Welcome back to another episode of the Digital Dentistry Decoded podcast by the Institute of Digital Dentistry. In our previous episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Rune Fisker from 3Shape, who shared invaluable insights into the company's innovative approach to digital dentistry solutions.
Today, we continue our journey through the exciting world of digital dentistry, this time featuring Jericho Elomari from SHINING 3D. As we delve into the latest innovations and trends in digital dentistry, we'll explore how companies like SHINING 3D are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in our field.
Listen to the episode below or continue reading to find out more.
You can also watch on Youtube here:
Meet Jericho Elomari: From Analogue to Digital
Jericho's journey in dentistry is a testament to the transformative power of digital technology in our field. She brings a wealth of experience to the table, having started her career in a family-owned dental lab specializing in removables:
"I grew up in a family dental lab that was strictly removable. My mom started the lab in the laundry room actually, and then expanded. So I started in the plaster room and moved up..."
Her transition to digital dentistry was swift and eye-opening:
"I went from analogue to digital overnight. So it was amazing and that's when the digital dentistry light bulb clicked in my head and I got really passionate about it."
Now, as the Senior Application Engineer and Lead Trainer at SHINING 3D, Jericho is at the forefront of digital dentistry innovation. Her unique perspective, bridging the gap between traditional and digital techniques, provides valuable insights into the evolution of our field.
SHINING 3D: A Rising Star in Digital Dentistry
SHINING 3D may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about intraoral scanners, but they're making significant waves in the industry. As Jericho points out:
"I believe we're on the cutting edge of the brand new technology that's coming out in digital dentistry right now."
This claim is backed by impressive numbers:
"They've moved about 200,000 Aoralscan 3 units... it was like 360 million worth of scanners."
These figures suggest that SHINING 3D has been quietly but effectively establishing itself as a major player in the digital dentistry market.
The Elite Scanner: A Potential Game-Changer
SHINING 3D's latest release, the Elite scanner, is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in digital dentistry. Let's break down its key features:
Size and Ergonomics
Jericho describes it as "beautiful" and "like a toothbrush," emphasizing its compact and ergonomic design. In an industry where user comfort can significantly impact adoption rates, this focus on ergonomics is crucial.
Speed and Accuracy
Speed and accuracy are critical factors in the clinical setting, directly impacting workflow efficiency and patient comfort.
"The very first thing everybody says is like, wow, that is so fast, that scanned so fast. And it's true. And it picks up tissue amazingly."
Large Scanning Tip
The Elite comes with an extra-large scan tip, which Jericho says "picks up tissue so quickly. I mean, I wanna say like five seconds." This feature is particularly beneficial for scanning edentulous areas, which has traditionally been a challenge for intraoral scanners.
Intraoral Photogrammetry
This is perhaps the most exciting feature of the Elite. SHINING 3D has brought photogrammetry technology from their industrial scanning background into the dental world: "We wanted to take the photogrammetry from outside of the mouth and see if we could find a way to get it intraorally and capture those images with our scanner."
This innovation could potentially revolutionize full-arch implant cases, offering unprecedented accuracy and efficiency.
Software Integration and Ease of Use
Jericho emphasizes the seamless integration with exocad and the user-friendly nature of their software: "We can do all of that matching in the software. So when it gets to the lab, it's already matched and so the lab just, you know, saving time for them."
Affordability and No Hidden Fees
"We are launching it for 20,000. So that includes the scanner, the five scanning tips that are autoclavable up to a hundred times... The software is free. It's downloaded from our website, or you will get a dongle and you can install it that way. But we don't charge, upgrade, or update fees." This transparent pricing model could be very attractive to clinicians wary of ongoing costs associated with digital systems.
The Broader SHINING 3D Ecosystem
While the Elite scanner is certainly a highlight, SHINING 3D offers a comprehensive ecosystem of digital dentistry products:
3D Printers
"We just released our new AccuFab-CEL, so our newest 3D printer. And we can print ortho arches in like 20 minutes."
Face Scanners
"Our MetiSmile is amazing too. The 3D photo face scanner. So we have the DICOM integration now, which is awesome."
Design Software
"We are working on that and right now it's just everything... We're coming out with some new modules - like jaw tracking"
This comprehensive approach allows SHINING 3D to offer end-to-end solutions for digital dentistry workflows.
The Future of Digital Dentistry
Jericho shared his thoughts on where digital dentistry is headed:
Full Digitization
This trend is already evident in dental schools, where analogue techniques are increasingly being phased out of curricula.
"I do believe that eventually, everything will be digital at some point going forward. It's just you can't escape."
3D Printing Advancements
While milling has been the go-to for many restorations, Jericho sees 3D printing as the future: "I honestly don't know how much longer we are gonna be milling things. I think maybe eventually everything will be 3D printed." This shift will depend largely on advancements in printing materials, particularly for permanent restorations.
Photogrammetry
This technology is set to revolutionize full-arch implant cases: "I believe for implant cases, immediate loads like this is definitely gonna be the way to go for accuracy and speed." The ability to perform intraoral photogrammetry could significantly streamline complex implant workflows.
Changing Role of Dental Labs
Jericho notes a trend towards in-house production: "I do feel like the clinics are taking the lab work away in a way, if that makes sense. But now I think maybe the trend is every clinic hiring a lab tech to be on site and helping out with the lab work." This shift could dramatically change the landscape of dental production and service delivery.
Advice for Dentists Looking to Go Digital
For dentists still on the fence about digital dentistry, Jericho offers this advice: "Getting in is just gonna make your life easier. Your dental life, no more impressions, no more models. You can 3D print the models… most of the assistants do the scanning. Faster turnaround times, saving chair time, which equals money."
She emphasizes the importance of being open to new technology: "But you have to be open. You have to be open to the technology and that learning curve, I guess."
Conclusion
The conversation with Jericho Elomari offers an exciting glimpse into the future of digital dentistry. SHINING 3D's Elite scanner, with its intraoral photogrammetry capabilities, could indeed be a game-changer in the industry. But beyond just one product, we're seeing a broader trend of increased digitization, more accessible technology, and a shift towards in-house production.
As digital technology continues to evolve, it's clear that staying informed and adaptable will be key for dental professionals. Whether it's embracing new scanning technologies, exploring the possibilities of 3D printing, or rethinking traditional workflows, the future of dentistry is undoubtedly digital.
As always, we at iDD are committed to keeping you informed about the latest developments in digital dentistry. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes of the 2nd season of our Digital Dentistry Decoded podcast!