In the ever-evolving world of digital dentistry, staying ahead means staying informed.
If improving your know-how in Digital Dentistry and DSD clinical concepts is still pending this year, in this article we’ve highlighted eight must-read journal articles which were authored or co-authored by DSD to add to your list.
Copy–paste concept: Full digital approach in the management of gingival emergence profiles
This clinical article details a "copy-paste" full digital workflow for creating dental restorations. The method uses intraoral scans of temporary prostheses, along with other scans, to digitally replicate the desired gingival emergence profile and transfer this information to the dental technician. This digital approach offers increased accuracy and efficiency compared to traditional impression techniques, ultimately improving the aesthetic and functional outcome of the final restoration. The workflow is described for both implant and natural tooth restorations, emphasizing the importance of soft tissue management. The authors conclude that this method simplifies fabrication while maintaining precision.
Agnini A, Romeo D, Giulia B, Tommaso W, Christian C, Agnini A. Copy–paste concept: Full digital approach in the management of gingival emergence profiles. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2023;1‐8. doi:10.1111/jerd.13014
Dynamic Documentation of the Smile and the 2D/3D Digital Smile Design Process
This article details a new protocol for documenting smiles using smartphone videos to improve digital smile design (DSD). Dynamic documentation of the smile (DDS), incorporating video, offers a more comprehensive analysis of lip dynamics and smile esthetics than static photographs. The protocol involves recording videos from various angles to capture multiple aspects of the smile, including phonetics and function. These videos are then used to create a 2D smile frame which guides the 3D digital smile design process, improving communication and treatment planning. The authors present a step-by-step guide for creating this facially guided smile frame using the recorded videos and digital software.
Coachman C, Calamita MA, Sesma N. Dynamic Documentation of the Smile and the 2D/3D Digital Smile Design Process. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2017 Mar/Apr;37(2):183-193. doi: 10.11607/prd.2911. PMID: 28196157.
Interdisciplinary guided dentistry, digital quality control, and the “copy-paste” concepts
This clinical article details an interdisciplinary approach to restorative dentistry using guided dentistry, digital quality control, and a "copy-paste" technique. Guided dentistry uses 3D software simulations and guides to aid in procedures, while digital quality control involves comparing real outcomes to simulations after each step. The "copy-paste" method leverages software to maintain and adapt the initial design throughout the process. The authors present a case study illustrating this approach, emphasizing its effectiveness in achieving esthetic and functional rehabilitation that closely matches the initial plan. The process uses various digital tools and technologies throughout treatment for planning and quality control.
Coachman C, Bohner L, Jreige CS, Sesma N, Calamita M. Interdisciplinary guided dentistry, digital quality control, and the "copy-paste" concepts. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2021 Oct;33(7):982-991. doi: 10.1111/jerd.12736. Epub 2021 Apr 26. PMID: 33899323.
DSD’s Luken de Arbeloa talks about this article here.
Chairside 3D digital design and trial restoration workflow
This article talks about a 3D digital smile design app, designed for chairside digital smile design and restorative planning. The app streamlines the process by integrating 2D and 3D data from various sources (facial scans, intraoral scans, photographs, and videos) into a single platform. This allows for a facially driven smile design, 3D virtual waxing, and the creation of chairside printed resin templates for immediate trial restorations. The authors highlight the app's efficiency, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods, while acknowledging limitations for certain complex cases. The procedure is explained step-by-step, emphasizing the app's integration with existing digital technologies to enhance the overall workflow.
Coachman C, Georg R, Bohner L, Rigo LC, Sesma N. Chairside 3D digital design and trial restoration workflow. J Prosthet Dent. 2020 Nov;124(5):514-520. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2019.10.015. Epub 2020 Jan 7. PMID: 31924341.
