As technology continues to advance, the field of dentistry is not left behind. Dental professionals are constantly seeking innovative solutions to improve patient care, enhance treatment outcomes, and streamline dental procedures. The International Dental Show (IDS) is a premier event that brings together dental industry experts from around the world to showcase the latest dental innovations. In this blog, we will explore some of the exciting dental innovations highlighted at the IDS.

Digital Dentistry: Revolutionizing Dental Workflows

Digital dentistry has revolutionized the way dental procedures are planned, executed, and evaluated. Through the use of digital tools such as intraoral scanners, 3D printers, and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems, dental professionals can create highly accurate digital models of patients' teeth and gums. These digital models can be used for a wide range of applications, including designing and manufacturing dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. Digital dentistry has not only improved the accuracy and precision of dental procedures, but it has also reduced the turnaround time for dental restorations, resulting in faster and more convenient treatment for patients.

According to Marie-Laure Pochon, the CEO and president of 3DISC, digital solutions enable improved patient communication at every step of the dental workflow. 3DISC has launched a new intra-oral scanner called OVO, which combines a scanner, a 2D camera, and dedicated software for communication with patients. The goal is to help dentists use the scanner not only to send files to laboratories, but also as a communication tool with patients. By using the scanner along with an iPad, the practitioner can document 2D and 3D scans, along with comments and optional smile design, which can be shared with patients. This allows patients to have a better understanding of their oral health and proposed treatment outcomes.

Using digital solutions in dentistry offers several advantages, including improved accuracy, safer workflow, better tracking of patient treatment progress, and open communication with patients. The scanner also includes a quality map feature that allows dentists to check the quality of an impression before sending it to the laboratory, ensuring that sufficient information is captured for accurate treatment planning. Overall, digital solutions, such as 3DISC's OVO scanner, help enhance patient communication and facilitate better treatment outcomes in dentistry.

3D Printing in Dentistry: Customized Solutions for Dental Restorations

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has gained significant traction in the field of dentistry. Dental professionals can now use 3D printers to create custom dental restorations, such as crowns, dentures, and orthodontic aligners, in a precise and efficient manner. With 3D printing, dental restorations can be fabricated using a variety of materials, including metal, ceramics, and biocompatible polymers, to meet the unique needs of each patient. 3D printing has not only improved the accuracy and fit of dental restorations but has also reduced material waste and allowed for more sustainable dental solutions.

Formlabs, a 3D-printing specialist, has launched new solutions at IDS 2023, aimed at making digital dentistry more accessible and efficient. The new products, introduced by President of Healthcare Guillaume Bailliard, include the Fast Arch Printing solution, which allows users to go from design to print two times faster than current settings, enabling the delivery of a retainer in less than 30 minutes. The Fast Cure solution has been validated to polymerize more than 17 resins in under 6 minutes, saving 90% of polymerization time. The third product is the PreForm Dental workspace software, which streamlines 3D-printing set-up, management, and monitoring, automating print set-up for restorative models and occlusal guards. Additionally, Formlabs demonstrated its Dental Automation Ecosystem, a nimble system that allows users to scale their business without complications and increase production sustainably. Formlabs' solutions aim to help dental laboratories and clinics reduce costs, increase production efficiency, and maintain high print quality.

Digital Dental Technology Innovation

Digital dental technology innovation has revolutionized the field of dentistry, providing advanced solutions that have transformed traditional practices. From intra-oral scanners to laboratory management systems and workflow optimization tools, digital dental technology has enabled more accurate, efficient, and patient-friendly dental procedures. Companies like 3Shape, with their focus on innovation and investment in research and development, are driving the industry forward by constantly introducing new and improved digital solutions that support dental professionals and enhance patient care. With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital innovation, digital dental technology is reshaping the landscape of modern dentistry and paving the way for the future of dental care.

At IDS, Dental Tribune International interviewed Dr Rune Fisker, 3Shape Senior Vice President for Product Strategy, and Jakob Just-Bomholt, 3Shape CEO, about the company's digital solutions and future plans for innovation in the dental industry. Dr Fisker highlighted that innovation is in the DNA of 3Shape, with a focus on bringing cool products to the market that make a real difference. 3Shape is presenting notable solutions at IDS, including the TRIOS 5 Wireless intra-oral scanner, the Shape F8 laboratory scanner, the 3Shape laboratory management system, and 3Shape Produce, a new way to send jobs to printers. The company is committed to continuing to support the dental community with leading products and a strong focus on innovation, with a large team of 650 people working in research and development (R&D) and significant investment in this area to push new digital innovations and drive industry change.

Digital dental technology has revolutionized the field of dentistry, offering innovative solutions to enhance patient care, improve treatment outcomes, and streamline dental procedures. The International Dental Show (IDS) serves as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge dental innovations from around the world. Digital dentistry, including the use of intraoral scanners, 3D printers, and CAD/CAM systems, has significantly improved the accuracy, precision, and efficiency of dental procedures. 3DISC's OVO scanner, for example, not only facilitates communication with patients but also offers improved accuracy and quality control features for better treatment planning. Similarly, 3D printing in dentistry, as demonstrated by Formlabs' solutions, allows for customized dental restorations using a variety of materials, reduces material waste, and increases production efficiency.