the DLP Editorial Team

	It’s no secret that digital technologies are taking the dental and lab worlds by storm. The digital transition has led to more efficient workflows, easily accessible patient information and intuitive user interfaces, among other benefits.

Digital Esthetics recently sat down with Dr. Pascal Kunz, vice president of product management digital dentistry at Nobel Biocare, to discuss the digital workflow and its impact on implant treatment.

	1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. What’s your role at Nobel Biocare?

	Kunz: I am a trained medical doctor and dentist and have worked in both professions clinically. In dentistry, I was treating patients on a daily basis for six years until I was asked to join Nobel Biocare. Listening to our customers on a daily basis and benefiting from understanding their unmet needs is central to everything we do here, so it really helps that I have been in their shoes. Innovating for the benefit of the patient and helping the profession to improve through the benefits of modern technology is what drives me. We are now working very closely with colleagues from other companies in the Danaher Dental Platform to streamline our offerings and connect technologies for the next generation of workflows and equipment.

	2. From your perspective, how far into the digital transition has dentistry gone and how much more is there to go?

	Kunz: When I was still working as a clinician, there was no doubt that a digital revolution in dentistry would need to come. The question was when would it truly arrive and what the pace of change would be. Today, we are living in the middle of something I would describe as an evolution and transition period. Dentistry is complex in many ways and other industries with fewer regulatory requirements can potentially move faster.

Read more: Nobel Biocare unveils new solution for faster full-arch restorations

	Patient data is more routinely stored, accessed and shared in digital form, and the industry needs to ensure that patient data is handled correctly, respectfully and securely. This is a responsibility that we take extremely seriously at Nobel Biocare. While technology changes, one thing does not - the need for a clear focus on the patient. In addition, user interfaces for digital technology are increasingly intuitive, and we are aiming for more automation at various steps in the treatment flow.

	There are many dental professionals who, understandably, are wary of new ways of working and prefer to continue using the processes they were originally trained in. The number of early adopters in dentistry remains relatively small, but those who embrace emerging technologies stand to benefit. Technology should help us to become even better, not force us to leave our traditional education and skills untapped. I think overall the industry leaders have realized that digital dentistry has arrived and are beginning to embrace the change that is happening.

	3. Nobel Biocare has recently updated its collaborative workflow. What led you to do this?

	Kunz: The changes you refer to allow 3D surface scan information into our NobelClinician software workflows. This means that owners of intraoral scanners can now export STL or PLY files containing tissue information, in color, into NobelClinician. This can then be used with the software’s SmartFusion feature, which fuses CBCT scans with digital impressions, and a new functionality we call SmartSetup, a fully automated tooth setup completing the partially edentulous imported digital arch with a tooth setup proposal. This can be immediately used for prosthetic-driven treatment planning in NobelClinician already at the first patient visit. This immediately helps to classify the complexity of the treatment by supporting assessment of bone and soft tissue at prosthetically important positions and the need for augmentation. It also fosters broader collaboration within referral teams.

	At Nobel Biocare, we have long appreciated the benefits of bringing skilled dental technicians into the treatment process at the earliest possible stage. The role of the technician is important in so many dental procedures, but particularly in implant treatment. To achieve a truly esthetic, long-lasting outcome with implant treatment, you have to plan the surgery with the prosthetics in mind. Who better to help you with that than the person who will create the prosthesis?

	Our collaborative workflow will allow the dental technician to get involved right from the start of the treatment process so that the restorative solution is taken into consideration already at the implant planning stage.
	As a wealth of research shows, Nobel Biocare implants with the proven TiUnite implant surface and specially developed drill protocols are engineered, tested and cleared to enable immediate loading protocols, probably like no other system. The possibility to provide an esthetic, screw-retained provisional helps the clinician to take full advantage of this and meet his or her patient’s desire to leave the dental office with a smile he or she can be proud of.

Trending article: 10 reasons to be thankful for your lab's customers

	With our workflow, the treatment team has everything they need to get to the desired outcome as efficiently as possible. What’s more, the provisional then also serves as a useful blueprint when the technician is creating the final restoration.

	4. How do you think software and hardware have improved in the last five years?

	Kunz: In traditional workflows, clinicians and labs were quite disconnected. The lab technician was far too often confronted with implant positions that did not adequately take prosthetic requirements into consideration. The lab tools available were largely aimed at ‘bailing out’ such less-than-ideal implant placement instead of preventing mistakes on the clinician’s side in the first place. The latest digital solutions have evolved to become more adaptable, offering greater involvement of the dental technician before decisions on final implant positions are made. The needs of every patient are unique, and today’s workflows are becoming as varied as their needs.

