Dental Treatment Strategies for the 100-Year Life Era Part 3: Digital Dentistry — Future Treatments Combining Precision and Comfort
The Wave of Digitalization in Dentistry
Digitalization is advancing across all fields of medicine and industry, achieving greater efficiency and precision.
The world of dentistry is no exception, and we have entered an era where the term “digital dentistry” is commonly used.
A prime example of this is the introduction of intraoral scanners.
Benefits of Intraoral Scanners
Traditional dental treatment required filling the mouth with clay-like impression material to take molds, an experience many found unpleasant.
However, using an intraoral scanner allows dental impressions to be taken simply by scanning the teeth with a camera, as if tracing them.
Summary of Benefits
- Comfortable for those with a gag reflex
- Quick and comfortable impression taking
- High-precision data enables the creation of precise prosthetics
In essence, the major feature for patients is that it is “not only comfortable but also highly precise.”
Explanations and Simulations Using Digital Data
The scanned data can be shown to the patient immediately.
- “The current state of your teeth alignment and bite”
- “Comparison of before and after treatment using superimposition”
can be presented in real time, leading to understanding and peace of mind.
Especially when improving the appearance of front teeth, being able to show variations via digital simulation before any tooth reduction is a significant advantage.
“Seeing the final result” greatly increases patient satisfaction.
One-Day Treatment with CAD/CAM and In-House Processing
The evolution of digital dentistry extends beyond simply “taking impressions.”
CAD/CAM technology now enables prosthetics designed digitally to be fabricated using in-house milling machines.
This brings the benefits of
- same-day ceramic crown placement
- and eliminating the need for multiple visits.
This is particularly effective for elderly patients who find frequent visits difficult, busy professionals, and those traveling from distant locations.
The Future of Digital Dentistry
Intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM are still evolving.
Future integration with AI diagnostics and 3D printing technology will enable even more precise and minimally invasive treatments.
To live healthily in this era of 100-year lifespans, digital dental treatments combining precision, speed, and comfortwill become increasingly indispensable.
Summary
Digital dentistry is not merely “new equipment”; it represents a major advancement that reduces patient burden while enhancing treatment accuracy and peace of mind.
- Scanner-based tooth impressions with minimal gag reflex concerns
- Visualization simulations showing the final result
- Same-day treatment via CAD/CAM
These technologies offer significant benefits, especially for those who find frequent visits burdensome or feel anxious about treatment.
As part of dental treatment strategies for the era of 100-year lifespans, digital dentistry stands as a crucial pillar supporting future health.