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The editors of Dental Products Report® share a look at the top 10 innovative technology products that went on the market within the last year.
Dental technology is a constantly evolving, improving field, compelling innovators to make their mark each year. 2022 was a year of great innovation in the dental field, allowing clinicians to serve patients better than ever. From dental 3D printers to intraoral scanners, the innovations of 2022 helped clinicians dive into digital dentistry, boosting efficiency, saving money, and improving quality of care. Here are the top 10 new dental technologies of 2022.
With a simplified, automated printing process, this new 3D printing solution makes it easy to manufacture patient-specific and biocompatible appliances. The printer uses digital light processing technology by which resins are polymerized using UV light. The light projector hardens the resin, layer by layer. Primeprint also automates the postprocessing of printed objects. This was the first device by the company built specifically to integrate into the digital universe Dentsply Sirona is creating with technology partner Google Cloud.
The third generation of Aurident’s Aoralscan features a new design, fast scan speed, high accuracy, powerful artificial intelligence processing, intuitive communication, and a 3-year warranty. It can be used for general restorations, implants, and orthodontics. The lightweight scanner has 1-button control, automatic antifogging, a dynamic LED indicator, and is ergonomically designed for handheld operation. The scan field of view (FOV) is 58% greater than that of the Aoralscan 2, with a 16 × 12-mm FOV (standard tip) and up to 22-mm scan depth.
With its rugged construction, the LC (Light Crystal) Opus has been designed to provide reliable, repeatable performances for beginners or experienced users. It features a build volume of 310 × 174 × 220 mm and XY resolution of 81 μm. The printer also features a double-sealed vat construction with carrying handles and a pouring spout. The unit offers even light distribution with the use of light tolerance LEDs, which are chosen for both intensity and wavelength, ensuring a uniform cure. Ultraquiet pulse width modulation fans provide efficient cooling for the high-powered LED array, enabling it to run at high temperatures for sustained periods.
VivaScan from Ivoclar is a compact intraoral scanner offering a flexible experience with its slim, lightweight, ergonomic design. Weighing only 230 g, VivaScan fits easily into routine workflows, and the plug-and-play function allows it to be used as a mobile system. The scanner needs only 1 cable to connect to a laptop, enhancing portability and eliminating the hassle of tangled cords. It comes with 2 different-sized tips, and the innovative laser system delivers accurate results more quickly. VivaScan also connects the practice to the Ivoclar Cloud, a user-friendly file-sharing solution that clinicians use to optimize digital workflows.
The Ultrafast Laser is a wireless diode laser designed to eliminate setup time and messy cords. Ultrafast features an ergonomic design and is said to provide superior performance. It delivers continuous 3-W and maximum 5-W pulsed power at 808 nm, and its green aiming beam allows better visual clarity during procedures. It comes with easily disposable fiber tips and a slide-in laser shield. The laser is durable with a scratch-resistant solid aircraft aluminum body. It runs 45 minutes continuously on a single charge, weighs only 3.5 oz, and measures 6.4 in.
The fastscan.io Scanning Solution combines the same technologies behind the Medit i700 scanner and the glidewell.io™ In-Office Solution, and Glidewell’s dental lab. These 3 aspects merge to create an intraoral scanner said to offer dental practices an advanced scanning solution at an affordable price point. The fastscan.io is designed to be lightweight, with reversible tips, a detachable cable, and a UV-C LED disinfecting light. Clinicians who use the fastscan.io will be able to submit cases to Glidewell’s lab or a lab of their choice.
The XiP printer joins the NXE 400 and NXD 200 in Nexa3D’s 3D printing offerings. The XiP can work best in a busy commercial environment, making it a good fit for a variety of labs and practices. Based on Nexa3D’s proprietary lubricant sublayer photo-curing technology, the XiP aims to combine a small footprint with high throughput for production-grade applications. It features a large build volume, 3.8-L print volume, high resolution, and 50-μm/100-μm/200-μm layer thicknesses.
The Zeeno Robot can perform basic functions, including greeting patients, escorting patients into the operatory, carrying instruments to sterilization, and playing educational videos and music. Standing just over 3 ft high, Zeeno Robot features a ROBOX™ navigation system with Temi’s human-robot interaction and autonomous navigation. The robot features a multitouch 10-inch LCD display that tilts –15º to +55º. It’s designed to last up to 8 hours on a single charge and will autonomously charge its battery when low.
Desktop Health has launched its new family of dental 3D printers: the Einstein Series. This series of 3D printers uses digital light processing technology for the best fit and finish and Hyperprint™ technology to use heat, and a closed-loop software upgrade. The entire series includes the Einstein, made for general dentists who wish to use chairside printing. With the combination of these 3D printers and Flexcera™ Smile Ultra+ dental resins, dental professionals have the tools they need to deliver accurate, 3D printable smiles.
The i700 is an intraoral scanner designed as a wireless wand with the same speed, accuracy, and lightness. It is said to offer a smooth, quick scanning experience backed by 60-GHz wireless technology. All-day scanning is supported by a single battery, which offers 1 hour of continuous scanning and up to 8 hours in standby mode. The camera on the i700 Wireless is said to capture up to 70 frames per second. It features a reversible tip and wider scanning area, allowing for easy, comfortable use from any angle.