	Developments in IT hardware have played an important role too of course, from graphics cards that allow faster, higher quality visualization to networks and equipment for greater connectivity. The NobelClinician software, for example, has evolved to become a scalable solution for the entire practice. Patient information need no longer be accessed from only one clinician’s computer, but instead can be used swiftly and securely from any room in the dental office.

Trending article: The state of dental implants in 2017

	5. Where do you see dental software and hardware going in the next five years?

	Kunz: A modular approach will likely be increasingly important. By this I mean a ‘plug and play’ experience with digitizing and treatment devices that not only serve a standalone purpose and work straight out of the box, but that can also be quickly and seamlessly integrated into workflows alongside equipment from other manufacturers.
	Further automation and pre-processing of various tasks that are still cumbersome today will become increasingly important. Automation and artificial intelligence will help dental professionals to work in a more structured way and avoid doing the same things twice. As such, I foresee intuitive technology that learns from the user and adapts accordingly will be increasingly in demand. Provided it’s clinically relevant, automation can drive real efficiency gains for dental professionals and patients. But of course, we still believe that skilled humans are a vital part of this setup.

	6. How have recent advances in digital materials improved what dental technicians and dentists can do?

	Kunz: In terms of materials, the latest line of NobelProcera restorations in full-contour high-translucency multilayered zirconia combine strength with excellent esthetics. The role of digital tools is to help technicians make the most of such materials, not least at the design stage.

	For example, the DTX Studio software allows the user to take advantage of the angulated screw channel option for the latest NobelProcera implant-based restorations. This makes it possible to position the screw access hole so that is not located on the facial or incisal edge or in occlusion, while also improving retrievability.

	Digital and more traditional methods can also be combined to help achieve the desired esthetic result. With partial cutback tools in the software, the technician can adapt the design of the restoration for the addition of ceramic layering.

	7. How has the implant world adapted and changed to the digital workflow?

	Kunz: We have certainly seen a very strong uptake of Nobel Biocare digital solutions for dental implant treatment. We are seeing significantly more software installations and more cases planned digitally. The option for guided pilot drilling only has also proved popular, with clinicians understanding the importance of achieving the desired position, depth and angulation of the first drill, but then appreciating the flexibility of a freehand approach.

Related reading: Update brings NobelProcera Crowns to 3Shape users

	The importance of fully understanding the clinical situation, including prosthetic requirements, prior to treatment is greatly valued by clinicians. That’s why we are developing solutions like the DTX Studio software to effectively and accurately combine diagnostic information from various sources, with particularly strong connections to devices from KaVo Kerr, which is also part of the Danaher Dental Platform.

	8. Where do you see dental implants improving in the next decade because of technology?

	Kunz: From a digital dentistry perspective, further enhancing implant treatment will continue to be about providing greater ease of use and the simplification of processes. We are constantly evaluating ways in which we can reduce or combine steps in the treatment and restorative workflows to reduce time-to-teeth. Again, as Nobel Biocare implants with the TiUnite surface are proven to support immediate loading protocols, we are looking specifically at how we can further help dental professionals meet patient demand for immediate solutions.

	Though not a digital topic specifically, potentially the biggest improvement in treatment outcomes lies in dental professionals better understanding the value of using components that are engineered to work together. Restorative components that are not ‘authentic’ or ‘original’ may be lower in price, but even small deviations in fit, not noticeable to the naked eye, can cause serious problems, including implant failure. 

Trending article: What digital dentistry means for implants

	9. What other areas of technology does Nobel Biocare see coming that will change dentistry?

	Kunz: The role of improved visualization should not be underestimated. Excellent esthetic outcomes have to follow a plan. The good news is that cloud-based software will make it easier than ever before for the whole treatment team, both clinical teams and technicians, to visualize the goal right at the beginning of treatment, even if they are based in different locations.

	This collaborative process will be more streamlined than ever before, supported by technology such as the SmartSetup function in the NobelClinician software. This automatically creates a digital wax-up for the teeth identified as missing on the diagnostic scans, supporting an appropriate prosthetic-driven treatment plan.  
	Importantly, improved visualization of esthetic goals will also evolve patient communication. The possibility to present images of the situation, treatment plan and planned outcome at the first appointment will create the ‘aha’ moments that bring the proposed solution to life for the patient. This is valuable, as it enables a more educated consent to treatment.  

