Staying ahead of lab technology: Smart choices reap big benefits

It’s equally important for dentists to know that their lab has chosen a digital platform that provides flexibility — in design, materials and the ability to handle the challenging cases, in addition to the textbook ones, with the same digital accuracy and precision.

Dental Prosthetic Services (DPS) recently purchased the SensAble Dental Lab System, an integrated solution for the scan, design and fabrication of both fixed and removable restorations, because we liked its flexibility and economics.

We initially made the purchase for our full contour crown and bridge work, but because the system allowed us to easily and accurately create removables, we increased our business in partial frameworks, a previously small portion of our work.

For example, we recently had a maxillary removable partial denture case that included a tube tooth on #7 and required an A-P Strap for retention.

Using the SensAble System on this case had distinct advantages over traditional hand waxing. The technician was easily able to digitallly design retention beads to hold and support the acrylic tube tooth, which are impractical and difficult to create when hand waxing. Also, the A-P Strap has a more consistent fit when designed with the SensAble System.

Additionally, the structure of the sprues used to support the partial during the investment process adds to the stability and limits distortion. And, digitally designing the structure of the sprues, which are used to support the partial during the investment process, adds to the stability and limits distortion.

Our doctors are very pleased with SensAble restorations. They fit right the first time, allowing doctors to save significant chair time, while providing patients with esthetically pleasing restorations.

“DPS’ outstanding technicians have always provided my practice with consistent high-quality frameworks, said Dr. Clinton Berryman of Oelwein, Iowa.

“But now they’re designing them digitally, and the precision and fit is even better. The accuracy of the fit decreases chair time and gives patients confidence in their new appliance.”

We’ve also invested in a number of other open technologies that work with SensAble, including the 3-D Systems ProJet 3-D printer, which is integrated with the system, and our Dental Mill for milling zirconia and PMMA materials.

Before we make any decisions on technology, we do extensive research on the solutions to make sure they are right for our lab — and our doctors. We also believe that having supportive and responsive vendor-partners, such as SensAble, is an important part of the equation.

Our philosophy is that we’re all in this together — labs, dentists and technology providers.

By choosing the right partners and investing wisely, dental labs and doctors can benefit today, while confidently moving forward together toward even higher quality care and greater efficiency.