Dentistry has evolved from an easy–paced cottage industryto a modern, high–tech arena of impressive new productsand inventions, replacing the way things have been done for decades.
One of the most significant developments in the field is theadaptation of computer–aided design and manufacturing (CAD /CA M) technologies. Previously, these types of technologies wereused in automobile and aerospace industries, but have seepedinto restorative dentistry. Computer–aided design refers to theuse of computer tools to assist engineers, architects and otherdesign professionals in their design activities. Computer–aidedmanufacturing refers to the use of computer systems for thecontrol of robotics and tools during manufacturing. CAD /CA Mallows dental laboratories to create dental prosthetics such ascrowns, bridges and dental implant restorations with increasedspeed, accuracy and strength. The all–ceramic materials enhancethe aesthetics of the crowns versustraditional porcelain fused tometal restorations.
Traditionally, skilled artisans,also known as dental technicians,handcraft these crowns. But overthe past few years, there has becomea shortage of dental techniciansin the United States, partlydue to competition from offshoredental labs. China, where laborrates are far lower than domesticrates, is a main source of this competitive,cheap labor. However,while there are perks with shippingwork overseas, there are alsomore risks to be assessed.
Unfortunately, regulation in China is not held to the standardof the United States, and it can be difficult to assure that the materialsused in offshore labs are FDA approved and safe for patients.One unfortunate case is that of an Ohio woman whose dentistshipped her dental restoration to a Chinese lab to be manufactured.After receiving her new implant she started experiencingsymptoms caused by her new bridge, which was found to haveunsafe levels of lead. Not only is this a health risk to the patient,it is also a risk of liability for the doctor. This type of situation isteaching the dental community an important lesson.While offshore labs have continued to grow, the CAD /CA Mand all–ceramic methods have been growing at a much higherrate. Dental manufacturers such as 3M ESPE, NobelBiocare andAtlantis Components, a division of Astratech Dental, have spentmillions of dollars researching, developing and promoting theirproducts and have become tremendously successful.3M ESPE has developed a product called Lavaâ„¢. This is an allceramicrestoration that is as strong as metal, and fits better thantraditional crowns because of the precision of the laser–scannerused to design the fit. The zirconia material milled to create theLavaâ„¢ crown transmits light like natural tooth structure, givingthe restoration a very life–like appearance. The Lavaâ„¢ system consistsof a scanner, a high–heat furnace and a mill, at a cost of about$250,000. Authentic Dental Laboratory, Inc. is an AuthorizedLavaâ„¢ Milling Center, one of only six in the state of Texas and theonly one in the San Antonio area.
NobelBiocare is a dental company that manufactures dentalimplants. In the mid 1990’s, they introduced Procera, whichwas the first major brand of all–ceramic CAD /CA M restorationsproduced in the US. Authentic was one of the first Procera labsin Texas and has produced tens of thousands of Procera crownssince 1997. Recently, Authentic has acquired the newest stateof–the–art Procera scanner that allows them to design and createfull–arch implant bridges out of zirconia or titanium.
Atlantis Components, a division of Astratech Dental has aspecial implant part that simulatesan actual tooth more closely, makingthe final result of the patient’simplant restoration very successful.Atlantis uses CAD /CA M technologyto custom design the patient’simplant components based on theiroral anatomy. Authentic is an AtlantisElite Laboratory.
There are dozens of other manufacturerswith new CAD /CA M systemsand more hitting the dentaltrade–show floors every year. Theyhave been more successful than anyonewould have imagined when theyfirst hit the industry and remaindentistry’s fastest growing area. Thatis the reason Authentic Dental Laboratory and other laboratoriesacross the world have embraced this technology.
What does this mean for patients today? It means better technology,better materials, faster delivery, and beautiful smiles.For more information, call Jason Garanzuay or Robert Marbachat Authentic Dental Lab (210.735.1433). We can direct you to adentist in your area that can provide you with this state of theart dentistry. Patients today don’t want pretty crowns. They wantbeautiful teeth. Just look in the mirror and keep smiling!
