Highlights from The International Dental Show (IDS)
That’s a wrap on IDS 2025!
This year, our very own Alexander Wünsche crossed the Atlantic to visit his birth country and attend The International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne, Germany.
As many know, IDS is the world’s largest dental show, and it’s nearly impossible to see everything. But Alex certainly experienced some exciting highlights. In addition to presenting his latest insights and developments in digital dentistry, he explored the newest materials and equipment innovations.
One standout was the introduction of new zirconia materials—blending the high aesthetics of 5Y zirconia with the enhanced strength of 4Y zirconia. These new formulations offer outstanding aesthetics while maintaining the strength required for longer-span restorations.
Another major highlight was the continued progress in additive manufacturing technologies—3D printing is truly on a fast track of innovation. A particularly interesting material Alex encountered was a new resin designed for flexible partial dentures. This resin allows for the digital design and 3D printing of flexible partials, with a streamlined post-processing workflow. Zahntechnique is already testing and partnering with the manufacturer to ensure we’re ready for the official product launch.
Alex also got a sneak peek into the world of restorative 3D printing for both chairside and lab-side fabrication. A notable trend is the shift toward smaller batch printing—mainly due to the high cost and short shelf life of restorative resins. In response, 3D printing equipment manufacturers are developing machines with smaller tanks and platforms—some even using small cups instead of traditional tanks.
There’s also a strong industry focus on the removable prosthetics market. Many partners are working to improve the efficiency of digital denture and large implant restoration workflows. Design software, in particular, is evolving rapidly—becoming more versatile and capable of handling everything from removable dentures to fixed, bar-supported implant restorations. The sky is the limit.
Another exciting development is in digital articulation and digital facebows. One of Zahntechnique’s close vendor partner’s is using AI to identify the centric relation in intraoral scans and calculate natural mandibular movements based on tooth wear patterns. The next step will be incorporating CBCT scans of the condyles to allow for more accurate motion simulation of edentulous arches.
Beyond all the advances in machine automation—such as smartphone and tablet apps for monitoring and editing machine workflows—one application stood out. An AI-based app now exists that can calculate the fracture resistance of a designed restoration based on the selected material. This tool has tremendous potential for labs, milling centers, and material manufacturers alike.
In summary, IDS 2025 was all about refinement—fine-tuning current workflows and technologies to make our work more efficient and productive.
We’re already looking forward to Lab Day Chicago in February 2026, where we’ll see how these developments have progressed one year after IDS.
