Can not find a single negative thing to say about my transactions with CAD-Ray. Great people, absolutely unbelievable customer service, and the best products.They stand behind the products they sell as strongly as the manufacturers do. - 4/27/2022
Mark Geddes
Love my medit! Cad-ray has been awesome to work with and very educational in learning all things digital . Was doing a study club with 4 other dr's showing off the medit and the cerec dr who had just bought the newest kept saying, "mine doesn't do...read moreLove my medit! Cad-ray has been awesome to work with and very educational in learning all things digital . Was doing a study club with 4 other dr's showing off the medit and the cerec dr who had just bought the newest kept saying, "mine doesn't do that. No way! I wish mine could do that. For real? I paid 4 times as much."
Needless to say the medit is awesome.read less - 6/18/2020
Best dental equipment company I have ever worked with! Great response and super helpful for any issues even years later. - 8/03/2023
John Eum
Love all the staff there. Great support and instruction from Armen, Laura, Damien. We are very grateful for Kaila who has been incredible in getting us going - very friendly, professional and responsive. Thank you! - 7/03/2024
Dino Mantis
I purchased the Medit700 a couple of months ago. I have the Cerec Primescan and what a difference!!! The Medit is easy to use and efficient!!! They have a great support system> Laura Geney is amazing. She is almost like being on call anytime I have a...read moreI purchased the Medit700 a couple of months ago. I have the Cerec Primescan and what a difference!!! The Medit is easy to use and efficient!!! They have a great support system> Laura Geney is amazing. She is almost like being on call anytime I have a question. If she is not available (which was only once) the person that helped me logged in and took care of my problem!! I highly recommend this scanner!!!read less - 12/30/2021
Ajitha Gereddy
We purchased Medit i-500 with CAD ray last December and customer support is great.One of best thing for our practice is having intra oral scanner ,works great . Laura was very patient with our learning curve. - 12/10/2021
Roopam Garg
I purchased Medit scanner few weeks ago . Frank and Nick have been really excellent answering my questions promptly. The scanner itself is wonderful with no back fees , customer service is top notch. The entire team works fast and helps you out. I st...read moreI purchased Medit scanner few weeks ago . Frank and Nick have been really excellent answering my questions promptly. The scanner itself is wonderful with no back fees , customer service is top notch. The entire team works fast and helps you out. I strongly recommend this scanner!read less - 6/17/2020
Frank DeLuca was very helpful even though i didn't buy Medit from Cad ray ! Had an issue and my original dealer was not helpful and i contacted Cad ray thinking it was direct Medit. Frank was extremely nice to log in and do what ever he could until ...read moreFrank DeLuca was very helpful even though i didn't buy Medit from Cad ray ! Had an issue and my original dealer was not helpful and i contacted Cad ray thinking it was direct Medit. Frank was extremely nice to log in and do what ever he could until Medit could take over. would give 7 stars if available.read less - 8/10/2022
JCarlos Mendoza
Had a good experience when purchasing my scanner, it was very easy, and to date after three months of using the scanner no support is a plus, anytime I call me I will answer and troubleshoot - 7/10/2022
Micah Bickel
Great support services and training from Cad-Ray, they are always very helpful and responsive. I have been using the I500 in my offices for the last two years and loving it. - 11/01/2021
CAD-Ray is a great resource for all things digital. Knowledgeable team but also able to anticipate your needs and because they’ve done it so many times they seem to know what you need before you do! Definitely the first place to look for digital ha...read moreCAD-Ray is a great resource for all things digital. Knowledgeable team but also able to anticipate your needs and because they’ve done it so many times they seem to know what you need before you do! Definitely the first place to look for digital hardware and integration!read less - 6/16/2020
Tony Cascino
I just purchased the CAD-Ray unit at Chicago Mid Winter meeting. We have used it for single crowns so far and have been very pleased. Nick was my sales contact and he has helped a great deal with some of our 'learning curve " issues. I looked at a nu...read moreI just purchased the CAD-Ray unit at Chicago Mid Winter meeting. We have used it for single crowns so far and have been very pleased. Nick was my sales contact and he has helped a great deal with some of our 'learning curve " issues. I looked at a number of scanners and felt CAD-Ray was the best-two of the labs I use also feel it is the best scanner.read less - 5/12/2020
