Digital dentistry, open architecture drive excitement at world’s largest dental show

New digital impression and CAD/CAM products from 3Shape, Carestream Dental put the focus on ease of use and accuracy. International digital players plan U.S. entry into digital dental market.

Dental digital impression systems and CAD/CAM milling technology are driving the market and pushing excitement to new levels at the International Dental Show in Cologne, Germany.

Throughout the first two days of the world’s largest dental exhibition, crowds stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the booth of digital dentistry stalwart Sirona Dental Systems to examine the CEREC Omnicam and learn about the company’s more than 20 new products*, while newer players in the worldwide CAD/CAM and digital impression realm, such as 3Shape and Carestream, captured attention with new launches and major updates to existing products.

*Check back with Dental Products Report later for news on Sirona's new products

3Shape adds color and mobility

Espresso sipping crowds gathered at the 3Shape booth Wednesday morning to see 3Shape founder Thais Clausen demonstrate Dental System 2013 and new advancements in the company’s lab scanner and in-office TRIOS, including the introduction of full color scanning and image manipulation and the debut of the TRIOS Pod, which allows dentists to attach the intraoral impression scanning device to any computer via USB connection. Clausen says the Pods will be ready to ship in the USA in about 10 weeks. US dentists can preorder now.

Clausen says the company’s software and hardware advancements mean processing speed increases of 40 percent, reduced camera fogging and simplified workflows for abutment design, implant bridges, denture design and post and core. The system also offers near photorealistic visualizations of cases, including the ability to add 2D images of the patient’s face. An app is also available to view images and control the scanner directly from an iPad.

Carestream enters CAD/CAM market

Carestream Dental expanded its imaging-centric dental market position with the debut of its CS Solutions for CAD/CAM, including the CS 3500 intraoral scanner, CS Restore software, CS3000 milliing machine and CS Connect web-portal that enables dentists to electronically transmit cases to the laboratory of their choice. A unique feature of the of the Carestream system allows CBCT users to scan conventional impressions using their cone-beam unit.

The CS 3500 captures full-color images and features a light guidance system that navigates users through the image acquisition process. The Carestream system, like the TRIOS and CEREC Omnicam, requires no powder.

“CS Solutions redefines CAD/CAM restorative dentistry, offering practitioners a simplified, comprehensive approach to support their everyday restoration needs,” said Edward Shellard, DMD, chief marketing officer and director of business development for Carestream Dental. “However, dentists also have the flexibility to use the products within the portfolio as standalone solutions based on their practice’s needs.”

Open architecture revolution

Both the 3Shape and Carestream systems feature open architecture, meaning the scanners can be used with any lab milling system. Open architecture has been a rallying cry since the dawn of digital dentistry, but until recently industry leaders like Sirona and Nobel Biocare have kept their systems locked down. Perhaps the biggest news for open-system fans came on the first day of IDS 2013, when Nobel Biocare announced that it had opened its Procera system and partnered with 3Shape. Nobel also announced plans to expand its milling services centers in the United States.

Also constructing a U.S. milling service operation is Swiss implant and digital dental company Biodenta, which plans to open a state-of-the-art milling center in Gettysburg, MD, in the next few months. Company executives said the company’s focus is on providing total solution systems incorporating scanning, milling, implants and restorations.

The above are just a few of the developments in the digital dentistry realm unveiled in the first day at IDS 2013. Dental Products Report will provide continuing coverage from Cologne of major developments in this and other dental categories.