Seamless integration of hardware and software - Sirona proves its system capability

The networking of systems and integration of functions for which external devices would otherwise be necessary, can benefit dental practices in several ways. Workflows become simpler and easier to control, safety and quality increase thanks to the reproducibility of processes, and the added value for practices is increased. As far as the implementation of digital systems in dental practices is concerned, the question is no longer whether a digital workflow can be implemented in the practice, but how this can best be done.

CEREC – the completely integrated system

CEREC is a good example of the implementation of this concept. It starts with digital impressions using the CEREC Omnicam, the smallest powder-free color video camera on the market, which in addition to the proven CEREC AC cart version, is now available in two other versions. CEREC AF (Acquisition Flexible) is the solution for rooms where space is limited or treatment rooms are located on several floors. The CEREC Omnicam can be moved flexibly from room to room. CEREC AI (Acquisition Integrated) gives practitioners the feeling of using the CEREC camera almost like a contra-angle handpiece due to its integration into the TENEO treatment center by a separate support arm.

Digital impression taking is followed by design of the restoration with the new CEREC SW 4.4. This is done using the new biojaw algorithm to create excellent initial proposals based on the entire scanned area. The immediate benefit: practitioners save time, as no reworking is needed. The production of the planned restoration with one of three different CEREC milling machines completes the workflow.

The integration capability of CEREC is especially apparent in implantology. A prosthetic proposal created with CEREC is integrated with 3D X-ray data for an ideal basis for implant planning. In order to implement this precisely in reality, the practitioner designs and produces a surgical guide (CEREC Guide 2). After insertion, CEREC supports the design and production of the supraconstruction. The practitioner always has full control of the entire process.

There is also the new CEREC Ortho software, an application for orthodontic indications. Using it, a digital model of the whole jaw can be made with one safe guided scan carried out with the CEREC Omnicam. The data can be sent for use in planning orthodontic treatments and producing the appliances required for this purpose, such as, aligner treatment with Invisalign.

Radiography software that sets the standard

An especially striking example for integration is the new SIDEXIS 4 imaging software that can be used to view intraoral, panoramic, and 3D images simultaneously. This can be done without changing the window or the program. Evaluating images and looking at the patient's treatment history is now even simpler. Crosscomparisons, e.g., with images from the SiroCam AF intraoral camera, can be made. These many interfaces also allow SIDEXIS 4 to be incorporated into other systems, such as into practice administration or into the TENEO treatment center.

Sirona treatment centers have also been developed into highly integrative digital systems that fit seamlessly with the Sirona product line. TENEO can be integrated into an internal practice network. This allows dentists to access X-rays, treatment plans for implants, and intraoral images, display them on the screen, and use them for patient treatment and consultation. In addition, patient data, for example, the preferred chair position, can be saved in the file right above the treatment center. A digital network also means the integration of functions for which additional equipment would normally be necessary, such as implantology and endodontics.

Integration is systematically completed with the SICAT Function. This software merges diagnostic patient information from the 3D Xray with a Jaw Motion Tracker (SICAT JMT+) and the optical impression (CEREC) for the treatment of craniomandibular disorders (CMD).

With its new products, Sirona marks the start of a new phase of seamless integration. The networking of digital systems makes dental applications safer, faster, and more efficient. They communicate with each other, thus creating the basis for completely new integrated treatment in prosthetics, implantology, endodontics, and orthodontics. "Because of its decades of experience in digital technologies, Sirona is in a better position than any other company in the dental industry to network these systems. From digital impressions to digital imaging, in 2D or 3D, right up to the treatment centers that are now established as part of the digital product range, and even instruments – Sirona guides dentists and dental technicians who have chosen to switch entirely to proven digital solutions or who intend to introduce them gradually," says Jeffrey T. Slovin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sirona.