Ma. Teresa Santana
Best support and customer service ever! My scanner is long past warranty and they still answer all my questions. When it's time to upgrade I'll be buying from them again. A friend bought same scanner from another vendor and got zero support. I had to...read moreBest support and customer service ever! My scanner is long past warranty and they still answer all my questions. When it's time to upgrade I'll be buying from them again. A friend bought same scanner from another vendor and got zero support. I had to help them. Told her next time buy from Cad Rayread less - 5/11/2024
Franco Picofazzi
Great product at an affordable price, not to mention Andy's help at customer service. Highly recommended. - 6/23/2022
I have had done business with these guys. I am impressed with their Amazing Customer service. John and Armen are great. I have and will order lots of stuff from them. Kudos to them!!!! - 6/19/2020
LoAn Huynh
Erika is one of a kind! She truly is patient with me. She has gone above and beyond to help me every time I call her. We have a few locations and she is always prompt in her responses and always manages to find a solution for me. I wish every rep was...read moreErika is one of a kind! She truly is patient with me. She has gone above and beyond to help me every time I call her. We have a few locations and she is always prompt in her responses and always manages to find a solution for me. I wish every rep was reachable ALL THE TIME and helpful! Thank you Erika! ❤️read less - 6/04/2025
Brandon Erickson
I have strong feelings about how great CAD-Ray has been. I purchased a medit i500 scanner from my lap, they wanted to use it for courses which aren't happening now so he didn't want to be sitting with this expensive piece of technology sitting aroun...read moreI have strong feelings about how great CAD-Ray has been. I purchased a medit i500 scanner from my lap, they wanted to use it for courses which aren't happening now so he didn't want to be sitting with this expensive piece of technology sitting around. Before purchasing he and I both talked to the Nobel sales rep who assured me that everything would transfer over just fine. I was concerned about the learning curve and wanted to be sure that I would have tech support. I asked the rep directly and he assured me again that everything would be great and he would come do an in-depth training with me. Long story short, the sales rep had no clue what he was doing and put very little effort in to helping me once the purchase was complete. I asked him over the phone how to do a few things and his response was to call CAD-Ray. They explained that this happens, they would love to help me but asked that I purchase the service package. That was a game changer. Now all of my questions getting answered, their response time is amazing and their understanding of the machine is by far better then the Nobel reps. The scanner is great but combine that with their tech support and I feel like I'm set up for success. If I were to do this again, I would skip the headache of trying to save a little bit of money and purchase it through CAD-Ray. But even with making the mistake, I feel like they have programs and support set up to point me in the right direction.read less - 10/15/2020
David Wheeler
I have had excellent , prompt , customer service and support from the entire team . Especially from Frank DeLuca as I move along the learning curve. His patients and expertise is much appreciated - 1/24/2023
Shant Aharonian
Cad-ray has to be the best company to work with when it comes to digital dentistry solutions. Here are the reasons why:
1. Experience. Everyone in the company has extensive experience in dentistry. They have used all digital platforms and offer cust...read moreCad-ray has to be the best company to work with when it comes to digital dentistry solutions. Here are the reasons why:
1. Experience. Everyone in the company has extensive experience in dentistry. They have used all digital platforms and offer customers first hand experience.
2. Honesty. Based on their experience they share all the good/bad of different systems. They work with you to find a solution that works best for you. Not sell you the piece of the equipment that gives them the biggest commission.
3. Support. Cad-ray offers the missing piece of the dentist/digital manufacturer puzzle. Many other distributors sell you a piece of equipment but don’t have true day-to-day experience with that equipment. Cad-ray’s team openly share their expertise to help customers optimize their workflows with great technology.
4. Passion. The Cad-ray team is extremely passionate about their craft. They truly believe in what they have to offer.
I took Armen Mirzayan’s course on intraoral scanning and it was truly mind blowing. Armen’s insights will help any dentist optimize their craft. I purchased the full sprintray 3d printing ecosystem the help of Frank. I plan to purchase more equipment from cad-ray.
