Digital study models save space

New technologies are continually being introduced into dental practise. The widespread adoption of practice management software has seen paper-based patient records including charting and clinical notes all but disappear.

Digital x-ray systems - intraoral, panoramic, cephalometric and now cone beam - has lead to film being gradually phased-out. Intraoral and extraoral cameras digitally record yet another dimension. And now, in pursuit of the paperless dream, many practices are installing flatbed paper scanners that are available in any computer store to digitise medical history forms, referral letters, consent forms and any other physical records.

So the question is what is left to digitise in a practice that can result in greater efficiencies or cost savings for the future?

The answer is simple: study models or any other dental plaster or resin-based models!

"Every practice is in the same boat when it comes to storing old models," said Terry Whitty from Truline Dental, formerly Australian Orthodontic Laboratories. "The latest advances in technology now make it possible to create a highly accurate, precision three-dimensional scan of a model so you no longer need to physically store it in your practice.

"This is why we've worked hard to launch a state-of-the-art solution to solve this problem. We've brought in the latest technology and customised it to this specific application so we are not only able to scan and store models precisely, we can do so cost-effectively in bulk lots so a dentist can literally clear out thousands of dollars worth of floor space occupied for model storage and convert their physical models into electronic scans."

Mr Whitty said that by and large, dentists and orthodontists never need to revisit the models once a case has been completed and storage is only necessary in case a problem occurs in the future. Should this occur after the model has been digitised, then it can be reconstituted using 3D printing or stereo lithography, similar to the rapid prototyping technologies employed to make surgical guides for implant dentistry.

"If you need the model in physical form again, we 'print' it using a 3D printer which reproduces an exact replica of the original model. For legal reasons, the scanning software automatically locks the original scan we make of the model so it cannot be altered. Hence we can certify that the model is a true and exact representation of the original model".

3D scanning came into dentistry over 20 years ago with the invention of Procera and CEREC. Digital impression taking systems are also starting to appear which may eventually see the creation of plaster models become obsolete, the same way x-ray film is slowly being replaced by digital imaging. When that technology is in common use, it will solve the problems of model storage for the future, but it still does nothing to help dentists with the current problem of what to do with all those study models, crown and bridge models, etc.

Mr Whitty said that the new model scanning service is set-up to handle both single scans and bulk orders from dental practices who want to clean house!

"There is an obvious need for the digitising of study models for archiving purposes, but also to keep correct records of all models including construction models for all prosthetics, fixed and removable, and everything from a simple crown to the most elaborate implant restorations. We can do it all."

The scanning of the models is performed using an optical scanning system in which laser planes are projected onto the object. High-resolution digital cameras acquire images of the lines created on the cast. Unique processing software automatically processes the images and creates highly accurate and fully rendered 3D models.

Greater applications

"The most basic application of this technology is scanning a model, archiving it and 'printing' it at a later date should it be required," Mr Whitty said.

"From a broader perspective, we have viewing software and diagnostic software available that allows you to view the model from any angle, add bases, occlude, measure and morph the scanned images. Like all software, it is constantly evolving to include more features that allow greater functionality.

"With the viewing software, you can see the lower model, the upper model or both in occlusion and the positions of the images can be manipulated on the screen to any angle to give the operator any view they wish to see. The rendering and zoom functions are astounding.

"The diagnosis software is amazing, allowing you to view, measure and compile data from the scanned models and compare them over the course of treatment. The software can take measurements in various different ways and tabulate this information instantly saving you literally hours of work. Again, new features and functionality are constantly being added."

Mr Whitty said that it is rare that something comes along that will change the way you work and the way you think while making your life easier and stress free.

"In dentistry, there are plenty of technologies floating around looking for applications and these are often shoved down our throats as the next big thing.

"With the system we've developed, we're able to offer a service to dentists and specialist orthodontists in particular to may life a whole lot easier.

"All you have to do is send the models to us, and we do the rest.

"We've been proving the technology over the last 12 months with a group of existing customers," Mr Whitty said, "and we're now ready to start working with a wider audience. We did a low-key launch of the system at the ADX in Sydney in March and received strong interest.

"We will have a formal launch of the product in the coming months when we come up with a name for the system and a brochure and put a couple of other marketing and branding strategies in place. "Right now, we have the technology in place and we're scanning models every day."