Setting up the seeds for this tournament around traffic to news articles created some interesting and seemingly unprecedented matchups, but in the case of this quadrant, it also created a milling system showdown with 3 mills mixing it up with a laser, a whole bunch of software, and much more.
Here are the 8 first round matchups from the Upper Right Quadrant
Seed 1 Vs. Seed 16
Ceramill Motion 3 is an intelligent hybrid machine designed to make fabricating dentures even more convenient and digital. At the same time, users benefit by being able to use a variety of materials and indications. The Ceramill Motion 3 is designed for wet and dry operation. Because the 5-axis milling machine operates autonomously, it can manufacture unsupervised during the night or also on weekends when connected to the AG.Live platform. Users have the option to access the machine remotely, can receive orders safely and quickly, and can monitor everything related to production and customer service.
Invisalign Virtual Care AI is a remote monitoring solution with new artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted capabilities designed to streamline workflows for clinicians and their staff. Invisalign Virtual Care AI lets doctors remotely monitor Invisalign treatment progress based on their preapproved clinical settings, and AI-assisted algorithms are calibrated to each doctor’s ClinCheck treatment features. Its AI-assisted Photo Capture allows for the easy capture of clinically relevant photos via the My Invisalign App for patients, and the AI-assisted Automatic Assessment measures and highlights the size of aligner spaces based on doctor settings.
On one side of this bout is a powerhouse mill designed for busy operations. On the other side is an AI application streamlining aligner adherence and progress reporting.
Who moves on, the mill or the app?
Seed 8 Vs. Seed 9
The EdgePRO laser-assisted microfluidic irrigation device utilizes BIOLASE’s Er,Cr:YSGG 2780-nm wavelength technology. Using this technology, the EdgePRO irrigation device is able to make root canal procedures easier, more efficient, and safer for both patient and practitioner. This laser technology can be used for debridement, cleaning, and disinfection for root canal procedures and uses laser light-sound technology paired with irrigation. These technologies paired together create an ideal system for disinfection in endodontic procedures.
Overjet has received 510(k) clearance for its Caries Assist, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered dental caries detection and outlining software for chairside aid and patient communication. Overjet Caries Assist is designed to allow clinicians to detect caries accurately and reduces the rate of missed lesions (false negatives). To demonstrate the validity of the software, Overjet analyzed more than 7000 tooth surfaces. With this technology, Overjet will support clinicians to be more effective and efficient by presenting them with accurate findings, identifying anatomical structures and common pathologies, and providing instant visualizations while improving patient-dentist communication.
Now this one comes down to the classic showdown between an endodontic laser and a caries detecting AI. I'm sure you've all made this type of decision 1000 times.
Who wins, cordless or wireless?
Seed 5 Vs. Seed 12
Bio-LCB was developed as a shock-absorbing protective base/liner under composites, amalgams, and other cement materials. Unlike other bases/liners, it is formulated to provide superior strength, bonds to dentin, and promote dentin remineralization. The proprietary UDMA-based formulation forms calcium hydroxide upon curing which results in an increase in pH. This action protects the pulp, stimulating pulpal cells to form dentin and decreases the risk of secondary decay. This unique composition also contains remineralizing agents which are released upon setting to form hydroxyapatite and further aid in the remineralization of the surrounding dentition.
This new mill features an automatic 6-disc changer with 50% faster exchange and a 15-station automatic tool changer called Intelligent Tool Control. The DWX-53DC features a new 4-mm tool, allowing 30% faster roughing of PMMA than 3-mm tools. The mill contains a camera that works with VPanel and DGSHAPE Cloud software, combining these features to create a sleek, sturdy, streamlined product, according to the manufacturer. The DWX-53DC is designed with lab space in mind, making it suitable for smaller spaces. It also features automatic machine calibration, automatic air pressure control, and a replaceable spindle.
Here comes another of those Upper Right Quadrant mills, with Roland DGShape's latest system facing off against a material designed to make direct restorations better. Which will it be?
So which will it be, the liner or the mill?
Seed 4 Vs. Seed 13
QuickVision 3D Implant Planning software features artificial intelligence (AI) functions and an expanded dental implant library. With this new AI functionality, QuickVision 3D is able to auto-match. dicom and .STL files to easily create customized surgical guides. In addition, Owandy has been expanding the number of implant manufacturer libraries within the QuickVision 3D software, which now includes brandings such as Bicon, Dentsply Sirona, Nobel Biocare, and others.
The iVac system is designed to be used during the root canal treatment irrigation phase. This system is said to be instrumental in cases where irrigation depth control is crucial, such as pediatric patients, apexification, regeneration, and apical foramen resorptions. The system’s design allows for the continuous exchange of ultrasonically activated irrigants with constant refreshment into the root canal system throughout the procedure. The iVac uses apical negative pressure with contaminant irrigation, which avoids the risk of extrusion of the irrigant while allowing the irrigating fluid to clean and disinfect the entire root canal to the working length.
