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Harnessing the Power of AI in Digital Dentistry
In the rapidly evolving world of digital dentistry, staying ahead of technological advancements is crucial for both practitioners and patients. AI is a critical topic for all of us. While it may fill many with apprehension, I would argue that we should be embracing its transformative potential.
From automated crown design to advanced diagnostic tools and streamlined workflows, Artificial Intelligence is poised to revolutionize how we care for people.
Beyond Traditional AI: Generative AI
When we look at the evolution of traditional AI, which focuses on pattern recognition and classification, to generative AI, there is a major difference. Unlike its predecessors, generative AI, like ChatGPT, can create original content. Generative AI can write songs, create designs, text, even make movies. This shift has profound implications.
Introducing 3Shape Automate: a revolution in crown design
3Shape Automate is an example of generative AI. Launched in 2021, the 3Shape technology has revolutionized the process of designing dental crowns in an automated way. Professionals simply upload their intraoral scans to the cloud. There, 3Shape Automate takes the scan and automatically identifies margin lines, segments teeth, and designs the crown. There is no human intervention.
It then sends back the AI-designed restoration, or as many restorations as you’ve ordered, in as little as 90 seconds. Professionals either accept the design, edit it, or decline. You pay only for what you approve.
Learn an effective way to quickly design and print permanent restorations.
Experience how digital technology, enhanced by AI, opens up new, more affordable and efficient treatment options.
How AI works in digital dentistry
As a digital dentistry company, 3Shape began investing in Artificial Intelligence in 2014. In fact, we hired our first AI developers 10 years ago. This foresight I believe has positioned us way ahead in the application of this technology for practical, dental industry-specific tasks.
Here’s how generative AI works for crown designs
3Shape Automate leverages deep learning neural networks. These networks are trained by extensive datasets of intraoral scans and crown designs. Designs that have been made by high-quality dental technicians. When a new scan is uploaded, the AI uses this training to design a new crown. And while the inner workings of deep learning may be opaque, the results speak for themselves.
In three short years, 3Shape Automate has processed over two and a half million cases with a 94% acceptance rate. This demonstrates its efficiency and reliability.
Here’s how AI works in diagnostic tools
What we are seeing now is 3Shape and other companies looking to integrate AI into their diagnostics, production, and even marketing.
When we look at other applications where these advanced technologies are making important strides, it is in the analysis of X-rays. Healthcare companies are developing algorithms to identify diagnostic issues such as interproximal caries, cancer, and more. This technology is advancing rapidly and offers exciting possibilities for more accurate, efficient, and early detection.
For 3Shape, other examples of how we apply AI is with our scanning and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) technology. For instance, we use AI to remove cheek and tongue interference in TRIOS intraoral scans. This was a task that previously required manual adjustment.
Similarly, we use it with our lab scanning. AI automates the trimming of scans; a task that was also performed manually in the past. This saves time and reduces the margin of error for professionals.
In CAD design, it transforms the workflow from a manual, step-by-step process to one driven by AI proposals. Practitioners can use automation tools to generate the initial design. They can then make any adjustments if needed. This reduces the time and effort required for a dental prosthesis design.
Here’s how AI works for generating models and guides
In our 3Shape Model Builder Express software, AI constructs dental models from intraoral scans in seconds. Seamlessly integrated with our lab software and TRIOS scanners, you just click to create a model - ready to print. It exemplifies the efficiency and accuracy AI brings to dental workflows.
In addition, our 3Shape Implant Studio software leverages AI for implant planning and surgical guide generation.
The software demonstrates the potential for streamlining complex procedures with its ability to automatically generate surgical guides once implants are placed.
Professionals have embraced the efficiency this brings, illustrated by Implant Studio cases growing 31% over the past year.
The broader implications of AI on dental technology
While I’ve discussed AI’s application in diagnostics and workflows, I believe it will also impact dental professionals in other ways. A McKinsey report predicts that AI's most significant commercial impact will be in software engineering, marketing, and customer operations.
As we speak, AI now drives various aspects of patient care, dental treatment and administrative tasks, such as patient management and marketing. Its use will only increase.
Embracing it for future success
In closing, I would recommend dental professionals look to embrace AI proactively. You should demand AI integration from your suppliers and ensure that AI becomes a standard tool in your clinics and labs.
As it continues to evolve, AI will usher in a new digital dentistry era of innovation and excellence.
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The ability to leverage AI capabilities to enhance patient care and improve operational efficiency is set to become a competitive advantage