Why should you switch to digital dentistry?
More and more dentists are considering whether to continue working with analog methods or to introduce digital tools into their practice.
Traditional methods have been used for decades and have a long history of success. Many practitioners are not only familiar with, but also highly skilled in these methods, making them reluctant to switch to digital dentistry.
Switching to digital dentistry also means purchasing new, expensive digital tools, making significant changes to established workflows and acquiring new skills to work effectively with these technologies. Despite these hurdles, digital dentistry offers significant benefits, which we will explore in this article.
Navigating the digital shift in the dental world
Deciding if and when to make this digital transformation can be challenging for many dental practices. There are benefits to both analog and digital approaches, and ultimately the decision will depend on the unique circumstances of each practice.
However, if you are reading this article, chances are that you are in the process of making the transition to digital dentistry, or at least thinking about it.
Our journey to digital dentistry
In 2019, we decided to transform our dental practice and switch to digital dentistry. Since then, we have developed a fully digital protocol that integrates intraoral scanning, jaw motion tracking and advanced dental photography with our 100% digital dental lab. We know exactly what thoughts and concerns are going through your mind right now because we have been there. We have faced and overcome many challenges, but now we are here to help and guide you through this process and hopefully make the digital transition easier for you!
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What is digital dentistry?
Let's start by defining what digital dentistry is: It is the integration of digital tools into dental clinics and labs. Dentists and dental technicians use devices like 3D intraoral scanners, 3D printers, digital photography, and cloud dentistry to provide more accurate, efficient, and personalized dental treatments. At our clinic, dentprevent, we take this digital 3D approach even further by considering the fourth dimension: motion.
By using a jaw-motion tracker, we record the patient’s jaw movements, offering a comprehensive understanding of their bite and jaw function in real time. This data helps us simulate outcomes, plan treatments, and design dental restorations that fit both statically and dynamically. We call this four-dimensional approach 4D Dentistry.
To get started with digital dentistry,
we recommend investing in a minimum set-up of five digital tools:
An intraoral scanner, a jaw motion tracker, a 3D printer, photography equipment, and a cloud platform.
What are the benefits of these digital tools?
Now that you know about our approach to digital dentistry, you might be thinking: That sounds great and all, but why should I do it? What benefits will it bring to my clinic? Do I even need all these digital tools, or are they just fancy toys? What value do they create?
Looking back on the transition from analog to digital dentistry in our clinic, we have no regrets, even though it was challenging at first. Starting to work digital means starting to think digital. Now our dentists and dental technicians enjoy their work more, save a lot of chair time and achieve the most efficient and consistent results we've ever dreamed of. But why should you consider embarking on this journey of digital transformation?
Here are five ultimate reasons:
1. High precision and consistent results:
Digital methods reduce errors and increase accuracy at every stage, making procedures such as patient data collection easier and more reliable. Tools like jaw movement trackers provide detailed data in minutes, improving treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. By creating a digital avatar of your patient, you can test-drive different treatment plans and designs. That way, you are able to discover hurdles and problems in the digital twin rather than during the actual treatment.
2. Great patient experience:
Highly accurate intraoral scans replace uncomfortable and inaccurate traditional impressions. Scanners make dental visits shorter and more comfortable, increasing patient trust and engagement. They become curious, excited and ultimately your biggest fans. Patients are fascinated to see the result of their restorations simulated in a mock-up. They can see exactly what the treatment will look like. This allows them to make confident purchasing decisions, and you, as a dentist, can keep all your promises.
3. Saving treatment time:
A seamless digital workflow reduces the time patients spend in the chair. This not only benefits the patient, but also increases clinical efficiency. High-precision restorations mean faster preparation, faster cementation and fewer redos. Ultimately, this allows you to spend more time on other activities!
4. Improved communication:
By combining all digital data on a cloud platform, you can visualize the treatment outcomes and progress. This fosters a better understanding and collaboration with the patient. The clear and transparent communication builds trust and improves treatment acceptance. Another benefit is that you can work asynchronously with your lab and other specialists, building great treatment teams regardless of location.
5. Return on investment:
Every investment should have a reasonable benefit. Digital dentistry creates value in several areas. Enthusiastic patients promote your clinic as a center of excellence, helping it to stand out from the crowd. They value your expertise and efficiency. This unique selling proposition leads to an increase in new patients. Trust is the currency of success.
From an economic perspective, every investment should pay off. The cost of a digital set-up can range from €30,000 to €50,000 (depending on which digital tools you choose). We have calculated that if you see just two digital patients per week, the entire investment will pay for itself in less than a year. From the second year, you start to reap the full benefits of digital equipment.
Digital Dentistry Masterclass
Dentesthetics is here to help you make the transition to digital dentistry. With our support, you can convert your workflows smoothly and successfully. Join us in leading the digital revolution in dental care and take your practice to the next level!
Are you ready to go digital?
As you contemplate this big decision, it is important to consider your clinic's specific circumstances. While it may not be ideal for every practice, especially those with limited budgets or a preference for traditional methods, we highly recommend digital dentistry for those willing to invest in advanced technologies and strive for greater precision, efficiency, and the best possible patient care. While the initial investment and learning process associated with digital dentistry may seem daunting, the long-term benefits can far outweigh these initial challenges:
After all, embracing digital dentistry is not merely a trend; it's a strategic move towards providing excellence in patient care, enhancing patient satisfaction, and securing your practice's future. Is there much to learn? Is it an investment? Is it hard work? YES! But it is worth it!
Check out or Masterclass and hands-on courses!
And the good news is: you are not alone! We are here to guide you as a dental clinic and lab on your journey to digital transformation. By teaching other dentists and dental technicians how to use 3D and 4D motion data, we aim to raise the standard of dental care and enable clinics to provide the best possible treatment for their patients.
Check out our free Digital Dentistry Masterclass or book our hands-on courses to learn from our practitioners!