used to capture images of the patient's mouth, and then they are developed into a 3D CAD model that will be printed with the 3D printer.
The result is dental restorations that fit better and are more comfortable for your patients.
Intraoral Scanners
In the past decade, digital impression scanners have been one of the most significant advances in dentistry. It not only makes your job easier, but it also means your patients aren't dreading getting impressions.
Intraoral scanners are handheld devices that create a 3D digital impression of a patient’s mouth. They use software to capture and store these images before sending them to the dental lab.
Digital 3D scanners are replacing traditional impressions, so your patients don't have to deal with taking impressions the conventional way. Instead of asking your patient to bite down on a putty tray, the scanner does the work to create a more accurate impression than a putty mold.
Even better than a more accurate result, dental scanners are more comfortable for your patients. Move the device in your patient's mouth to create a scan, then send the "digital impression" to your dental laboratory in seconds.
Your practice saves time and money on things like material and labor. It also means you can digitally store the files to verify their accuracy before sending them off to the lab.
If you want to incorporate intraoral scanners into your dental practice, here are factors to consider:
- Size
- Seamless corrections
- Real-time 3D imaging
- High accuracy
- Quality software
- Quality customer service and training
At PRO-Craft Dental Laboratory, we want to help you create life-changing experiences for your patients using the best dental 3D scanning device.
To help in your digital journey, we've created an iTero scanner program where you can get your scanner for free.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Global demand for dental restorations has risen, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is instrumental in fulfilling these needs. With more pressure to deliver high-quality products quickly and cost-effectively, AI enhances efficiency, precision, and competitiveness in this growing market.
Embracing AI means more than just remaining competitive, though. It also improves the quality of life for anyone who relies on dental restorations for their oral health and well-being.
Here at PRO-Craft, we are always looking ahead to how AI and machine learning will continue impacting the industry, not just in our labs but also in your practices when serving patients. AI holds remarkable promise for dentistry, with emerging trends including:
- Improved Diagnostic Accuracy
- Predictive Analytics
- Personalized Treatment Planning
- Dental Robotics
- Augmented Reality
- Digital Impression Scanning
- Improved Patient Communication
These developments foster improved patient outcomes, enhance efficiency, and reduce production costs. The future of AI in dentistry is exciting as we continue witnessing these advances in dentistry, solving even more complex dental cases.
Augmented Reality
Another valuable tool in the array of new dental technologies is augmented reality. With the integration of augmented reality into your dental practice, you can use this software to better predict patient procedure outcomes.
You can use it to easily communicate with your patient about the procedure process and answer any of their questions. It allows them to understand all their options, asses the possible outcomes, and make a much more informed decision for their dental care.
Augmented reality makes your job easier and empowers your patients to learn more about the procedures they’re about to go through.
Micro Ct Scanning
With the development of the latest dental technology, like micro CT scanning, the industry continues to make technological advancements that benefit you, your patients, and dental labs everywhere.
In your practice, micro-CT scanning machines allow you to perform the work that'll give your patients the smile they want through the following:
- Root Canal Treatment
- Craniofacial Skeletal Development
- Biomechanics-Finite Element Modeling (FEM)
- Tissue Engineering
- Creating Dental Implants
- Measuring Tooth and Enamel Thickness
Incorporating Micro-CT scanning into your dental practice has many benefits, including:
- More precise fitting
- Reducing Errors
- Promoting Non-Destructive Imaging for Research and Treatment
- Producing Ultra-High Resolution on a Minute Scale
- Creating a Hands-Free Process
Micro-CT scanning is also crucial to manufacturing at dental labs, as it rapidly converts physical dental impressions into high-resolution digital files. These digital files obtained through a micro CT scan serve as the basis for restoration production. This process shifts from traditional, error-prone methods involving plaster models to a more precise and efficient digital workflow.
As technology becomes more user-friendly, micro CT scanning machines may become more accessible to a broader range of dental professionals, such as yourself. They’ll be integrated into routine dental practices as Micro CT scanning means more precision, efficiency, and overall better outcomes for you and your patients.
Teledentistry
As telehealth grows more popular, teledentistry continues rising with it. Teledentistry may not be the flashiest of the latest dental technology like 3D printing is, but it transforms how patients communicate with you.
Teledentistry increases the accessibility of dental practitioners to patients, especially for patients who may not live close to a dental office. It is also helpful for patients to address any concerns between their regular cleanings without leaving the comfort of their homes. Another method of using teledentistry platforms is for handling appointment booking.
Integrating teledentistry into your practice creates more opportunities to connect with your patients so that they receive the best care possible.
Advances In Dentistry Beyond 2024
Staying current on new dental technologies is necessary in an industry such as dentistry, even beyond 2024. With new technology continuously being developed to improve dentistry for dental practitioners and patients, working with a dental lab focusing on staying on top of their game is vital.
As a family-owned business that has been around for over 40 years, PRO-Craft Dental Laboratory continuously introduces innovative technology and techniques into our work while always putting the patient first.
Contact us today if you’re ready to start getting your patients the high-quality dental restorations they deserve.
