Beginning the Journey to Digital Excellence
Burbank Dental Laboratory supports dentists using a digital workflow
Eight months ago, I began the journey to move my practice towards digital impression and restorative solutions. From the very first week I began seeing profound advantages for my practice. Right away we had no impression errors, stone models to pour, inaccurate bite registrations, or chipped models, as well as shorter seat appointments with more satisfying results, and more.
As a first case I decided to proceed with a porcelain onlay on a 32-year-old healthy woman with outstanding oral hygiene. Tooth No. 14 had a deteriorating large composite restoration. The treatment plan was to place a MOD porcelain onlay. Her major request was to do long-lasting dental work that was esthetically pleasing.
Using my new 3Shape Trios® color scanner, I was very pleased at the clarity and ease of use. Still beginners, my team and I were able to navigate the system and could evaluate the preparation chairside before temporization—that was already a big advantage.
In considering the specific restorative material choice, we wanted to take as much advantage of the digital environment as possible. Burbank Dental Laboratory (BDL) offers several materials that can be fabricated 100% digitally: Zir-MAX.M® (Monolithic Zirconia, Burbank), Lava™ Ultimate (3M ESPE), and IPS e.max® (Ivoclar Vivadent). It was decided to utilize IPS e.max due to its durability and esthetic balance. Since e.max is etchable, it is better suited to the prep design of this onlay, which requires maximum bond strength to the restoration. This restoration was done using a digital model printed by BDL; however, when I am ready to cut the cord I could do this 100% digitally, not even using a printed model.
The final results of using digital impressions and milled e.max monolithic from BDL were outstanding. The process including the e.max, milled from my digital file, created a superior restorative result, ideal marginal fit, no occlusal adjustments, natural occlusal anatomy and the best result—a 30-minute cementation appointment with anesthesia.
Milled monolithic e.max using my digital scan from my 3Shape Trios is fundamentally changing my day to day dental experience. I was concerned and skeptical that digital dentistry would mean clinical compromises that I was unwilling to accept, however, the opposite is becoming evident. I can provide less invasive restorations, with less chair time and even higher clinically excellent results.
About the Author
Kenneth J. Canzoneri, DDS, studied at Loyola Marymount University and earned his doctorate degree from Northwestern Dental School. He opened his private practice in Arcadia, California, shortly thereafter. Dr. Canzoneri is passionate about dentistry and dedicated to advancing his practice through continuing education. He has studied with the prestigious Hornbrook Group and is also a graduate of Dr. Bob Lee’s bio-esthetic occlusion program. In addition, Dr. Canzoneri tours the country and lectures on cosmetics and laser dentistry.
Key Takeaways
· 100% digital fabrication of Zir-MAX.M®, Lava™ Ultimate, and IPS e.max®
· Natural occlusal anatomy
· Superior restorative results
· No occlusal adjustments
· Ideal marginal fit
For more information, contact:
Burbank Dental Laboratory
800-336-3053
www.burbankdental.com
