THE DIGITAL STREAM

Looking back at this case, I would say that 3D technology allowed us to make a diagnosis that we would have been unable to make in the past. Through the CBCT scan, we were able to see why the patient’s tooth had not erupted and solve a seven-year mystery in the process (the amount of time the patient’s case had been in review when he visited my practice).

You’ve probably heard that computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is rapidly advancing in the field of orthodontics. The most valuable CAD/CAM tool that an orthodontist could introduce to their practice is an intraoral scanner: but is it worth it? There is no doubt numerous benefits to both the doctor and patient, but let’s talk hard numbers and the all-important return on investment of such a purchase.