At this point, digital dentistry is no longer the exception. Applications like dental CAD software have been in common use for well over a decade.
And the technology continues to advance. So much so, if you were on the leading edge of digital dentistry, or haven’t upgraded your software applications in the last 5 years or so, it’s time to do so.
Nowhere is this more obvious than with dental CAD software. It’s a cornerstone of all digital dentistry. So much so that, if your dental CAD system isn’t up-to-date, then much of your digital dentistry hardware and systems cannot truly be up-to-date either.
You may have the latest technology available. But if your CAD system can’t feed it to its capacity, then you’re not getting full value from it.
How Have Dental CAD Systems Evolved?
So what is it about the latest generation of dental CAD software that makes it so valuable? In a nutshell, the evolution of dental CAD systems has reached a point where users are driving current advancements.
Original systems offered useful, if limited functionality. Conversely, today’s systems, developed with input from clinics, dentists, labs and technicians, strive to breakdown the limitations and offer features that, in turn, advance the service and services offered by the clinics and labss.
5 Advancements in Dental CAD Software
1. A Connected & Open Digital Workflow Solution
This allows labs and clinics to cover a range of applications and maximize their productivity. You get support for a wide range of file formats for scanners, 3D printers and milling machines. So you have more freedom of choice in the hardware you can use.
2. Ease of Use – Robust Capabilities
You may have spent as much time with tech support as you did in using early-generation systems. Current-gen systems can be used by beginners, but they also offer all the features and capacities a seasoned user could want to really put the system to work.
3. Modular Systems
As we mentioned, current systems interface with a wide range of scanners, 3D printers and milling machine. But their connectivity goes way beyond the basic tools of digital dentistry. They also sync with jaw tracking devices, desktop scanners, CBCT scanners, digital libraries and practice management software.
4. Speed
Don’t let the one-word benefit fool you. This may be the biggest advantage of all. Newer systems are designed specifically for increased productivity. That means faster workflow for standard projects. And it makes larger, more complex projects easier to manage and turnaround.
5. Expand Your Services
The combination of greater ease of use, modular connectivity and faster workflows gives clinics and labs the ability to expand their service offerings and stay ahead of the competition.
6. Profit & ROI
There’s always the bottom line. Increased case loads, more services and faster workflows, all with minimal training, implementation and operating costs, combine to improve your ROI and overall profit.
If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article 4 Steps for 3D Printing Dental Crowns.