Technology

An intraoral digital scanner is a device that is used to create a digital impression of a patient’s teeth and oral tissues. The scanner consists of a handheld wand that is equipped with a camera and a light source.

The scanner emits light in patterns that are picked up by the camera, which captures images of the patient’s teeth and surrounding tissues. As the wand is moved around the patient’s mouth, the camera captures multiple images per second and transmits them to a computer for processing.

The computer software combines the images to create a 3D model of the patient’s teeth and oral tissues, which can be viewed and manipulated on a screen. The digital impression can then be used to create dental restorations or to plan orthodontic treatment.

Intraoral digital scanners eliminate the need for traditional dental impressions, which can be messy and uncomfortable for patients. They also provide more accurate and detailed impressions, resulting in better-fitting restorations and orthodontic appliances.

There is a huge amount of waste in the dental and medical field, plastic disposables, single use items, barriers, gloves…the list goes on and on. When you start really looking at it, its actually very shocking.

To ensure we are recycling everything we can we have contacted out suppliers for information on how to recycle their products and liaise with our local council to ensure things are going in the correct bins in the correct way. This often involves separating different materials from individual items. Time consuming but crucial and ultimately satisfying!

Milling Machine

The Primemill is a dental milling machine that is used to produce dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, and onlays, from various materials. The milling process involves removing material from a block of material to create the desired shape.

The Primemill uses a high-speed spindle that rotates 4 cutting tools, typically diamond-coated burs, at high speeds.The machine then automatically moves the cutting tool in a pre-determined pattern and cuts away the excess material from the block to create the desired shape. The process generally takes around 10 minutes
It also has a self-cleaning mechanism that removes any debris or dust generated during the milling process to ensure precise milling and maintain a sterile working environment.
Once the milling process is complete, the prosthetic can be cleaned, polished, and finished using traditional dental laboratory techniques.

A CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) machine is a medical imaging device that is used to produce three-dimensional images of the teeth, jaws, and face. It works by using a rotating scanner to capture a series of X-ray images from different angles, which are then processed by a computer to create a 3D image.
The images captured by the CBCT machine are processed by powerful computers, which use complex algorithms to reconstruct a detailed 3D image. The image can be viewed on a computer screen, and the dentist or healthcare provider can adjust the orientation and zoom in on specific areas of interest.

The images are highly detailed and can be used to diagnose a wide range of dental and facial problems, including impacted teeth, fractures, infections, and tumors. CBCT images can also be used to plan complex dental procedures such as dental implant placement and orthodontic treatment.

While a CBCT machine involves slightly more radiation exposure than traditional dental X-rays, the benefits of the highly detailed three-dimensional images make it a valuable diagnostic tool in modern dentistry. The use of CBCT machines is regulated by strict guidelines to ensure patient safety.

A soft tissue diode laser is a specialized dental tool designed to cut and shape soft tissues in the mouth using focused beams of light. These lasers use a wavelength of light that is selectively absorbed by the water and pigment in soft tissues, making it possible to precisely cut or modify soft tissues with minimal damage to surrounding structures.
Lasers allow for more precise cuts and shaping, which can improve the accuracy and effectiveness of various dental procedures. They seal blood vessels as they cut, which can help minimize bleeding and make procedures faster and more efficient.

It reduces the need for traditional cutting methods such as scalpels, which can be painful and require longer healing times. With a laser, dental professionals can quickly and easily remove or modify soft tissues while minimizing discomfort and promoting faster healing, reducing post-operative discomfort and reducing the risk of infection.

Dental air filtration units are specialized pieces of equipment designed to improve the air quality in dental practices. They typically work by extracting and filtering airborne particles, dust, and contaminants from the dental office or treatment room environment. They are an essential piece of equipment when safely removing amalgam fillings. These units may be standalone devices or integrate into an existing HVAC system.

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters: These filters capture airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. HEPA filters may be used as standalone units or integrated into the practice’s ventilation system.
Activated Carbon Filters: These filters use activated carbon to remove odors, gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. They are commonly used in dental practices to help mitigate the smell of certain dental procedures.

Airborne contaminants, dust, and bacteria can be harmful to both patients and dental staff. By removing and filtering these particles from the air, dental air filtration units can help improve overall health and mitigate the spread of infections.

Dental air filtration units can help practices comply with relevant infection control standards and regulations and are an essential tool when safely removing amalgam fillings

Overall, dental air filtration units are essential in maintaining a healthy and safe environment for dental patients and staff. They can improve air quality, reduce the spread of infections, and enhance the overall comfort of a dental practice.

A same-day smile makeover is a cosmetic dental procedure that can transform a patient’s smile in a single day. The process involves using an intraoral digital scanner to create a 3D model of the patient’s teeth and gums, and then using a dental milling machine to fabricate custom veneers.

The first step in the process is to prepare the patient’s teeth by removing a small amount of enamel from the surface. This is done to ensure that the veneers will fit properly and look natural.

Next, the dentist uses an intraoral digital scanner to capture detailed images of the patient’s teeth and gums. The scanner produces a 3D model of the patient’s mouth, which can be manipulated on a computer screen. The dentist can use this model to design custom veneers that will fit perfectly over the patient’s existing teeth.

Once the design is complete, the dentist sends the digital data to a dental milling machine. The machine uses a high-speed cutting tool to carve the veneers from blocks of high-quality dental ceramic. This process takes only a few minutes.
The veneers are then glazed, stained and fired in a furnace, ready to be fitted.

The dentist then places the veneers on the patient’s teeth and uses a special adhesive to bond them in place. The veneers are carefully adjusted and polished to ensure a perfect fit and a natural appearance.

The traditional process requires multiple appointments spread over several weeks. Same day crowns, veneers and bridges saves the patient’s time, effort, and minimizes inconvenience.

The technology generates an incredibly accurate digital impression of your teeth to create a customized and precise dental crown that fits comfortably and seamlessly.

Same-day crown eliminates the need for a temporary crown, reducing downtime and discomfort.
As same-day crowns are made in the surgery, they eliminate the need for external laboratories, which contributes to reducing carbon emissions, a big positive for the environment.