BENSHEIM, Germany – Version 3.01 of the CEREC 3D software opens up a completely new dimension in the computation of tooth morphology. Dentists are now in a position to create inlays and onlays more quickly and conveniently than ever before. The computer-aided design tool for the occlusal surfaces is of particular benefit to new users who have only limited experience with the CEREC system.

The biogeneric tooth modeling function creates natural occlusal surfaces

The previous version of the CEREC 3D software identified just a few features of the tooth, compared these with a sample tooth in the dental database, and then adapted the contours and inclination of the restoration to the individual preparation margin. On the basis of this information CEREC 3D designed the occlusal surface. The dentist then made final adjustments on the computer screen. This resulted in outstanding occlusal surfaces – provided that the dentist had the necessary computer skills. By contrast, CEREC 3D Version 3.01 designs the occlusal surfaces automatically on the basis of the residual tooth tissue. No input is required from the dentist. Instead he or she can sit back and watch this process in real time on the computer monitor. The restoration proposal is adapted simultaneously to the adjacent teeth and to an optical bite registration. The inlay or onlay is then ready to be milled.

The graphical user interface of the CEREC 3D V3.01 software features an attractive blue color scheme. The automatic biogeneric tooth modeling function simplifies and speeds up the design process.

CEREC 3D V3.01 is the product of painstaking research work by Albert Mehl and Volker Blanz. These two university professors stored the measurements of several thousand natural teeth in a database. With the help of a newly developed software they then identified and categorized common features and structures – for example, cusp tips, fissures, marginal ridges and cusp slopes. This provided the basis for computing an average tooth embodying the median characteristics of all the naturally occurring teeth. Following this, the differences were computed between the individual database teeth and the average tooth and an analysis carried out of the most frequently occurring natural deviations.

A probability analysis revealed that approximately 20 deviations are sufficient in order to describe 85 percent of the natural variability of tooth surfaces. In other words, the combination of the average tooth and the 20 deviations permits a very effective description of occlusal morphology. As this process is based exclusively on data derived from natural teeth, Professors Mehl and Blanz have chosen the designation “biogeneric tooth model”. Taking this model as its basis the new CEREC 3D software can automatically generate occlusal surfaces.

The teeth in the database are continuously modified until the recognizable morphological features match those of the prepared tooth. The reconstructed portion of the occlusal surface then displays a morphology which in terms of function is well adapted to the specific clinical situation. The outcome is a biogenerically generated occlusal surface which is superior to the product of average craft-based skills. In the hands of experienced dental technicians and dentists the software delivers perfect results.

CEREC temporary bridges

Version 3.01 of the inLab 3D software now supports the design and milling of temporary bridge restorations. In addition to inLab 3D software, a prerequisite was the introduction of “VITA CAD-Temp”, a highly aesthetic composite material designed for long-term temporary bridges consisting of up to four units. This material displays the necessary strength for such restorations and can be machined relatively quickly.

The design of a bridge by the dentist with inLab 3D V3.01 follows the same basic principles as the design of an all-ceramic crown. Firstly, optical impressions are taken of the preparation and the antagonists. The user marks the preparation margins and draws a baseline for each of the pontics. He then selects the relevant teeth from the database and inserts the bridge units one by one. The connector cross-sections depend on the degree of proximal interpenetration of the bridge elements. The software makes automatic allowance for the predefined minimum cross-sections of the connectors. With the help of the various design tools the user can optimize the restoration contours and adapt the occlusal surfaces to the antagonists.

New graphical user interface facilitates user-friendliness

Sirona works continuously to enhance the functionality and user-friendliness of its software products. The developers have dispensed with some of the more complex design steps. For example, the surface-editing toolbox has been streamlined and reduced to the essentials. The toolbar icons have been modified in such a way that their functions are instantly apparent. In addition, the user interface boasts an attractive blue color scheme. The dialog boxes use graphical symbols instead of text. These modifications reduce the time needed to learn the software and ensure reliable and high-quality results.

For further information please contact:
Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
Fabrikstrasse 31
D-64625 Bensheim
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 180 / 188 99 00
Fax: +49 (0) 180 / 554 46 64
E-mail: contact@sirona.de
www.sirona.com

SOURCE: Sirona Dental Systems, Inc.

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