Also, Jesse is a genius in regards to all aspect of digital workflows. I’m truly grateful for this company and everyone who I’ve worked with so far.read less - 10/07/2022
AJ Ganir
Cadray has great support and service! They are very responsive to questions. Love the new medit scanner! - 5/06/2021
Collin Kwasnik
will never buy any product they offer from any other company regardless of price. this team is the best and incredible. - 6/05/2022
Brenden Rogers
This company is excellent. Their knowledge, support, and sincerity is unmatched.Thank you, Frank, Damien, and Jonathan. You guys rock! - 5/08/2025
Matt McReynolds
Great scanner (medit i500) and mill (coritec one). They were great for an open system that allows me to do just about anything. - 6/16/2020
Nisarg Parikh
Absolutely a phenomenal company. Everyone you engage with is extremely knowledgeable and helpful.I’m sure they get the same questions day in, day out but they are happy to help you without being condescending. The entire team has been helpful through...read moreAbsolutely a phenomenal company. Everyone you engage with is extremely knowledgeable and helpful.I’m sure they get the same questions day in, day out but they are happy to help you without being condescending. The entire team has been helpful through phone calls, the Cad-Ray FB group, and recorded webinars. Jonathan helped me get a great deal, Laura was awesome on the webinar, Damien is always answering questions on FB, and Armen had a great in-person presentation in Dallas. 100% recommend.read less - 4/22/2022
Kent Lysgaard
This company has the best customer support I have ever experienced. I purchased the I700 Intraoral scanner and the transition from impression material to io scanner has been so easy because of Cad-Ray. I highly recommend them. The response to questi...read moreThis company has the best customer support I have ever experienced. I purchased the I700 Intraoral scanner and the transition from impression material to io scanner has been so easy because of Cad-Ray. I highly recommend them. The response to questions/issues is instantaneous even with a patient in the chair they have the capability to go online and help. Absolutely first rate.read less - 4/13/2022
Alexandra Lentz
Cad-Ray has been awesome to work with, very knowledgeable and quick to respond. Nick has been answering all my questions since day 1 and made the entire process of purchasing the Medit i700 a breeze. Can't believe how quick the product shipped and ca...read moreCad-Ray has been awesome to work with, very knowledgeable and quick to respond. Nick has been answering all my questions since day 1 and made the entire process of purchasing the Medit i700 a breeze. Can't believe how quick the product shipped and cannot wait to start scanning with it!read less - 12/15/2021
Very pleased with Heather :) She has been able to solve any and all issues I may be having, and does so within the same day if not right away! - 6/16/2022
P. Andrew Benson
For me, getting this scanner was not a choice between Medit vs Itero or Medit vs Trios. Those companies have already eliminated themselves from consideration based on ridiculous cost, ridiculous ongoing fees, and greater concern for petty proprieta...read moreFor me, getting this scanner was not a choice between Medit vs Itero or Medit vs Trios. Those companies have already eliminated themselves from consideration based on ridiculous cost, ridiculous ongoing fees, and greater concern for petty proprietary posturing than for ensuring full functionality of their products to their usership. Typical dental tech company stuff.
The real decision was between Medit vs continuing life in analog dentistry. Medit through Cad-ray was really the only choice. Awesome packages , awesome access to free training videos, awesome software updates, awesome access to live support, awesome support staff.
