Chicago Dental Society Annual Session Highlights

The 2008 Chicago Dental Society was an impressive display of information, technology, and all things that have to deal with the dental world.  There seemed to be a main theme centered on CAD/CAM technology at this year’s meeting. 

The uses and applications of CAD/CAM are becoming more refined and more useful to dentistry every year.  We at Renstrom Dental Studio are especially excited about some of the new technologies featured at the meeting.

Procera has made some updates to its scanning and milling capabilities.  Of greatest interest is the new choice of four shades for their zirconia copings. Procera has also made some changes in the way their copings and frameworks are milled improving their accuracy and fit.  Crowns will now have a PFM-like feel to the way they fit.  The capabilities of the way dental bridge frameworks are designed have expanded allowing the technician more freedom in the way they design pontics.

3M ESPE featured its new dental chair side oral scanner.  This device digitally scans the patient’s dentition and tooth preparation in real time providing a digital alternative for the way a doctor takes their impressions.  Scanning takes just a few minutes and provides the dentist instant feedback on their preparation.  After the scan is submitted a model is produced and sent to the lab for crown fabrication, streamlining the process of dental crown and bridge.

Cadent featured their digital impressioning system at the dental show as well.  This system utilizes a series of scans of the patient’s dentition and tooth prep and then mills a highly durable model for use by the lab.  This system also gives the dentist instant feedback for his prep.  This alternative to conventional impressioning may prove to be more efficient and more accurate.

As far as common topics of discussion throughout the meeting, it seems that there is great potential for a shortage of highly skilled technicians in the near future.  The age of the average dental lab technician has increased in recent years and there are fewer schools and training programs available throughout the US for young technicians.  Not to mention a general decline in interest in the field.  Adding to the problem, dental patients are demanding better dentistry, and are more aware of the cosmetic aspects dentistry offers. 

Dentistry is no longer perceived as a painful and regrettable experience by the vast majority of the public.  With off shoring and corporate buyouts becoming ever more popular, it will truly be interesting to see what happens in the area of dental laboratory technology and the quality of work produced in our near future.

For more contact Randy Renstrom, CDT - randy@renstrom.com or call (651) 407-0491

Renstrom Dental Studio & Crocus Dental Technology

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