3Shape and Pulse Interface/CZR Press/PM9

October 30, 2009

Very excited to announce we have received our new 3Shape D700 scanner, and the implementation process went very smoothly.  Yesterday was our first full day in production, and I believe this technology is going to allow us to simultaneously increase the quality of certain products and make them a better value, to boot.

The D700 allows us to scan the preparation, adjacent teeth and opposing model (not a bite registration), and put all that information together to give us a very precise set of data points which can then be used to model an incredibly sophisticated full contour rendition of the final restoration.  The new anatomical libraries residing on the system are a quantum leap from what was available to us on our old system.

Once the final full contour image is rendered, we can then use that data to perform an automated cut-back resulting in two, distinct output files – an anatomical coping insuring adequate support for the veneering ceramic; and an Overpress pattern which is luted to the coping (after casting and opaquing) and subsequently pressed in a strong, leuctite-reinforced ceramic.  (If you don’t believe me, Google Gordon Christensen and Pulse Interface).

The quality of the final product is better due to the monolithic nature of the pressed ceramic veneer – up to 50% stronger than conventionally layered porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations.

The extra value comes when you take advantage of the fact that it actually increases our productivity when you prepare the tooth properly for a 360-degree porcelain butt margin.  In this instance, we can take the coping (printed on our 3D Systems ProJet printer) directly from the printer to investing and casting without any intervening labor required to refine the margin or anatomical nature of the coping.  We only need to marginate the Overpress pattern, which is then pressed – Can you get a better butt margin than those fabricated using pressed ceramics? (No!)

Pulse Interface 3-Unit Posterior Bridge

All this means its actually less time-consuming for us to produce a restoration with a porcelain butt margin than one without.

So, we won’t charge for it.

But, our clients can.

Pretty neat concept – you get to pay less for something for which you can charge more.

You’re welcome…

If you want more information, please call me directly @ 800.678.7354

© 2009, Jeff Saylors. All rights reserved.