Photogrammetry – IOS on Steroids?
In the dynamic landscape of dentistry, the journey to full mouth restorations has traditionally been characterized by a series of appointments, from surgery to customization and delivery. Yet, imagine a future where achieving comprehensive restorations for your patients is not only efficient but also remarkably precise. Enter photogrammetry – a groundbreaking advancement in dental technology that has disrupted conventional methods and redefined the restorative process without compromising accuracy.
What is Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry is not IOS (intra oral scanning) on steroids. At its core, photogrammetry leverages sophisticated position recording techniques, commonly employed in diverse industries such as architecture, landscaping, and archaeology. Within dental applications, this entails strategically mounting scan flags onto implants within the patient’s oral cavity, facilitating the precise capture of implant positions, rotations, and angulations with unparalleled accuracy. Equipped with stereo cameras, photogrammetry delivers enhanced depth of field and dual camera recording capabilities, ensuring meticulous results throughout the process.
The Workflow
Prior to the acquiring photogrammetry scan, it’s imperative to conduct an intraoral scan (IOS) pre-surgery. Following the implant surgery, the photogrammetry scan is executed by scanning the designated scan flags, followed by another IOS scan to register the soft tissue surface. Currently, the market offers several competitors in this field, including PIC®, IMetric®, and MicronMapper®, each offering distinct advantages and workflows. However, a common thread among these systems is the prerequisite IOS scans pre- and post-surgery.
The provisional restoration, typically delivered as a “delayed loading” solution on the subsequent day. Following the integration phase, a definitive restoration is fabricated using the initial scan from the day of surgery. Leveraging the accuracy of photogrammetry, the need for a verification jig is eliminated, expediting the fabrication of the final restoration.
To delve deeper into the transformative capabilities of photogrammetry in dentistry, we invite you to explore our comprehensive educational series on the subject, available on our YouTube channel.
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
The Clinical Advantages of 3D Printed Night Guards
Night guards are an essential tool for patients suffering from bruxism, which encompasses teeth grinding and clenching. These conditions can lead to significant discomfort, pain, and potential damage to the dentition and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) over time.
Traditionally, night guards have been fabricated from hard acrylic materials through an analog process. However, these hard acrylic night guards are susceptible to fracture due to the substantial occlusal forces they must withstand over prolonged periods.
Advancements in digital technology have introduced patient-specific 3D printed night guards, which offer enhanced comfort and efficacy in mitigating the effects of bruxism. These functional 3D printed night guards are produced using precise digital scans of the patient’s dentition, enabling the creation of a custom-fit device that conforms perfectly to the individual’s oral anatomy. This approach ensures superior comfort and a more accurate fit compared to conventional night guards. Additionally, the integration of digital articulators in the 3D design process optimizes the night guard’s effectiveness in preventing occlusal wear and protecting the teeth.
A significant advantage of 3D printed night guards is their durability. Traditional acrylic night guards often experience wear and degradation, necessitating frequent replacements. In contrast, 3D printed night guards are constructed from high-quality, resilient materials that offer greater resistance to damage, thereby extending the lifespan of the appliance and providing sustained protection for the patient.
Moreover, 3D printed night guards offer remarkable versatility. They can be tailored to meet the specific requirements and preferences of the patient, including variations in thickness, material composition, and design features. This customization ensures that the night guard is not only comfortable but also highly effective in preventing bruxism-related activities.
Overall, functional dental 3D printed night guards represent a significant advancement in the management of bruxism. By delivering a custom-fit appliance that addresses the unique needs of each patient, dentists can effectively safeguard their patients’ dental and TMJ health. The utilization of advanced digital technology and superior materials in the fabrication process of 3D printed night guards is transforming the management of bruxism, enhancing patient outcomes, and promoting long-term oral health.
An additional unparalleled advantage of 3D printed night guards is the ability to replicate the appliance effortlessly. In the event of loss or damage (such as being chewed by a pet or left behind during travel), a replacement can be reprinted promptly using the stored digital file. This capability also facilitates the creation of backup night guards for added convenience.
Should you have any questions regarding the digital workflow and record-taking procedures for the fabrication of 3D printed night guards, please feel free to inquire.
Our Commitment to the Dental Technology Industry – Danielle’s Year as FDLA President
It is with a profound sense of gratitude and pride that I reflect on the remarkable journey we have taken together these past 12 months. Serving as the President of the Florida Dental Laboratory Association (FDLA) has been an honor, and I am deeply thankful for the trust and support that has been bestowed upon me.