OK here is the choice between a cutting-edge AI-powered implant planning solution and an innovative endodontic implement. Both can make a big impact on clinical outcomes, but only one can move on to the next round.
Implant AI or canal vacuum, which do you choose?
Seed 6 Vs. Seed 11
Designed as an integrated instrument solution for efficient implant and surgical procedures, The Glider™ surgical dental treatment station is easily positioned over standard and surgical style patient chairs and provides sufficient workspace to lay out sterile instruments while integrating motors, handpieces, and suction instruments for ease of access by the dental team. The Glider is mounted on stable, heavy-duty casters with a programmable electric height adjustment. This allows for a full range of operator capability for either sit-down or stand-up treatment with mobile positioning for desired placement.
The PlanMill 35 is a part of the Planmeca FIT® CAD/CAM system and is meant to assist practices looking to boost their single-visit dentistry. The PlanMill 35 can use materials such as zirconia, glass and hybrid ceramics, and composites, among others. As a wet/dry combination mill, the PlanMill 35 is set to handle any chairside fabrication requirement.
So the choice here is between the final of the Upper Right mill trio, and a slick portable delivery unit. Sure would be nice to have both, but a choice must be made.
Which will it be the unit or the mill?
Seed 3 Vs. Seed 14
Beautifil Kids SA is said to be a BPA-free, self-adhesive, nano-hybrid flowable restorative with bioactive Giomer technology. Notable features include high bond strength, precision placement, and well-blended light transmission and diffusion properties. All of these combine to provide certain benefits for pediatric composite cases, such as antibacterial effects, acid neutralization, and fluoride release and recharge. Beautifil Kids SA is indicated for preventive resin restoration, small Class I, and other nonload-bearing restorations.
izzo is an innovative new direct-to-consumer initiative designed to elevate at-home oral care. Described as the first and only 4-in-1 oral care system that goes significantly beyond the typical toothbrush, the kit delivers healthy confidence. In addition to a state-of-the-art oscillating toothbrush with 3 speeds, the kit includes a unique polishing system designed to safely and effectively remove stains for brighter, whiter smiles and a cleaner, healthier mouth—which studies show can boost confidence to look and feel one’s best. The kit also includes a scaler to remove debris and soft plaque from hard-to-reach areas on and between teeth, as well as a UVC sanitizer case designed to kill germs that can linger on a brush head between uses.
Once again a clash of differing approaches to decay. On one side is the restorative with the ideal properties for the smallest patients, and on the other side is a home care system for the most fastidious brushers.
Who wins, the small handpiece or the AI assistant?
Seed 7 Vs. Seed 10
DentBird Crown is an automatic crown design module that uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to automatically generates a crown prosthesis design in seconds based on a patient’s 3D scan data. The technology automatically finds the tooth that requires crown design by examining the dental 3D scan data. At the same time, it identifies the margin line between the tooth and gum and suggests an optimized margin line for the prosthesis. Then, it creates an optimal crown design in a matter of seconds after taking into consideration the surrounding and antagonist teeth.
The Einstein Series of 3D printers uses digital light processing technology for the best fit and finish and HyperPrint™ technology to use heat and a closed-loop software upgrade. The Einstein series is meant to deliver accuracy and versatility. The entire series includes the Einstein, which is made for general dentists who wish to use chairside printing; the Einstein Pro, which is made for small dental labs; and the Einstein Pro XL, which is made for larger dental labs. The Einstein series is an important draw for practice owners who wish to offer more advanced technology for the office.
This is another classic conflict between input and output. On one side is an AI crown design platform, and on the other is a versatile series of 3D printers.
Make a choice between design or print.
Seed 2 Vs. Seed 15
The fastscan.io™ Intraoral Scanner combines the same technology behind the Medit i700 scanner and the glidewell.io™ In-Office Solution, and Glidewell’s dental lab. These 3 aspects merge to create an intraoral scanner that is said to offer dental practices an advanced scanning solution at an affordable price point. The fastscan.io is designed to be lightweight, with reversible tips, a detachable cable, and a UV-C LED disinfecting light. Users will also receive access to Medit applications, Ortho Simulation, Model Builder, and Crown Fit. Clinicians who use the fastscan.io will be able to submit cases to either Glidewell’s lab or a lab or their choice.
Henry Schein One’s analytics platform, Jarvis Analytics, is now available for private dental practices. Jarvis Analytics for Private Practices is designed based on the original platform for dental service organizations. New features are said to be simplified for practice members to collect and analyze data, automate workflows, identify operations, understand patient behaviors, and make decisions according to the data. Jarvis collects the data from the practice management system present in the dental practice and collates it in reports and digestible dashboards. Jarvis Analytics works with Dentrix®, Dentrix Ascend®, Eaglesoft, Open Dental, and Denticon.
Data is more important than ever before, but what's more important, a scanner to gather 3D patient data, or a platform to study practice data and help you learn from your metrics?
Who moves on the scanner or the software
