The use of 'extended reality' (augmented reality) in esthetic treatment planning.

The use of the latest digital technology is bringing about a fundamental change in diagnostic planning. Apps based on mobile devices such as IvoSmile (Ivoclar Vivadent) use augmented reality to make lasting improvements to therapy decisions on the basis of 'informed consent.' In addition to significantly facilitating work and saving resources, the possibilities of interactive communication are also being expanded.

Inhouse workflow for single-stage, indirect restorations.

The digital inhouse workflow consists of the components optical impression, computer-aided design (CAD) and machine manufacturing. In the sense of a time-optimized workflow, coordinated, closed systems prove to be the better solution. The company 3Shape (Copenhagen, Denmark) started with the existing Trios Intraoral Scanner and added both the software component Trios Design Studio and a number of 'trusted connection mills.

Three-dimensional registration of real jaw motion tracking data and its therapeutic consequences.

When determined by conventional jaw relation recording methods, the real position of the condyle remains largely unclear because the geometric relationship between the reference point and the position of the condyle is unknown. Sicat Function combines cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data with digital jaw motion tracking (JMT) data and digital intraoral surface data. It is thus capable of measuring and visualizing patient-specific jaw movements.

A new milling machine for computer-aided, in-office restorations.

Chairside computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology requires an effective technical basis to obtain dental restorations with optimal marginal accuracy, esthetics, and longevity in as short a timeframe as possible. This article describes a compact, 5-axis milling machine based on an innovative milling technology (5XT - five-axis turn-milling technique), which is capable of achieving high-precision milling results within a very short processing time. Furthermore, the device's compact dimensioning and state-of-the-art mode of operation facilitate its use in the dental office.

Tooth-supported surgical guides for guided placement of single-tooth implants.

Computer-assisted technologies open up new possibilities for significantly improving the planning and realization of implant-supported dental restorations. Three-dimensional (3D) data acquired with an intraoral sensor can be merged with comparable data acquired by various radiographic imaging techniques. Implant planning with this type of support can generate data for the manufacture of surgical guides for dental implants.

Final restoration of implants with a hybrid ceramic superstructure.

The use of materials with elastic properties for the fabrication of dental implant superstructures seems to be a promising way to reduce the functional occlusal forces on implants. Vita Enamic (Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen), a hybrid ceramic material for CAD/CAM technology, is available in a special form that can be relatively easily combined with titanium (Ti) base connectors for the fabrication of abutment crowns and mesostructures. Thus, an easily manageable method is available for reducing peak loads on dental implant fixtures.

Microveneering technique for esthetic enhancement of monolithic zirconia restorations.

The importance of monolithic ceramic restorations is growing, given the safe and cost-effective options for fabrication of such dental crowns and fixed dental prostheses. The optical characteristics of traditional zirconia do not suffice for this purpose. Improved restorative materials that can achieve satisfactory results in posterior restorations have been proposed to solve the problem.

CAD/CAM-based polymer provisionals as treatment adjuncts.

The role and function of provisional restorations has changed significantly in recent years. The reasons include the improvement of material properties and the CAD/CAM production option using polymer blanks, which are offered by various manufacturers. Besides their classic indications in crown and bridge prosthodontics, provisional restorations are now used for soft-tissue management, preparation and adaptation in complex restorations that include changes in vertical relations, and as mock-ups in esthetic dentistry.

Cerec Smile Design--a software tool for the enhancement of restorations in the esthetic zone.

Restorations in the esthetic zone can now be enhanced using software tools. In addition to the design of the restoration itself, a part or all of the patient's face can be displayed on the monitor to increase the predictability of treatment results. Using the Smile Design components of the Cerec and inLab software, a digital photograph of the patient can be projected onto a three-dimensional dummy head.

Impression-free production techniques.

Digital acquisition of the clinical situation in the mouth seems much more logical than digitizing the impressions. Intraoral scanning systems are laser supported or video based. The retraction of the gingiva plays a special part in the accurate display of the preparation border.

Three-dimensionally layered ceramic blocks.

With the aid of an innovatively structured ceramic block, it is possible to achieve results at a high esthetic level with relatively simple means. In the three-dimensionally structured Vitablocs RealLife, translucent enamel ceramic is arranged around a conically structured, opaque dentin core. The virtual restoration can be positioned freely in all three dimensions with the aid of the Cerec/inLab software.