Orthodontic appliances in the digital workflow: Sirona partners with CA DIGITAL

CEREC for orthodontics – the innovative CEREC Ortho Software enables orthodontists and dentists who provide orthodontic treatment to create a digital model of the dentition in one reliable, guided scan using CEREC Omnicam.

The procedure is simple and quick to carry out. Acoustic signals, images, and brief explanations assist users with the camera work. Since the scan results are so highly reproducible, the process can also be delegated to practice staff. The resulting impression can then be sent directly to CA DIGITAL for planning orthodontic treatments and producing the required appliances. CA DIGITAL – a subsidiary of the established orthodontic manufacturers Scheu Dental – specializes in the development of digital orthodontic solutions. This makes it possible for CEREC users to digitally plan the entire process from the impression to the finished product.

The digital ortho workflow is seamless, via a dedicated CA DIGITAL button in the export phase of the CEREC Ortho software. At CA DIGITAL the digital models are then used for planning appliances, which can be directly coordinated with the clinician via virtual simulation. In addition to clear aligners, this workflow can also be used to produce other orthodontic appliances like indirect bonding trays or CAD/CAM manufactures Nitinol® retainers. All products are produced entirely digitally. CA DIGITAL does this with the very latest technology. The company creates the physical model necessary for archiving with a 3D printer. The great advantage for both dentist and patient is that treatment can begin much sooner.

CEREC can do more than restorations

"CEREC today is more versatile than ever – it can be used for restorations and implantology and is now expanding the orthodontic solutions," says Roddy MacLeod, Vice President CAD/CAM Systems at Sirona. "With CA DIGITAL we have found a partner who supports a fully digital workflow that brings value to the clinician and patient alike."

Linking up with CEREC also offers new possibilities for the young company CA DIGITAL. "Efficient virtual processes require high-quality digital raw data. We get this from CEREC Omnicam users," says Gregor Schuster, Sales Director at CA DIGITAL. "The interfaces between the software solutions guarantee seamless communication of the process components. All parties benefit from this."

The new software for orthodontic indications is also a result of Sirona's extensive experience in the digitization of treatment workflows. "Our goal is to continue to optimize digital workflows and to establish them in all areas of orthodontics," concludes MacLeod.

About Sirona

Sirona is the global market and technology leader in the dental industry and has been a worldwide partner for dealers, dental practices, clinics and dental laboratories for more than 130 years. Sirona develops and produces the complete spectrum of dental equipment products, including CAD/CAM systems for computer-assisted ceramic restorations (CEREC), digital imaging systems for intraoral and panoramic X-rays and cone beam computed tomography (3D), treatment centers, instruments, and hygiene devices. Sirona's largest development and production site is in Bensheim, Germany. The company has more than 3,500 employees around the world and has been listed on the NASDAQ since 2006.