There's just nothing better in dentistry than to get a great product AND a chance to stick it to the man.read less - 6/16/2020
Laura has always been so helpful with the medit when we needed assistance or resources. The training she provided the office was invaluable! She is quick to respond whenever we reach out. 13/10 - would recommend her to anyone looking to get a medit ...read moreLaura has always been so helpful with the medit when we needed assistance or resources. The training she provided the office was invaluable! She is quick to respond whenever we reach out. 13/10 - would recommend her to anyone looking to get a medit scanner.read less - 12/16/2021
Michael White
Everyone I have dealt with during the process of buying my new N4 VHF mill (which by the way is fantastic) last year to buying a new iMedit 500 scanner. Having the open type system has been a God send. No more held hostage by the 2 main systems us ...read moreEveryone I have dealt with during the process of buying my new N4 VHF mill (which by the way is fantastic) last year to buying a new iMedit 500 scanner. Having the open type system has been a God send. No more held hostage by the 2 main systems us same day crown dentists have had to deal with for years. Cad-ray made the financing a snap and the post customer support is unbelievable. Thank you everyone at Cad-Rayread less - 5/12/2020
Sean Landgraf
Truly Great Service. Glad I purchased my scanner here. - 8/03/2023
Francois Dillinger
These guys are the best. They provide so much help and insight with the Medit. I can't say enough great things about them and their continued support. I truly appreciate everything!! - 6/16/2020
Dr. Howard Lassin
Great 1st lesson with Ryan on the Mediti700. We are ready to scan:) - 12/30/2022
Shant Aharonian
Cad-ray has to be the best company to work with when it comes to digital dentistry solutions. Here are the reasons why: 1. Experience. Everyone in the company has extensive experience in dentistry. They have used all digital platforms and offer custo...read moreCad-ray has to be the best company to work with when it comes to digital dentistry solutions. Here are the reasons why: 1. Experience. Everyone in the company has extensive experience in dentistry. They have used all digital platforms and offer customers first hand experience. 2. Honesty. Based on their experience they share all the good/bad of different systems. They work with you to find a solution that works best for you. Not sell you the piece of the equipment that gives them the biggest commission. 3. Support. Cad-ray offers the missing piece of the dentist/digital manufacturer puzzle. Many other distributors sell you a piece of equipment but don’t have true day-to-day experience with that equipment. Cad-ray’s team openly share their expertise to help customers optimize their workflows with great technology. 4. Passionate. The Cad-ray team is extremely passionate about their craft. They truly believe in what they have to offer. I took Armen Mirzayan’s course on intraoral scanning and it was truly mind blowing. Armen’s insights will help any dentist optimize their craft. I purchased the full sprintray 3d printing ecosystem the help of Frank. I plan to purchase more equipment from cad-ray. Also, Jesse is a genius in regards to all aspect of digital workflows. I’m truly grateful for this company and everyone who I’ve worked with so far.read less - 10/07/2022
Stephen S
Choosing an digital intraoral scanner these days can be quite a daunting task. When I reached out to CAD-Ray, as was recommended by many colleagues, I was connected to Frank DeLuca, and he made my decision-making process very simple. Upon receiving...read moreChoosing an digital intraoral scanner these days can be quite a daunting task. When I reached out to CAD-Ray, as was recommended by many colleagues, I was connected to Frank DeLuca, and he made my decision-making process very simple. Upon receiving my 3shape Trios 4 scanner, Frank and the entire tech support team/customer service were very helpful every step of the way. Frank makes himself available when he can in order to address all of the questions I have regarding the digital workflow. I highly recommend CAD-Ray. It will make your transition to digital scanning a positive experience.read less - 1/24/2023
arthur lyford
I cannot say enough about the support I have received from the beginning. I chose CadRay ultimately because of the support reviews...I can attest first hand...they are all right on...though I have been practicing for more than 35 years, this old dog...read moreI cannot say enough about the support I have received from the beginning. I chose CadRay ultimately because of the support reviews...I can attest first hand...they are all right on...though I have been practicing for more than 35 years, this old dog has been taught a lot of new tricks from the support staff at Cad Ray...Truly impressed with every interaction so far! Thanksread less - 5/11/2023
Mary Oliverie