Dental software classification and dento-facial interdisciplinary planning platform
This clinical article proposes a new classification system for dental software, dividing it into pre- and post-case acceptance phases. Pre-acceptance software focuses on treatment planning, utilizing facial analysis and interdisciplinary simulations to create comprehensive treatment plans. Post-acceptance software handles the execution of the plan, managing specific procedures and device fabrication. The authors advocate for a dento-facial interdisciplinary planning platform (DIPP) that integrates these phases, improving communication, decision-making, and treatment predictability. The DIPP facilitates visualization of treatment impact across multiple disciplines, leading to more effective and minimally invasive procedures. Current limitations in software integration and AI applications are discussed.
Coachman C, Blatz MB, Bohner L, Sesma N. Dental software classification and dento-facial interdisciplinary planning platform. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2021 Jan;33(1):99-106. doi: 10.1111/jerd.12713. Epub 2021 Jan 20. PMID: 33470496.
DSD’s Luken de Arbeloa talks about this article here.
The complete digital workflow in interdisciplinary dentistry
This article details a new complete digital workflow for interdisciplinary dentistry, outlining six key steps: Patient Digitalization (creating a comprehensive digital record), Cloud Data Management (securely storing and sharing data), 3D Treatment Simulations (using collective intelligence for planning), Patient 3D Presentation (engaging patients with visual tools), Guided Dentistry (using digital guides for precise procedures), and Digital Quality Control (ensuring accuracy through rescanning and monitoring). The workflow emphasizes facially driven smile design, asynchronous communication, and the use of planning centers to leverage technology for improved diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient engagement. The authors advocate for this digital approach to enhance efficiency, predictability, and patient outcomes.
Coachman C, Sesma N, Blatz MB. The complete digital workflow in interdisciplinary dentistry. Int J Esthet Dent. 2021;16(1):34-49. PMID: 33502130.
Esthetic treatment planning with digital animation of the smile dynamics: A technique to create a 4-dimensional virtual patient
This article details a new method for creating a four-dimensional (4D) virtual patient model for esthetic dental treatment planning. The process uses facial and intraoral scanning to acquire patient data, which is then manipulated in software to digitally wax the smile, considering smile dynamics. This allows for the creation of animated videos showing the projected treatment outcome, improving communication and predictability. The technique leverages various digital technologies including photogrammetry, intraoral scanning, and animation software to achieve a realistic, non-invasive simulation. Finally, the process culminates in the creation of trial restorations for clinical verification.
Jreige CS, Kimura RN, Segundo ÂRTC, Coachman C, Sesma N. Esthetic treatment planning with digital animation of the smile dynamics: A technique to create a 4-dimensional virtual patient. J Prosthet Dent. 2022 Aug;128(2):130-138. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2020.10.015. Epub 2021 Feb 9. PMID: 33573832.
The DSD ClicGuide System: A new concept for full-arch implant placement and immediate loading rehabilitation using the digital workflow: a clinical report of three cases
This clinical report talks about the DSD ClicGuide to guide implant placement and immediate loading. The system uses a series of digitally designed surgical guides for sequential procedures including extractions, osteotomies, implant placement, and immediate prosthesis installation. Three case studies are presented demonstrating the system's efficacy in achieving full-arch rehabilitation in completely edentulous patients requiring alveolar ridge adjustments. The authors highlight the system's increased predictability and reduced surgical morbidity compared to traditional methods. Further research, such as prospective clinical trials, is recommended to confirm long-term outcomes.
Coachman F, Petrilli G, de Oliveira GJPL, Ghiraldini B, Bezerra FJB. The DSD ClicGuide System: a new concept for full-arch implant placement and immediate loading rehabilitation using the digital workflow: a clinical report of three cases. Rev Odontol Bras Central 2021; 30(89): 20-32. DOI: 10.36065/robrac.v30i89.1432
DSD’s Luken de Arbeloa talks about this article here.
Want to see more clinical articles by DSD?
Luken de Arbeloa offers his insights on clinical papers authored and co-authored by DSD:
Occlusal vertical dimension: treatment planning decisions and management considerations
Layperson’s perception of axial midline angulation in asymmetric faces
The Facial Flow Concept: An organic orofacial analysis - the vertical component
