The Role of Digital Technology in Advancing Dental Procedures
3-D printing is a truly exciting and rapidly evolving tool in the world of dentistry. At Distinctive Dentistry, we’re always focused on staying ahead of the curve by incorporating innovative digital technology into our practice to offer the best possible care for our patients.
Right now, many dental professionals use a mix of both digital and traditional methods, depending on each patient’s needs. In fact, digital technology is often combined with traditional treatments to enhance the process, especially when it comes to improving speed and precision in creating dental prosthetics and appliances.
One great example of how we use digital technology is in the all-on-four dental implants procedure. Here’s how it helps:
Creating Prosthetic Teeth:
To make sure prosthetic teeth fit perfectly and look natural, precision is key. With the help of resin-based 3-D printing, stereolithography (SLA), and digital light processing (DLP) printers, we can create highly accurate and aesthetically pleasing teeth.
Virtual Placement Planning:
We use computer-assisted planning to carefully map out where the titanium screws that support the replacement teeth will go. This ensures they’re placed in the optimal location and angle for the best possible outcome.
3-D Printed Surgical Guides for Precise Incisions:
Oral surgery demands accuracy, and we’ve taken steps to improve this with the help of 3-D printed surgical guides. These guides are custom-designed to fit snugly in a patient’s mouth, much like a mouth guard or clear aligner. With precise openings for making incisions, they help us plan every detail of the procedure, reducing the risk of complications and improving the overall success rate.
To make these guides, we begin by taking a detailed intra-oral scan of the patient’s mouth. From there, we print a resin model and quickly harden it with a laser to create the perfect fit.
Digital Dentures:
When it comes to creating dentures, 3-D technology is changing the game. This method is not only more efficient but also more cost-effective compared to traditional denture-making methods. It cuts down on the number of patient visits and steps involved, making the process simpler and faster.
Clear Aligners:
Clear aligners are increasingly popular because they’re less invasive and more comfortable than traditional braces. Using 3-D technology, orthodontists can plan out the precise steps of aligner construction to gradually shift your teeth into place, achieving the desired result without the discomfort of metal braces.
Patient Visualization:
One of the most helpful aspects of 3-D technology is that it allows you, the patient, to actually see what the treatment will look like and what the outcomes will be. This can be incredibly reassuring, and studies show that when patients have a clear picture of the process, they’re more likely to follow through with treatment—leading to better results.
Dr. Keith Phillips, named one of Tacoma’s “Top Doctors” every year since 2012, is passionate about embracing technology in all forms. Whether it’s motorcycles or espresso machines, he loves finding innovative ways to enhance his work—and he’s excited to see how 3-D technology will continue to revolutionize dentistry.
At Distinctive Dentistry, located conveniently off the freeway in Fife, WA, we focus on top-tier sanitation practices to ensure your health and comfort. And with plenty of stress-free parking available, we make it as easy as possible for you to access the care you deserve.
