Many dental offices include some form of digital technology. In fact, statistics show that 55% of all dental labs now utilize some form of digital equipment. Considering that, it’s important that your dental lab is able to help patients with the aid of digital technology. One study found that the global market for dental labs is estimated to reach $14.8 billion by the year 2024. With that in mind, it’s important to focus on the future of digital dental technology. Here are four ways to consider updating your dental lab.
- A Focus on 3D Printing
While certain digital dental lab services offer 3D technology, this type of printing will continue to rise in terms of popularity. An understandable barrier for many cosmetic dental labs is being able to utilize certain 3D printing materials. Fortunately, material design approvals are helping to ensure that these materials are more readily available to dental offices in the near future. - Taking Digital Impressions
When looking at digital dental laboratory services for a dentist office, it’s important to focus on impressions. Taking digital impressions tends to be easier for both patients and dental professionals. Industry figures are showing that more dental offices are sending in digital impressions. If you’re wanting to stay ahead of the competition, it’s wise to offer digital impressions to customers as soon as possible. - Designing Smiles with the Help of Technology
Statistics gathered from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research found that nearly 14% of adults between the ages of 20 to 64 report that their teeth and mouth are both in bad condition. Considering that, another important feature that many digital dental labs are offering is smile design software. This software can help patients choose the type of smile they would like to have. - Digital Milling
Throughout many dental offices, milling machines are used. These machines help create dentures from blocks of resin or similar types of material. Considering that, it’s important that digital dental labs are able to offer fast service to patients. With that in mind, digital milling machines are becoming more popular that can provide dentures at a faster rate than normal.
To summarize, there are several ways to make sure your dental lab is following industry trends. As you can see, many of the advances involve offering digital services to patients. You’ll likely see a major focus on the importance of 3D printing within the dental industry. Modern dental labs are taking impressions, milling dentures, and providing new smiles to patients with the help of digital technology.