As I traveled the country to attend various dental technology meetings, I was always so proud to tell everyone about the FDLA. We are still the strongest state association in the country and our success is only possible because of our passionate membership.
One of the highlights of this year has been our relentless pursuit of knowledge and skill enhancement. We organized our first regional hands-on workshop since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Technicians from all over the state traveled to Oldsmar to learn about light- cured stain and glaze techniques that could level-up the esthetics of 3D-printed restorations. I am excited for the FDLA to continue organizing hands-on workshops and expanding our offering to online education. We are aware that there is a need for business and leadership skills enhancement.
Another highlight was increasing our social footprint to Instagram. As the average age of our skilled workforce increases, it is ever important to attract new people to our industry. Social media has enabled us to grow our reach and deliver more important information to our current and future members. Please like, share, and interact with our social media pages on Instagram and Facebook.
Volunteering to serve on the board of our state dental laboratory association, and specifically as its president this past year, was important to me and Zahntechnique because it allowed us to give back to the industry that has given us so much. This role enabled me to advocate for advancements in dental technology, support continuing education, and strengthen our professional community. Additionally, following in the footsteps of my business partner, Alexander Wuensche, who also served as a past president, reinforced our commitment to leadership and excellence within the dental laboratory profession. Our involvement underscores Zahntechnique’s dedication to fostering growth and innovation in the dental field.
VK Dental Studio Joined the Zahntechnique Family
Zahntechnique is pleased to announce its recent merger with VK Dental Studio, a boutique removable laboratory operating in Portland, Maine. This merger marks an exciting new chapter for both our businesses, as we combine our passion, expertise, and resources to better serve your needs. Beginning May 1st, 2024 all operations at VK Dental Studio were relocated to Zahntechnique in Miami, FL.
About Veronika Kreckova, CDT
Veronika has over 20 years of experience in the dental technology field. She has a wide range of experiences and skills with specialization in removable and implant prosthetics. She attended college in her home country; The Czech Republic. She graduated Secondary School in Prague with a degree in Nursing and continued her education with 4 years of studying Dental Technology. She now resides in Cumberland Foreside and works out of her Dental Studio in the heart of Downtown Portland, Maine.
Upon establishing herself in the field in the United States, she obtained a host of specialized trainings and certifications. Veronika furthered her skills in fabricating Maxillofacial Prosthetics while working in Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Office, Cast Partial Dentures through Precision Removable Appliance Course from BEGO, Attachment courses from Sterngold, Press Technology (Theory and Application) by Ivoclar Vivadent, Mastering Gingival Architecture and Color with Arian Deutsch and Fixed, Removable and Maintainable MK-1 Bar: All-in-One Restoration by Zahn Institute. In 2008, she received her CDT in Complete Dentures in Brooklyn, NY. After many years working in this field she is very passionate about what she does and prides herself on her attention to detail. She understands that her Dental Technology work is so much more to the patient; It is their smile, confidence, function, and overall well being. She enjoys working with a host of like-minded dentists and various practices across the US and consulting on patient’s future treatment.
Aside from her career in Dental Technology, Veronika enjoys spending time with her family, skiing, reading traveling, learning, and running. She is an extremely proud Mother to her Daughter who recently graduated from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida- pursuing a degree through Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business. As much as she loves visiting the sunshine state- she absolutely loves the beautiful state of Maine.
Supporting a Cause: Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis
At Zahntechnique, we are not just passionate about crafting beautiful smiles; we are also dedicated to making a positive impact in our community. That’s why we are thrilled to announce that Alex Wuensche, one of our esteemed co-owners, is participating in the Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis event as a paddler.
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system, making everyday tasks a challenge for those living with it. The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis event aims to raise awareness and funds to support research and provide resources for those affected by this condition.
Alex’s decision to take part in this event reflects our commitment to supporting causes that matter. By paddling across challenging waters, Alex is not only showcasing determination and resilience but also raising vital funds to make a difference in the lives of those battling cystic fibrosis.
We invite you to join us in supporting Alex’s efforts by visiting his donation page. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a meaningful impact and bring us one step closer to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.
Let’s paddle together towards a future where cystic fibrosis no longer poses a threat, and every individual can breathe a little easier. Thank you for your support!
Together, we can make a difference!