Last year when I started looking into the Medit i500 I had my front desk call 3 sellers to get preliminary information. She told me hands down call CAD-RAY and don’t bother with the others. Boy was she right! Frank got us going with all our hardware ...read moreLast year when I started looking into the Medit i500 I had my front desk call 3 sellers to get preliminary information. She told me hands down call CAD-RAY and don’t bother with the others. Boy was she right! Frank got us going with all our hardware needs and trained us until all our questions were answered. Then Jonathon and Armen jumped in at our 2 day live training in Baltimore. I still review my notes to implement all the great ideas. When I get myself in a jam time to time CAD-RAY responds immediately and fixes my problem. Best decision I have made in the practice in a long time - Thank you everyone at CAD-RAY!read less - 10/09/2019
Loving my Medit i700. My crowns have never fit better, and scanning is SOO easy. I started with cad-ray with the i500. The training and support have been second to none. I upgraded to the i700 shortly after it came out, and recently had a warranty is...read moreLoving my Medit i700. My crowns have never fit better, and scanning is SOO easy. I started with cad-ray with the i500. The training and support have been second to none. I upgraded to the i700 shortly after it came out, and recently had a warranty issue with the new scanner. immediately after calling them with my problem. A new scanner was overnighted to my office, I was very pleased, and had minimal down time.read less - 4/05/2022
Christopher Chin
This was my intro into intraoral scanning and I did research for quite awhile. The i500 and the team at Cad Ray are top notch. The company has done such a great job putting this scanner in the ranks of the premier ones. With constant updates it gets...read moreThis was my intro into intraoral scanning and I did research for quite awhile. The i500 and the team at Cad Ray are top notch. The company has done such a great job putting this scanner in the ranks of the premier ones. With constant updates it gets better and better (though I’m still behind on updates). My crowns have never been better. They drop right in with no models. I didn’t believe it but I’m loving digital dentistry. I can’t wait to go to the class after COVID calms down!read less - 6/16/2020
As a lab we see a lot of scans. Great quality and easy to create great restorations from the Medit offices that send us work.- Jarvis dental lab - 1/29/2019
ryan ku
I've been using this for almost 2 months now and I just love it. At this price point, ROI is a no-brainer. The convenience factor is amazing. I only did the DIY online training and I'm pretty confident doing the scan. I've signed up for the actual ...read moreI've been using this for almost 2 months now and I just love it. At this price point, ROI is a no-brainer. The convenience factor is amazing. I only did the DIY online training and I'm pretty confident doing the scan. I've signed up for the actual course so looking forward to seeing it's greater potentials.read less - 10/14/2019
CAD-Ray keeps knocking it out of the park. Upgraded from i500 to i700. Transition was seamless! Thanks again guys! - 11/15/2022
jorge lube
I live in Puerto Rico and Cad-Ray made my decision easy when it comes to purchasing Dental equipment. I decided to call after having connection issues with my i700 and Andy responded immediately. He was very pleasant to work with and within 2 days, r...read moreI live in Puerto Rico and Cad-Ray made my decision easy when it comes to purchasing Dental equipment. I decided to call after having connection issues with my i700 and Andy responded immediately. He was very pleasant to work with and within 2 days, received my brand new cord. I can always always rely on Cad-Ray for their incredible support and highly recommend this company to anyone looking to explore digital dentistry.read less - 12/30/2021
Samir Rana
Ive had the medit since 2018. One of the best decisions in dentistry ive made. I met some of the great trend setters in digital dentistry(armen, jonathan ab and others through social media platforms). Medit Has changed The way i practice, live and ...read moreIve had the medit since 2018. One of the best decisions in dentistry ive made. I met some of the great trend setters in digital dentistry(armen, jonathan ab and others through social media platforms). Medit Has changed The way i practice, live and think! Happy not to have a monthly fee as i did for years. Support is always a message or call away. Would be glad
To further share my experience with you if u need.read less - 6/16/2020
Krupal Chhotu
Finally going digital and Cad-Ray was the place to start. Got the Medit i500 and began scanning right away. Now I am doing digital dentures, making my own surgical stents, etc. The support available is the best. "Frank" is always available! :) - 10/09/2019
Kaila is an incredible Rep! Hope Cad-Ray knows what a great employee they have. Thank you Kaila! - 12/16/2021
Northwest Orthodontics
Every staff member has been very helpful and kind every time we call. Thank you! - 7/24/2024
Suzanne Stock
Excellent experience, customer service has been stupendous! - 11/20/2023
Thomas Lim
5 stars for a great product and great service. After much research I knew I was set on the Medit 500. I considered some of my local equipment reps, as well as cad-ray. Cad-ray won out due to their efficiency, speed of service, and knowledge. The...read more5 stars for a great product and great service. After much research I knew I was set on the Medit 500. I considered some of my local equipment reps, as well as cad-ray. Cad-ray won out due to their efficiency, speed of service, and knowledge. Their online presence makes it easy to get help via messaging, social media, or phone.
