Digital dentistry – what's real, what's next?

Diego Gabathuler

The CEO of Ivoclar Vivadent opened the first virtual International Expert Symposium (IES) and shared his thoughts on how we can succeed in shaping the future of dentistry together.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Jean-Pierre Attal

As Scientific Chairman of the International Expert Symposium, he introduced all speakers and guided through the program during all five days. He also chaired the interactive panel discussions that followed the lectures on each of the symposium days.

Prof. Dr Irena Sailer and Vincent Fehmer

Technologies are changing faster than ever before the way in which we plan, fabricate and deliver our restorations. This increases the need for newly defined and clear guidelines for the critical steps of the workflow. In our lecture we will elaborate on all the relevant steps of the digital workflow that are critical to achieving a predictable and long-term stable outcome. Key choices are e.g. the selection of an ideal Ti-base, its preparation by sandblasting and the selection of a corresponding cement to ensure the best possible adhesion and a highly esthetic integration. Additive procedures that have been introduced on the market will be discussed: stereolithography, laser sintering and printing of materials such as wax, resin or metal have already been shown to be more precise and may even be more efficient than subtractive manufacturing methods (milling). Finally, the selection of the ideal restorative material for highly esthetic outcomes that offer long-term stability will be addressed and elaborated in detail.

Prof. Dr. Petra Gierthmühlen

CAD/CAM technology is one of the fastest evolving technologies in modern restorative dentistry. Major advantages of intraoral scanning and the digital workflow include: patient's preference, superior mechanical performance of CAD/CAM materials and excellent fit of the restorations. The poor machinability of many CAD/CAM materials has been a limitation for many years, resulting in marginal chipping of minimally invasive restorations. However, novel chairside milling machines are now available that enable faster fabrication times with protocols that are adjusted to the respective CAD/CAM material. Complex reconstructions still represent a great challenge for clinicians and dental technicians, but digital workflows significantly facilitate these rehabilitations. Various tools have been developed to evaluate the relationship between the different parts of the face and to provide guidance for treatment planning as well as for the manufacture of the permanent restorations. Advancements in CAD/CAM material systems, digital restoration planning and fabrication have resulted in the development of innovative treatment concepts for severely compromised dentitions. Digital face scans and novel CAD/CAM applications offer a standardized manufacturing process that provides a reliable, predictable and economic workflow not only for chairside restorations, but also for complex rehabilitations.

This lecture will

1. provide insight into the emerging technologies for chairside dentistry.
2. highlight the advantages of modern CAD/CAM materials and comprehensive digital workflows.
3. present a case series and scientific evidence for the clinical success of CAD/CAM materials and the corresponding preparation designs.