Welcome to the EADT eV TEAM Talk Special with Nadja Naenni and Andrea Patrizi. The on-demand broadcast is available until May 19, 2023.
On April 19, 2023, the EADT eV TEAM talk entered a new round; this time again with a “special”. Nadja Naenni and Andrea Patrizi from the University of Zurich were guests and discussed the exciting topic “Pixels vs. spoons – data collection using an intraoral scanner compared to conventional impression taking”.
EADT e.V. invites you to the TEAM talk “Special” – a special format for interactive knowledge exchange. V. brings in experienced experts. On April 19th, Nadja Naenni and Andrea Patrizi discussed the topic “Pixels vs. Spoons”. More than 40 participants from dental practices, dental laboratories and universities followed the speakers, who impressed with their well-founded expertise and illuminated the topic in an entertaining and controversial way.
The question of in which situations digital impressions make sense and whether there is still room for conventional impressions was discussed based on patient cases. Andrea Patrizi, a dental technician with a strong digital affinity, and PD Dr. Nadja Naenni, who likes to be inspired by the enthusiasm for digitalization, impressively demonstrated how important good teamwork and coordination between the dental practice and the dental laboratory are. During the online session, they gave an insight into their everyday clinical and dental work and used case studies to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of both impression methods. It turned out that the currently best answer to the question “Pixels or spoons?” seems to be a combination of both approaches. The potential of digitalization in dentistry is high and shows the direction in which dentistry is developing with the ever-increasing level of digitalization.
New ways or conventional processes?
Intraoral scanners (IOS) have reached an impressive level of performance. However, the accuracy and feasibility of digital impressions depend on many factors, such as the scanner used, the acquisition mode and the experience of the user. Nadja Naenni and Andrea Patrizi emphasized that simply purchasing a scanner is not enough for successful use - practice is required to achieve optimal results. And close communication between the dental practice and the dental laboratory is also essential. The experts shared their experiences based on various patient cases. This means that single-tooth crowns can easily be taken with a digital scanner, but if the preparation margins are deep (> 0,5 mm subgingival), a conventional impression is recommended. Digital scanners are also well suited for implants and short implant bridges. When it comes to highly aesthetic anterior restorations, it is crucial that the dental technician can easily recognize and imitate the surface structure. In addition to the scan quality, the model accuracy and surface representation are crucial. Although some digital models already represent this well, the plaster model is currently still considered the gold standard for highly aesthetic anterior restorations.
Either ... or?
Overall, Nadja Naenni and Andrea Patrizi emphasized that it is not just “analog” or “digital”, but that both technologies can be used in everyday life. Good communication between the laboratory and the practice is crucial here, because the best possible workflow depends on the preferences, possibilities and experiences of the work team. There is always the option to switch between the two workflows. The question of whether scanners are more accurate than conventional impressions and whether they can be used for all types of work depends on the situation and the process technology. In principle, the advantages of digital workflows predominate, especially when patients are included in the decision-making process and the impression data is integrated into the planning and manufacturing process without a reverse process.
What remains?
The TEAM Talk Special with Nadja Naenni and Andrea Patrizi showed that teamwork between dentistry and dental technology is a basis for success, especially in times of digitalization. It is important to find the right balance between digital and analog technologies and to maintain good communication between the dental practice and the dental laboratory - in the interest of patient well-being.
By discovering new possibilities together, we can actively shape the future of dentistry and offer patients the best possible treatments. Events like that TEAM talk are a great platform to learn from each other and exchange ideas about current trends and challenges. The next TEAM talk is being planned. Once again, an interesting topic for dental practices and dental laboratories is taken up. More information coming soon here on our website!