The scanner itself works great, but make sure to contact them to get the minimum specs required for a laptop -- it will make a difference in how the scanner performs.
To make the scanner mobile, I purchased this cart from Staples: https://www.staples.com/Oklahoma-Sound-Premium-Audio-Visual-Presentation-Cart-40-1-2-H-x-18-W-x-30-D-Black-Ivory-Wood/product_932437.
Lastly, I purchased "3M Dual Lock Fastener" to keep the power module attached to the wand from falling off the cart. I carry the scanner between two offices, so I wanted something sturdy, but removable. (see in photos). The hockey puck shaped holder (comes with the scanner) works great for holding the wand itself.read less - 10/10/2019
In this video we demonstrate a simple premolar case that is prepared and imaged with the Medit i500, designed in the cad software named exocad and then milled with the imes icor coritec one machine. Pay attention to the order and sequence of events and how we leverage anesthesia time with scanning time.
We have a large library of instructional videos on our site that can be found on our support page that can help you learn everything there is to know about the Medit i500
We are very pleased with millbox and the imes icore coritec one for a chairside milling solution. We’ve been testing it for a long time and its CAM (millbox) is very intuitive and the results are always predictable. It can mill titanium abutments, emax, and zirconia blocks.
The following videos illustrate how you can image a scanbody intra-orally and then design it in cad software. Here we used exocad to identify the biomax RP implant and designed both the custom titanium abutment and the suprastructure, both of which were milled with the CORiTEC ONE
There are so many implant and component libraries in cad/cam dentistry which can lead to a lot of confusion. What we highly recommend is that you visually compare the part numbers that you will be using with the part numbers displayed on the millbox software. One letter or number difference and the mistakes will have a profound impact on the bottom line of a dental practice
In this case presentation, we feature a crown that needs to be replaced due to open margins and recurrent decay.
With the Medit i500, after the patient is anesthetized and the area is isolated, the pre-existing crown is imaged in the pre-op catalog box. The area to be prepared is cropped out in anticipation of the imaging the modified preparation.
Once the crown is removed, expasyl is packed into the sulcus with a Number 2 cord. With the pre-op bitewings X-ray it was readily apparent that the tissue should be positively displaced in order to capture the margins. It took two layers of cord to achieve hemostasis for imaging with the Medit i500.
While placing the margin in the native imaging software, it was noted that some tissue was obscuring the margin on the lingual side. The area was isolated both clinically and in the software. It was cropped out and filled in with ‘good data’ after proper protection of the adjacent teeth and margins so that we did not obscure their geometry.
Once the margins are identified and the case is processed it is automatically imported into exocad for design and then sent to the Imes Icore CORiTEC Once for manufacturing. The emax restoration was tried in and then delivered after crystalization.
In this article, we demonstrate how to manage a crown replacement on a second upper premolar with the Medit i500, exocad, and the imes icore CORiTEC ONE milling machine. The pre-existing crown was over 2 decades old and the recession revealed a supra-gingival margin. Furthermore, there was no room to improve the anatomy or its outline form as it was in occlusion with the opposing dentition.
A powerful design technique is the copy of the pre-existing crown. Images of the pre-op are taken while the patient is numb and its contours are copied onto the final design of the restoration. This process usually takes a minute or so, after which we milled a size 12 emax block restoration.
One of the most dreaded procedures in dentistry is to cut off a bonded lithium disilicate material. With zirconia, since the bond strength is weak, just “rattling” the crown helps it pop off. You could also debond the restoration with a laser pretty quickly. With emax, you must use copious amounts of water so you don’t fry the pulp. You must also refrain from splitting the crown with a crown remover because you can damage the remaining tooth structure catastrophically.
In this sequence of photos, you will see how we recommend the removal of the bonded restoration. You must first create a trough across the occlusal surface of the crown. Ideally, use a 1.6 mm disposable bur to reach the interface between tooth structure and restorative material. As soon as you reach this junction, take a flat ended diamond bur and start working that same location and remove all the ceramic on the occlusal surface. Staying right at the junction of the material and tooth is the critical part of the process.