	10. Is there anything you would like to add?

	Kunz: While technologies come and go, the human qualities of a skilled, local dental technician remain invaluable. As I see it, the best way for a laboratory to fend off competition from remote providers is to take greater advantage of the personal service they are able to offer. It’s this that can truly form the basis for long-lasting partnerships. Technology should facilitate this relationship - not replace it.

	Dental technicians should not immediately jump on all new technologies either, but assess what are the right tools to help them achieve their goals. At Nobel Biocare that’s our philosophy - we are developing solutions that complement the unique craftsmanship that skilled technicians can offer. They should not feel like they are working in ‘digital’ way, just in the most efficient way for the best possible results. While options exist for other dental professionals to work on the prosthesis, we still believe that a trained dental technician is best placed to develop high-quality prosthetics. When we consider that the implant and the restoration work as one system in the mouth, this is crucial for high-quality treatment outcomes. And above all, it’s in the best interests of the patient.

Articles

Advances in dental software and digital materials are leading to a more collaborative workflow. 

How the digital revolution is making an impact on implant treatment

	The new line of dental scanners from Dental Wings features a completely new look designed with enhanced ease of use in mind, thanks to a wide door opening and fully finished interior panels. The new line, which features the 3Series, the 7Series and the iSeries scanners, reportedly features high scanning accuracy thanks to the scanners’ powerful on-board computers and their high-precision mechanical and optical components.

 as the platform, seamlessly covering extensive multidisciplinary design and planning workflows. The scanners are open architecture through open STL import and export and can import intraoral scan files. Additionally, 

the scanners are equipped with a flexible software configuration

 that can be expanded with additional applications to meet the evolving needs of the lab. Finally, the scanners are equipped with DWOS Connect, through which dental technicians and dentists can share STL files and case related information.

			Design capabilities that cover a complete range of indications, such as inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns, bridges, implant bars, full and partial dentures, custom abutments, bite splints and more

			Integration with implant surgical planning through live connectivity of DWOS

			Access to branded dental materials such as 

			Support and training available via ETI Digital Technology

For more information, contact ETI Digital Technology by visiting 

In this Tech Brief, Dental Lab Products explores how ETI Digital Technology's offerings of Dental Wings scanners can revolutionize the dental lab workflow.

Dental Wings scanners provide excellence in digital imaging

	As scanning options have gotten more portable and compact, they have likewise become more sophisticated.

While the original scanning options took up an entire room (and sometimes then some), today’s options can sit comfortably on a table or desk and be transported, if needed.

The options in this month’s roundup all contain advanced, innovative technology, including multi-line, advanced blue light, five-axis, optical structured light and strip light projection technologies and conoscoptic holography. Features range from high speed 3D cameras to high resolution data output, precision lasers and rotating robotic arms.

We wanted to bring lab technicians a quick roundup of some of the leading benchtop scanner options out there. Whether you’re a small lab, large lab or somewhere in between, here is a snapshot of some of the top benchtop scanner companies and products.

 released new versions of its D-series desktop scanners and two new D-series models–D2000 and D1000. The D2000 and D1000 feature multi-line scanning technology-a new 3Shape proprietary scanning technology shown in trials to increase scanning speeds by 30 percent. The two scanners are equipped with 4 x 5.0 MP cameras and high quality mechanics to reportedly improve scanning accuracy. They are also said to boost speed and performance and include three years of LABcare, which features yearly software updates, product training and service.
	
	908-867-0144
	

 is designed to stand for a high degree of operating comfort and high resolution scan data, which are created using strip light projection. Highly sensitive 3D sensors are designed to provide a precise image of the model. The particularly large measuring field is said to enable quick, efficient scanning of dental models using only two axes, which reportedly greatly reduces the scan times. This scanner also easily records articulated models in an occlusal relationship-a prerequisite if a “virtual articulator” is used in the design software for an automatic fully anatomical framework design. The Ceramill Map400 has an open interface so scans (STL files) can also be loaded in other CAD programs. 
	
	704-837-1404
	

Find more benchtop scanners on Page 2 ...


	Using proprietary conoscopic holography technology, 

 impression scanner is designed to conquer the complexities involved in accurately scanning steep angles, narrow or deep holes and undercuts captured in the dental impression that has been the bane of other 3D scanners. Full-jaw or quadrant impressions can be scanned without the need for powder. Triple-tray scanning with occlusion registration is done automatically. The DSi 6000 is said to allow dental laboratories or offices to accurately scan and design restorations with exocad CAD software directly from the impression, thus eliminating the need for creating gypsum models and improving productivity.
	
