The progress of dental technologies in the last few years and the prevalence of digital industry is all just incredible, isn’t it? Nowadays, more dental laboratories offer CAD/CAM technology, making it a standard in the field of dentistry. The lost-wax technique is fading in the background. All-ceramic restorations are growing, as well as the available options! Choosing between materials and milling units can be quite overwhelming – even choosing the best dental lab to be your practice’s partner. Still, the rewards of the recent technological innovations are great, and everyone welcomes this era of metal-free restorations.

Over the years, patients have been asking for restorations with better esthetics and now, the time has finally come when you can tell your patients that, “YES! We have this option for you!” You no longer have to worry about metal margins that get exposed. You can now replace old dental restoration types with more modern, all-ceramic crowns, bridges, and more!

What does “leaving behind” the traditional metal mean?

Firstly, this means that there is no more risk of gingival recession or galvanic current, which is often the result of gingiva-metal reactions. There is also no more thermal conductivity discomfort. The need for complete crown preparation is also eliminated because of the all-ceramic esthetic inlays/overlays. This all-ceramic option has its own advantages that you can never have from traditional restorations fused to metal.

DIGITAL SHADE SELECTION

In the last few years, devices for digital shade selection were developed, significantly increasing the accuracy of shade selection. It has never quite been this easy for dental labs to communicate with dentists and their patients. Computers are also now seen in dental laboratories and offices, so as soon as a desirable shade has been chosen digitally, photos of the intraoral shade tabs and preparation shade can be e-mailed to the dental lab where a matching material will be selected. As soon as the dye is scanned, and the restoration designed with the help of the 3D imaging software, the dental restoration can be fabricated in a short time. Yes, it is now that easy!

Patients no longer need to wait for days or weeks for their dental restorations to be applied. They also do not need to have metal second molars or metal islands. The issue of matching shades and overall esthetics of restorative materials have been solved all because technology has finally met the need for fully-functioning restorations that are also esthetically-pleasing.

If you are a dentist who wants only the best for your practice and your patients, there is no better time to take action than NOW. Reach out to us today so we can work closely with you. You will soon see for yourself how a great difference advanced technology and expertise can make!