After you have removed the occlusal surface, you can take any bur and work the junction one the axial wall. By this time enough work has been done where the walls of the restoration start to break and peel off on their own.
All milling machines have guidelines for proper cleaning and maintanance. The imes icore CORITEC ONE’s spray channels must be kept clean, otherwise they will spray off the target block materials. Essentially you will dry mill ceramic which will damage the material and break the drills very quickly.
You can see how little particles of ceramic and titanium dust can clog the lines.
Here we just used an ortho plier and orthowires to unclog the lines. It’s easiest to have the water spraying so you can identify the channels and see the immediate results.
A new feature coming to Medit i500 is the automatic detection of scanbodies while you are imaging. In this clinical case, two implants are placed in the lower left quadrant in a fully guided fashion. Spacing limitations and proximity to vital anatomy did not allow for proper parallelism. This can create all kinds of headaches with analog dentistry where the trays can inadvertently lock in the mouth of distort upon poor up.
With the digital approach, you can scan the gingiva, the arch with easy access to adjacent contacts, and then the scanbodies themselves. What is great is that you do not disturb the primary stability you just achieved by placing physical forces on freshly placed implants.
Once the images are captured and the scanbodies are identified, we launch exocad and the data is not only automatically imported into the Computer Aided Design Software, it also plots the fixtures in the correct position and identifies their location and timing so you can proceed with the design of the custom abutment and / or tibase restoration.
This 4 unit case was imaged in Medit i500 and designed in exocad. The final restoration was taken to CEREC inlab cam. When the construction file is imported into cam, it contains data such as the margin line which is important for the milling machine to know for its tool path calculations.
In this particular situation, the construction file dictated the position of the restoration in the block which would have not allowed for proper milling. Instead of loading the construction file, we imported the stl design, redrew the margins really quickly and were able to mill the two separate (4 unit) case out of a single emax block.
A very common source of frustration for most dentists or those who are new to designing implant crowns is the emergence profile of the abutment or crown. Most of the time, the shape of the tissue dictates the digital design and this article showcases how we used the medit i500 for the intra-oral scan of the patient and then used exocad to design the restorations. Our advanced users can appreciate how we bring the arch model in twice- once as the maxillary model and once as the gingiva model. We then digital sculpt the tissue to create the proper profile yet we still have the original model to reflect back to asses the changes.
Few things in dentistry that can be as frustrating as seating a second molar restoration, whether you are doing same day dentistry or having a lab made prosthesis delivered. Here is a protocol we recommend that you follow to dramatically reduce surprises and post op adjustments. In this particular clinical case a zirconia crown debonded and we elected to fabricate an in-office emax restoration. The sequence is as follows:
While the patient is anesthetized and you are waiting for the onset of anesthesia, capture the opposing impression and the arch models. Trim away the prep digitally and then proceed to the buccal bite capture
Do NOT capture the bite until you verify clearance. In the sequences of videos that follow, watch how we use the Medit i500 to capture digital pictures of the clearance
Once we verify clearance, we image the bite. You have the option at this point to see how well your occlusal stamps match the digital stamps if you want to. A large deviation may mean the jaw settled or the patient moved during the bite capture. Note that unlike conventional dentistry, you capture the bite here BEFORE the prep is finalized
Once you achieve isolation you can finalize the prep and retract the tissue and capture the prep. We elected to capture the preparation in HD mode
The case is then immediately imported into the CAD software for design and fabrication
With the Meditlink software you can design a case and then export the designs and take them to any milling machine of your choice. In this demonstration, we use the CORiTEC ONE to mill out the metal abutment in 45 minutes. This procedure is not intended to be a single appointment visit so timing is not critical and you don’t place undue wear and tear on the milling machine.