	800-422-7373
	

ETI Digital Technology
	Dental Wings 7Series

 is designed to combine years of mechanical engineering experience with state-of-the-art technology components. The optical setup, running with five axes and two high speed cameras reportedly give access to a superior scanning volume (140 mm x 140 mm x 140 mm) with a high degree of accuracy. The scan chamber is large enough for fully articulated models. The 7Series is said to demonstrate high precision scanning of both models and impressions and can scan 30 copings in 15 minutes. Included software applications range from implant prosthetics to partial frameworks, and optional applications for restorations like full dentures and bite splints are available.
	
	714-238-1490
	

 is said to offer patients the highest standards for complex dental prosthetics. With the push of a button, the DSi 6000’s advanced scanning technology is designed to capture the dental contours of impression materials with extraordinary precision, including narrow and deep holes, steep angles and other features that are difficult to scan. The DSi 600 is based on Optimet’s patented conoscopic holography, where the scanner’s transmitted laser path is exactly the same as the reflected laser path, which records the shape of the dental impression. It can also scan a wide range of dental impression materials, meaning dentists can use the resources they are most comfortable with minus powders.  
	
	877-446-0814
	

Related reading: Chairside scanner offers microprecision with push of a button

 is an automated scanner that is designed to be capable of providing users with detailed and precise scanning data by using advanced blue light technology. Autoscan-DS200 is mainly designed for dental applications. 

 offers the scanning solution to dental labs, which helps clients entering into the CAD/CAM digitizing dental field. The new-generation AutoScan-DS200 dental scanner adopts blue light technology, reportedly providing excellent data quality and improving the scanning algorithm. In addition, it is said to capture the complete plaster model and mark drawings by hand clearly. The fine details are said to offer a reference in the digitizing design for dental technicians. AutoScan-DS200 is designed to provide fully automatic scanning in one-click, reportedly making it efficient and cost-effective.  
	
	+86-571-82999050
	

 is said to be a revolutionary 3D scanner that features a unique robot arm, innovative model positioning and the latest scanning technology for reportedly unrivalled precision, flexible handling and a comprehensive spectrum of applications, including scanning both models and physical impressions. The inEos X5 is designed to employ superior five-axis technology that utilizes a robotic arm to enable quick, automatic positioning of the model while reducing data quantities and accelerating model computation. The automatic image capture function allows free movement of the model in any direction, reportedly providing complete control of the angle and producing a scan only of the required treatment area with interactive control and flexibility. This function is said to ensure maximum efficiency and has been further enhanced by a manual scanning option that provides quick and efficient capture for more simple restorations.
	
	800-659-5977
	

“The inEos X5 is an essential part of our lab’s work flow. Precision scans, ease of use, reliability and speed allow us to produce a larger number of crown and bridge restorations with accuracy and shorter turn around times. Additionally, we are able to save labor, outsourcing expenses and shipping costs. The STL export features allow us to digitally send our scanned in models to milling centers of our choice for custom titanium abutments or SLM copings and frameworks. In addition to being able to scan our models and PVS impressions, we are able to receive cases through Sirona Connect, a digital network that allows us access to tens of thousands of clinical CEREC users worldwide.”
	-

 optical-structured light scanner has twin cameras that are adaptable to all articulator types, a beltless precision mechanism, a 360° rotational and 100° tilting axis and an extra-large measuring field. In combination with the Zirkonzahn.Scan scanning software, you can register your articulator into the scanner to measure its axes. The scanner, with a precision of less than 10 microns, can record practically every point of the object digitally-even undercuts can be measured very easily. The scanner features two high speed cameras and a new projector for fast scanning and exports data in .STL format.
	
	678-441-9419
	

Related reading: Zirkonzahn M1 milling units offer multiple options for milling

 As scanning options have gotten more portable and compact, they have likewise become more sophisticated.

Benchtop Scanners 360º

	While benchtop work is important, it’s also important to properly 

 and your cases in order to make sure your work is as efficient and cost-effective as possible.

After all, all the creativity in the world won’t make your dental laboratory profitable if you’re not able to finish cases in time or bill in a timely fashion.

With that reality in mind, we put together this snapshot of some of the 

 on the markets so they can make sure they’re managing their business and their cases to the best of their abilities.

