Tiếng Việt
Digital transformation in the dental laboratory is not an easy decision—especially if you’re accustomed to traditional workflows. However, with the rapid advancement of technology, considering a shift to digital production methods is becoming increasingly essential to improve productivity, precision, and the overall client experience.
The following is a detailed comparison of the pros and cons of both approaches, helping dental technicians make informed decisions for their labs.
Conventional Technique: Advantages and Limitations
Advantages:
- Low material costs with minimal initial investment required.
- Widely taught in dental technician training programs, making it accessible and easy to adopt.
Disadvantages:
- Manual work is time-consuming and prone to human error.
- Generates more dust and waste during grinding and adjustments.
- If a physical model is lost, the dentist must take a new impression—costing extra time and causing discomfort for the patient.
- Traditional impressions can be uncomfortable and may need to be repeated if unsuccessful.
- Physical models must be stored, which takes up space and is difficult to manage over time.
Digital Technique: Benefits and Challenges
Advantages:
- Significant time savings in both design and manufacturing.
- High precision allows for better-fitting surgical guides and improved clinical outcomes.
- Cleaner, more organized laboratory environment with less debris.
- Digital files are easily stored and retrieved—templates can be reproduced quickly if lost.
- Dentists can place implants faster thanks to readily available digital data.
Challenges:
- High initial investment in equipment, software, and materials.
- Requires regular maintenance of machines to ensure consistent performance.
- Not yet fully integrated into current training programs—technicians must seek out further education or specialized courses.
Tips for Considering a Transition
- Do not treat this as a complete replacement, but rather a complement. You can apply digital techniques for complex, precision-demanding cases while still using conventional methods for simpler ones.
- Start small—consider investing in design software or outsourcing to services such as Miling Central before committing to a full in-house digital workflow.
- Explore courses and workshops on CAD/CAM to stay updated with industry trends and build foundational knowledge.
- Analyze long-term efficiency: While the initial investment may be high, digital workflows help reduce labor costs, speed up production, and elevate the lab’s reputation—especially when working with modern dental practices.
Conclusion
Choosing between conventional and digital techniques is not a black-and-white decision. Each method has its own strengths. However, in an era where dental technology is evolving rapidly, digital transformation is a necessary step if labs want to stay competitive and improve the quality of their restorations.
Select the path that aligns best with your current capabilities and long-term vision. And remember—starting early is always an advantage.
