Integrating Facial and Intraoral Scans for Digital Esthetic and Occlusal Design: A Technical Report

Creating three-dimensional virtual patients by superimposing intraoral and facial digital scans guided with an aligner system: A dental technique

A technique for creating 3-dimensional virtual patients (3DVPs) by superimposing intraoral and facial digital scans guided with a novel aligner system is described. This aligner system supports design modifications to adapt to different facial scanning methods (FSMs) and reduce the impact of FSMs on the accuracy of 3DVPs. Two different designs of the aligner system are described: one for use with less-accurate FSMs and another for use with more-accurate FSMs. These virtual designs are available for download and use.

A digital technique of bone reduction for a maxillary full-arch implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis

When fabricating a maxillary full-arch implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis, it is often challenging to systematically reduce alveolar bone to create prosthetic space and hide the prosthesis-tissue junction. This article presents a digital technique that allows for precise bone reduction while simultaneously placing implants and interim prostheses. By using this technique, clinicians can perform surgical procedures in a systematic manner without compromising the functional or esthetic outcomes.

Four-dimensional digital design to prediction of the real-time functional rehabilitation in the esthetic zone

Recent developments in digital technology and materials have improved the accuracy and efficiency of tracking and recording mandibular motion, with various methods being described. The present article describes a digital workflow with complete and accurate 3-dimensional spatial trajectories of mandibular motion to direct the design of lingual restorations. The workflow allowed the lingual curvature of the restoration to conform with the distinctive trajectory of mandibular protrusion.

Digital orthodontic extrusion system for complex crown-root fracture of anterior teeth: A technique report

Patients with traumatic dental injuries commonly present in clinical practice with complex crown-root fractures. Prosthodontic treatment of such patients may be unsuccessful because of the violation of the supracrestal tissue attachment, making their management challenging. Minor tooth movement is an effective solution to extruding the residual root but may require referral to an orthodontist. The purpose of this technique was to present a digital orthodontic system including a 3-dimensional virtual patient technique, a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture (CAD-CAM) resin facial veneer-retained pontic, and a zirconia post as an orthodontic appliance for tooth extrusion in the esthetic zone. This veneered pontic may also serve as an interim prothesis. The appliance provides a precise design for the direction and extent of orthodontic extrusion.

An overview of three-dimensional imaging devices in dentistry

OBJECTIVE

To review four types of three-dimensional imaging devices: intraoral scanners, extraoral scanners, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and facial scanners, in terms of their development, technologies, advantages, disadvantages, accuracy, influencing factors, and applications in dentistry.

METHODS

PubMed (National Library of Medicine) and Google Scholar databases were searched. Additionally, the scanner manufacturers' websites were accessed to obtain relevant data. Four authors independently selected the articles, books, and websites. To exclude duplicates and scrutinize the data, they were uploaded to Mendeley Data. In total, 135 articles, two books, and 17 websites were included.

RESULTS

Research and clinical practice have shown that oral and facial scanners and CBCT can be used widely in various areas of dentistry with high accuracy.

CONCLUSION

Although further advancement of these devices is desirable, there is no doubt that digital technology represents the future of dentistry. Furthermore, the combined use of different devices may bring dentistry into a new era. These four devices will play a significant role in clinical utility with high accuracy. The combined use of these devices should be explored further.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The four devices will play a significant role in clinical use with high accuracy. The combined use of these devices should be explored further.