You’ll find software here that helps you better communicate with dentists, software that connects you to workflow solutions and software that helps you trace a case from acceptance all the way to billing. Plus, this roundup provides a number of ways to access the information, from 

 that allow you to control your business from your phone to seamlessly integrated start-to-finish options that let your laboratory connect directly to your clients for ease in communication and case planning.

Software has changed how we do everyday tasks, from communicating with our families to how we spend our time. Isn’t it time your dental laboratory experienced the same innovation?

Video: All in this together: How your dental lab can prosper in 2015


	CAPZilla is the workflow engine that automates the manual portions of 

 to streamline digital dental fabrication from end to end. The proprietary solution is designed to enable more lean manufacturing in dental labs, provides increased visibility for lab managers and owners and decreases man hours while increasing profit. CAPZilla optimizes nesting of cases for higher mill efficiency, provides traceability for materials compliance, helps avoid double data entry and provides reports through a unified dashboard.

“CAPZilla provides a connection between various open CAD/CAM systems in order to reduce labor, track production metrics and increase visibility. The scanning and designing automation components alone have drastically increased our customers’ productivity.”
	-


	DDX is a web-based service free to dental practices and highly affordable for dental labs that reportedly gives dental practices, labs and milling and production centers a fast, safe and efficient way to exchange and manage dental lab cases. DDX bundles the lab prescription, case notes, digital files (e.g. photos, scans, etc.), case invoices, case payments and everything else into a single digital envelope. The process of submitting, tracking and processing dental lab cases is now completely automated and secure.

“Once dentists and labs understand the power of DDX ... it will absolutely transform the business.”
	-

The List: Top 5 ways to help your clients go digital


	DentaLab for QuickBooks is dental lab software designed to offer true synchronization with financial management. The software offers users the choice of keyboard, barcodes or tablets to easily track and measure workflow and features email notifications and direct emails for case coordination. The software can include digital images and scanned documents from dental offices. DentaLab for QuickBooks also reportedly makes it very easy for labs to comply with government regulations and offers online prescription entry. Additionally, communications can be customized and tied into a lab’s website. Mainstreet Systems also prides itself on excellent support and customer service.  

“DentaLab for QuickBooks easily synchronizes data to QuickBooks for simple and accurate statement creation and reports for my accountant. Scanning has become a big part of submitting cases for us, as we scan all prescriptions and custom shade diagrams for easy retrieval and also lot and batch numbers for certain items. Plus, we download photos of our own or from the doctor. We have also taken advantage of the ability to add digital images to our invoices and statements. Overall, I have been happy with this software for over four years and would highly recommend it.”
	-Kirk Randolph, CDT, 

Related reading: How to handle digital files from your dental clients


	DLCPM Net is designed to empower smaller laboratories with the tools and technology that encourage accountability, organization and growth. The system provides full access to customer account information, call tracking, case scheduling, production tasks and sales and accounting data-all stored securely with redundant high-speed servers. As a cloud-based solution, users avoid the expense of purchasing computer servers and hiring IT staff to support hardware.

“I have collaborated with MTSI through several companies over a span of eight years. Now, as I scale up Modern Dental North America, Magic Touch continues to be our management software. The product is excellent and, most importantly, Gary and his team deliver on their promise of great support after the sale!“
	-

Video: 9 digital lab trends you NEED to know


	Evident dental lab software is a complete management system for dental laboratories of any size, designed to handle a number of tasks, from recording case information and dentist accounts to production scheduling and technician production reporting. Easy-to-use, nothing to install and providing excellent customer support, Evident was named the 2014 JDT readers’ choice. Evident is engineered to bring problems to users’ attention before they get out of hand and affect business relationships. Get a personalized online demo today and see how so many dental labs are empowering their business with Evident.  

“The Evident software is the best solution for today’s dental laboratory business environment. A must for those dental laboratory owners who need to improve productivity and profit. Before you make a decision on your next software purchase, Evident should be your first call.”
	-Warren Rogers, 

Video: 10 questions: Evident lab management software


	LabAnnex was designed to easily manage customers, cases, calls and note management, invoices, sales, payments and statements in one web-based system. Many smaller labs can be at a disadvantage when it comes to purchasing crucial dental lab management software, which in turn makes it even more difficult to compete. But LabAnnex is provided free of charge to arm these same labs for sustained growth through improved customer service, process optimization and lab accountability. This approach is said to allow smaller laboratories to create the same integrated infrastructure that large-scale laboratories enjoy.


