Dentistry: Ask The Expert
Today’s Dentistry
PUTS THE
3D
IN
“D”
by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental
O
ne evening before bed, my son asked me if I would buy a 3D printer. To his surprise, I informed him I already use a 3D printer at my practice. He then asked if my printer was capable of printing food, to which I explained it would be really hard. He responded, “I was hoping it would be a piece of cake.” Though my son’s expectations were met with slight disappointment, it is nothing short of a modern miracle how the advancements in 3D technology achieve incredible outcomes in dentistry.
communicate with additional equipment like 3D printers or mills that create dental evolution of 3D has propelled dentistry models and restorations. The accuracy into the future and beyond. of these models and When I consider how 3D restorations provides for ...IT OFTEN technology improves dental a more reliable and better REDUCES THE care, the first expression custom fit. In addition, it often TIME TO RECEIVE that comes to mind is reduces the time to receive RESTORATIVE CARE, restorative care, often within convenience. First, the days of uncomfortable OFTEN WITHIN THE the same day. Furthermore, impressions using a SAME DAY. utilizing digital scanning and mouthful of goop and bulky software can help predict the trays are a distant memory outcome of cosmetic procedures like with digital impressions. CAD/CAM crowns or veneers and orthodontic care technology allows light scanners to create for both traditional orthodontics and precise images of the entire mouth and aligners like Invisalign. Here are a few examples of how the
Another advantage of 3D technology
is its ability to provide data for a more accurate diagnosis and predictable
treatment. Cone beam radiographs allow a three-dimensional view of
head and neck structure and detailed
depictions of the teeth, bone, and root structures. These 3D images give the
dentist the ability to preplan procedures like implants or root canals prior to the actual treatment to ensure a reliable result.
With the immense development of 3D technology in dentistry, it is difficult to
imagine dental care without it. Only time will tell how far the seemingly endless
possibilities will be grasped through its
evolution. I know how much I appreciate its use. Talk to your dentist about how
it may be used to improve your overall dental care.
Happy Smiling!
940.455.7645 | COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM | 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226
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APRIL 2021 | 35 WEST | 15
