There’s no doubt the dental landscape is undergoing a significant transformation driven by technological advancements. Among them, one of the most impactful changes is the rise of digital dentistry.
Digital dentistry utilizes digital tools and workflows to streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and ultimately, improve patient care.
However, with the rapid advancement in technology, it’s easy to see why some dentists are hesitant to embrace it.
Equipment like milling machines and 3D printers are expensive, and the learning curve on software & tech isn’t always easy.
Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: lean on a dental lab who’s already invested in the latest tools in dentistry. You reap the benefits, while being able to focus on your chairside needs.
As long as you’ve got an intraoral scanner at your disposal, the rest of the equipment can almost feel like it’s thrown in for free.
Here, we’d like to address common concerns, why you can rely on your lab to do the heavy lifting, and show how you can seamlessly integrate digital dentistry into your practice without a substantial investment.
The Advantages of Digital Dentistry
Did you know that studies show more than 35% of US dental practices already utilize some form of intraoral scanner technology? And, it’s a number on the rise.
When you consider how they benefit both you and your patients, it’s no surprise.
For instance:
- Enhanced Accuracy: Even the best traditional impression techniques, which typically use some form of putty or alginate, can be prone to errors and inconsistencies.
Digital impressions captured with an intraoral scanner (IOS) eliminate these issues, resulting in highly precise scans. Generally speaking, they deliver superior accuracy compared to traditional methods.
This translates to better-fitting restorations, fewer remakes, and ultimately, happier patients.
- Improved Efficiency: Digital workflows significantly streamline the dental restoration process. Instead of taking physical impressions and sending them to a lab, digital scans can be transmitted electronically, expediting the entire process.
This translates to shorter turnaround times and improved patient scheduling flexibility.
- Streamlined Communication: Digital dentistry facilitates seamless communication between your practice and the dental lab.
Your scans and case information is quickly and easily shared electronically, ensuring clear communication and reducing the risk of errors.
- Enhanced Patient Experience: Digital dentistry offers a more comfortable experience for patients. Intraoral scanners eliminate the unpleasantness of traditional impression materials, reducing gagging and discomfort.
Additionally, digital technology allows for chairside visualization of potential restorations, fostering better patient understanding and treatment planning discussions.
** Wish you could add an IOS system to your practice, but nervous about the investment? See how you can lease a system of your own at little-to-no cost, right here: Scanner Leasing Program Details **
Focusing on Your Expertise: Partnering with a Digital Dental Lab
It’s easy to see how intraoral scanners can streamline your workflow.
But what about expensive mills and 3D printers? Do you really need them?
Good news: the beauty of embracing digital dentistry lies in the ability to leverage the expertise of a well-equipped digital dental lab.
Find the right lab, and you can trust they’ve already invested in the latest equipment & technology in the industry. That means you don’t need to spend money to gain access to advanced solutions like:
- Intraoral Scanners: You don’t necessarily need to purchase your own scanner. Partnering with the right lab can open up new paths to IOS acquisitions, like our scanner leasing program mentioned above.
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software: No reason to stress about buying and learning new software. The intricacies of designing restorations can be handled by skilled lab technicians utilizing specialized CAD software.
- Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Technology: Advanced milling machines in the lab can fabricate high-quality restorations based on the digital design.
- 3D Printing: Today’s advanced printers, combined with modern printing materials, provide durable, stunning results. And, thankfully, there’s no reason you need to invest in one yourself.
A technology-forward lab already makes use of them, freeing you to invest in other areas of your practice.
This partnership allows you to focus on what you do best: providing exceptional chairside care to your patients.
Let your lab manage the technical aspects of the restoration process, ensuring quality and efficiency, while you focus on chairside needs.
Beyond Affordability: The Future-Proof Practice
While the cost-effectiveness of partnering with a technology-forward lab is undeniable, there’s another aspect of it, too.
Simply put: can you afford not to?
The dental industry is rapidly moving towards digital workflows, especially through the use of intraoral scanners.
Practices equipped with these devices are viewed as more advanced and desirable not only by patients, but potential buyers, too.
If you ever consider selling your practice, having a digital workflow in place can significantly increase its value. Many modern dental practices prioritize digital technology, and yours will be more attractive to potential buyers with a well-established digital infrastructure, especially if it includes an IOS system.
If it’s something you haven’t considered in the past, it could be time to take another look.
Partnering for Success: How First Choice Dental Lab Can Help
First Choice Dental Lab is a leading provider of digital dental solutions for dentists all across the country. We pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of high-quality services, from scanning solutions and design, to fabrication and finishing.
Our team of skilled technicians and experienced staff are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring your success with digital dentistry.
Are you ready to embrace the future of digital dentistry?
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you seamlessly integrate digital workflows into your practice. We offer flexible solutions to suit your specific needs and budget.
Let us handle the technical aspects while you focus on delivering exceptional patient care.
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About First Choice Dental Lab
First Choice Dental Lab is a full-service dental lab with locations in Downers Grove, Il. & Wauwatosa, Wi.
We manufacture & customize quality dental restorations for general dentists. We create smiles based on your needs and budget.
We’re here to help you give your patients a reason to smile!
Request your fee schedule today by completing the form on this page.