	LabStar dental lab software organizes dental labs and transforms client relationships to help lab businesses grow. Fully customizable for both large and small labs, LabStar manages digital workflows but just as easily lets users manage hand-built restorations. Every feature-online case entry, barcoding, invoicing, secure messaging, sales management, production, reporting, client logins and more-is built with the newest technology and designed to save technicians time in the lab. LabStar also connects users to services such as 

 and credit card processing to help the lab run more efficiently. Additionally, users can work anywhere with LabStar’s 

-compliant logins from any Internet-connected device-so users can spend more time doing the things they want to do. 
	
	“Let’s face it, with hundreds of units moving through our lab each week, we can’t make mistakes. LabStar allows us to incorporate the latest lean manufacturing into our customized workflow, and it also integrates case tracking, CRM, invoicing, statements, online lab prescriptions and access from anywhere! I want the best for our clients, and LabStar helps us perform at our best.”
	-

Related reading: LabStar's new, secure cloud-computing solution


	Labtrac is a suite of software that helps manage any dental laboratory business. Designed for labs of all sizes, from small teams and individuals through to multi-site and large production facilities, the software is comprised of a core set of features and additional add-ons to help specific roles and functions. The heart of the product is a case management and invoicing system that works for single and multi-stage jobs. Paperless billing, 3D files and patient images are all supported along with a cloud portal for dentists to view and submit work. Labtrac also provides full production planning and dynamic rescheduling to ensure the priority cases are worked on first. Technicians can use touchscreen or tablet devices to view job details and photographs as well as track completed work.
	
	“Labtrac are very helpful and knowledgeable; product and industry knowledge is second to none. They accommodate any reasonable request and have played a significant part in Sparkle Dental Labs’ growth with touchscreen work tracking and a fully customizable reporting suite. Without a doubt the best software product for dental labs.”
	-Nick Turner, 

Related reading: The top 5 dental lab trends of 2014


	Seazona is a complete system for managing your dental lab. Reported features include case tracking and scheduling, accounting, doctor’s web access, barcoding and much more. Seazona is completely web-based, so there is no software to install or expensive hardware to purchase. Seazona is also designed to be the most affordable dental lab software on the market today. For a flat fee, users get two websites: one for doctors to view invoices and statements online, and one for the dental lab to manage its business.

Video: A new, FREE way to be HIPPA-compliant


	Sirona Connect is designed to act as a strategic partner for laboratories looking to build their digital impression business. Sirona Connect facilitates direct digital communication between dentists and 

 laboratories. Through Sirona Connect, laboratories reportedly can save additional expenses and eliminate time-consuming labor by converting to digital impressions, market Sirona Connect to existing 

 dentists as well as their main accounts and gain increased access to all restorative indications, such as bridgework, full gold crowns, PFMs, full contour zirconia and more. 

“Sirona Connect has helped propel my business to instant success. A truly all-digital workflow opens up doors to improved doctor-to-lab communication with full color digital impressions and fewer remakes with precise optical impressions. Clinicians can check the quality prior to sending to the lab, and we provide faster fabrication times with no need for case pick-up. We also have lower overhead by cutting out the model room and shipping expenses. Model-free is a reality. “
	-Tra’ Chambers, owner, Express Dental Laboratory

Video: Increase esthetics and ROI with Sirona inLab and Sirona Connect


	Communicate™ is a tool that lets labs and dentists share case information and view 3D designs online. With Communicate, dental professionals can share impressions, design images, 3D previews of proposed designs, suggested margin lines and questions or comments. Clinicians can also access cases and communicate anywhere and anytime-directly from the 

 through a PC, tablet or smartphone. Additionally, the iOS app allows dental professionals to communicate anywhere and any time. With the app, dentists can communicate with the lab, rotate and view the scan and restoration in 3D anywhere and anytime. Additionally, with Communicate, dentists gain access to the worldwide install-base of 3Shape labs. Every TRIOS® system comes with a free 3Shape Communicate™ account that includes adequate cloud storage space and unlimited lab connection possibilities. Connection is easy-only an email address is needed and cloud space can be expanded if needed. 

Video: 3Shape's dental system gets expansion of capabilities

This article originally appeared in the January 2015 issue of 

. For more great articles like this every month, 

 While benchtop work is important, it’s also important to properly manage your lab and your cases in order to make sure your work is as efficient and cost-effective as possible.