The crowns were milled with two different milling machines. A Celtra Duo block was used and milled with the CEREC MCXL and retrofitted to the abutment to verify the fit and accuracy. The same crown stl was milled out of Vita material in the imes icore machine. The whole point of the demonstration is that you can take scans from any intra-oral scan, take it to CAD software (in this case exocad) and then export the case and take it to any printer or milling machine of your choice. You must make sure critical information is accurately transferred from your CAD software to your CAM software, which is generally the construction / project file that accompanies the STL files of the prosthetic components
The same crown was milled out of Vita’s Suprinity material in 20 minutes with the imes-icore CORiTEC ONE. Take note of the internal adaptation of the metal abutment and the restoration and how when it is flipped upside down, the restoration does not fall out easily!
When we 3D scan the surface of an object, we plot geometric figures (usually triangles) on the surface of that object which is usually round or has some other geometric shape. A satellite beam hitting the surface of the earth is a good way to visualize the scanning process as the photo illustrates.
As you span across long distances, a meshwork of triangles are plotted together to accurately represent the topography of the object. You can start “veering off track” and forming models that are inaccurate representations of that object if you don’t properly form this framework. There are many variables that can introduce these errors including simple matters like speed of scanning.
Now, with this dental artificial intelligence program, the software can digitally plot and drop known shapes on top of attachments or devices we place in the mouth. Color mapping can let us know if we are staying accurate, on path, or introducing errors and deviations!
Now imagine if you have 6 objects sticking out of a flat plane that this AI program readily recognizes. Identifying these landmarks is the first step, but the bigger significance is that we can scan from object 1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 6, and when we continuously to image backwards from object 6 to object 1, and our color coding remains the same, we are guaranteed scan accuracy.
People go to 2 extra years of schooling to do accurate work in complex cases, most of which will be replaced with software algorithms like this. This is a serious and significant advancement in dentistry, particularly in implant dentistry. Here’s a video that detail how we use it to restore dental implants.
In the following three videos we walk you through the steps of how the digital “scanbody drop” works to identify the location of an implant fixture. In the demonstration videos, we highlight this upcoming feature and how you an integrate the CAD software for implant designs and restorations. In the final video, we demonstrate how you can take the construction files to the milling machine of your choice and mill out the abutment and/or suprastructure.
In this case demonstration, we show how you can image in the Medit i500 and follow the most logical steps and sequences to produce a restoration. You capture the preparation, the opposing and bite and once the models are rendered, you can launch the CAD software of your choice. The lower right molar was endontically retreated and the porcelain fused to ceramic crown needed to be replaced as it was overcontoured and impinging on the soft tissue. After the crown was removed, the preparation was refined and impressions were taken. The remaining cotton / cavit / gutta percha was removed right before placement, a NX3 by Kerr was used, which is both build up material and a resin cement. The space between the intaglio of the crown and the pulp chamber was retrofilled at seating time and a final x-ray was taken to make sure there was no excess resin left behind.
Here, we utilize exocad. Once we click on the CAD software button, the software is launched and the models are imported automatically.
Once the case is designed, meditlink walks you through the next step which is to nest the restoration and to mill it with whatever milling machine you choose to utilize. Here, we used the CEREC MCXL, the Z4 from VHF, and the imes icore CORiTEC one.
When you start a case in exocad or in Meditlink, you have to define a project or define the job by entering a prescription. A dentalproject file is created that has all the pertinent data, like the type of restoration, the shade, the material, parameter settings,etc..
After the case is designed a dental cad project file is formed, along with the stl file of the restoration, accompanied by the construction information. Once the construction file is formed, the case can be import it into CAM software like cerec inlab. It carries a lot of information like the margin line.
Some CAM software can process simple redirections without the need for any other pertinent information from the construction file, while others require it. Some are so specific that a simple typo or wrong character will lead to mis-production.
In the case of cerec inlab, it’s best to have the construction file accompany the stl of the restorations, although there are numerous work-arounds in case you don’t. Once processed, the restoration is taken to the Mcxl milling machine.
Why are we so focused on teaching this concept ? Because it is critical for milling metal abutment where you have to keep track of an object that is cylindrical and symmetric in shape. The code in these files will dictate the indexing of the connections and how these abutments are milled.
This is the occlusal appliance that was milled and delivered from this patient’s scan approximately 7 days ago. The appliance did not need a single adjustment neither on the occlusal surface, nor in the intaglio.
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