Digital dental solutions market shows solid growth

Digital dentistry relates to the application of dental technologies or devices that incorporate digital or computer-controlled components for the practicing of dental procedures. Such technologies stand in contrast to rather than using mechanical or electrical tools. Examples include photogrammetry-based intraoral scanning; 3D printing; and computer-aided implant dentistry.

Models of teeth, at the Wellcome Exhibition in London.

Tim Sandle

Other technologies include:

Intraoral camera

These are digital imaging devices which are positioned in the mouth, allowing the dentist to look at the area of concern and construct multiple images via a monitor for review the teeth or gums.

Modern intraoral dental system, equipped with a digital camera. On display at the Wellcome Exhibition, London.

Tim Sandle

Intraoral camera image, at the Wellcome Collection exhibition in London.

Tim Sandle

CAD/CAM milling machines

This is a digital design process process which enables dentists to construct, produce, and insert individual ceramic restorations. The cavity preparation is made and a digital impression is then taken. Following this, the restoration (crown, bridge, inlay or onlay) is milled in a machine in the practice.

Digital X-ray

Digital radiography is a form of X-ray imaging, where digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. Advantages include time efficiency through bypassing chemical processing and the ability to digitally transfer and enhance images.

Digital x-rays coming to dentistry. Photograph taken at the Wellcome Exhibition, in London.

Tim Sandle

These types of technologies are driving growth with digital dental technologies. According to Frost & Sullivan the sector has seen substantial growth with the corresponding digital replacement of analog devices. Frost & Sullivan anticipate that digital dental solutions will be advanced to be further utilized in diagnosis and restorative dentistry, such as with implant and oral treatment planning.

Modern dental practice set-up, on show at the Wellcome Collection in London.

Tim Sandle

According to Brahadeesh Chandrasekaran, Transformational Health Industry Analyst at Frost & Sullivan: “Dental practices and laboratories are moving toward digitization of their practices in order to develop workflow efficiency, increase accuracy, and remain competitive. This trend is driving the uptake of digital dental solutions…Digital dental solutions also enable dental practices to decrease the turnaround time of devices manufactured in dental laboratories and boost diagnosis and impression accuracy while saving costs in the long term.”

Digital training aid for dentists, on display at the Wellcome Collection in London.

Tim Sandle

In related news. London’s Wellcome Collection has an exhibition of dentistry through the ages. The exhibition includes a display of current digital dental technologies. Called “Teeth“, the exhibition runs until mid-September 2018.