What software is used for 3D dental modeling

Okay, so I’m a relatively new dentist and I’m trying to get up to speed on the whole digital dentistry thing. I keep hearing about 3D dental modeling and how it’s used for everything from designing crowns and bridges to planning implants and even orthodontics. I’m feeling a little lost on where to even begin looking for software.
Specifically, I’m interested in software that can integrate with intraoral scanners (I’m currently using a Medit i500, but I’m open to recommendations for other brands too, if certain software works better with specific scanners). Also, I’d like something that can be used to design surgical guides for implant placement and possibly create models for clear aligner therapy in the future.
I’m not necessarily looking for a “free” option, but something reasonably priced (or with flexible payment plans) would be great. User-friendliness is also a big priority, as I’m not a CAD/CAM expert. Bonus points if it has good training resources or customer support!
So, what software packages are dentists and dental labs typically using for these kinds of 3D dental modeling tasks? What are the pros and cons of each, and which ones might be a good fit for a dentist just starting out? Thanks!

Answer

Software used for 3D dental modeling spans a wide range, catering to different aspects of dentistry, from diagnosis and treatment planning to the design and fabrication of dental prosthetics and appliances. These software solutions leverage various 3D technologies like cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), intraoral scanning, and CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing). The specific software used often depends on the application and the dental professional’s needs.

Here’s a breakdown of commonly used software categorized by application:

I. Diagnostic and Treatment Planning Software:

• CBCT Analysis and Visualization: These programs are essential for interpreting and visualizing CBCT scans, which provide detailed 3D images of the teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures.

  • Mimics Innovation Suite (Materialise): A comprehensive software package used for medical image processing and 3D modeling. It is frequently used in dentistry for analyzing CBCT scans, creating anatomical models, planning surgical procedures (like implant placement and orthognathic surgery), and designing custom implants or surgical guides. Mimics allows for segmentation of different anatomical structures (teeth, bone, nerves), measurements, and simulation of treatment outcomes.

  • InVivo Dental (Anatomage): Specifically designed for dental CBCT analysis, InVivo allows for nerve tracing, airway analysis, and implant planning. It also offers features for creating surgical guides and communicating treatment plans with patients.

  • OnDemand3D (Cybermed): Another popular CBCT visualization and analysis software, OnDemand3D provides tools for implant planning, airway analysis, cephalometric analysis, and surgical guide design. It supports various implant libraries and allows for collaboration among dental professionals.

  • Dolphin Imaging: While primarily known for its 2D and 3D cephalometric analysis capabilities for orthodontics, Dolphin Imaging also integrates with CBCT data for comprehensive orthodontic treatment planning, including impacted tooth localization and airway analysis.

• Orthodontic Treatment Planning: Software designed for visualizing and planning orthodontic treatment based on 3D models of the teeth and jaw.

  • Ortho Analyzer (3Shape): This software allows orthodontists to analyze 3D models of the teeth, create virtual setups for aligning teeth, and design orthodontic appliances like aligners and retainers. It integrates well with 3Shape’s TRIOS intraoral scanner.

  • SureSmile (Dentsply Sirona): SureSmile is a comprehensive orthodontic platform that uses 3D imaging and treatment planning software to create custom aligners and indirect bonding trays. It analyzes tooth positions and movement to optimize treatment efficiency and predictability.

  • ClearCorrect: This software is primarily used by ClearCorrect providers for case submission and treatment visualization. Dentists can upload scans or impressions and virtually manipulate teeth to produce aligner treatment plans.

II. Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics Software:

• CAD/CAM Systems: This category includes software for designing and manufacturing dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, veneers, and implant abutments. The software typically interfaces with intraoral scanners for digital impressions and milling machines or 3D printers for fabrication.

  • Dental System (3Shape): A comprehensive CAD/CAM software suite used by dental labs and clinics for designing a wide range of restorations. It includes modules for crown and bridge design, implant design, partial denture design, orthodontic appliance design, and smile design. 3Shape Dental System is known for its flexibility and advanced design tools.

  • exocad DentalCAD (exocad GmbH): Another leading CAD/CAM software platform widely used in dental labs. exocad DentalCAD is known for its user-friendly interface, extensive library of tooth shapes and materials, and its open architecture, which allows for integration with various scanners, milling machines, and 3D printers. It supports a wide range of indications, including crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, veneers, implant abutments, and partial dentures.

  • CEREC Software (Dentsply Sirona): Specifically designed for use with CEREC systems (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics), this software enables dentists to design and mill restorations chairside in a single appointment. It is user-friendly and focuses on efficiency and speed.

  • Planmeca PlanCAD Premium: This software, used with Planmeca’s scanners and milling machines, allows for designing and fabricating a variety of dental restorations, including crowns, bridges, veneers, and implant restorations. It features intuitive design tools and integrates with Planmeca Romexis software for comprehensive treatment planning.

  • DWOS (Dental Wings): A flexible and open CAD/CAM software platform that allows users to design and manufacture a wide range of dental restorations. DWOS is known for its customization options and its ability to integrate with various scanners, milling machines, and 3D printers.

• Smile Design Software: These programs help dentists visualize and plan aesthetic dental treatments by allowing them to create virtual mock-ups of the final result.

  • Smile Design Pro: This software facilitates the creation of realistic smile designs by integrating patient photos, 3D scans, and tooth libraries. It allows dentists to visualize the potential outcome of cosmetic procedures and communicate the treatment plan with patients.

  • Digital Smile Design (DSD): A concept and software platform that focuses on using digital tools to plan and communicate aesthetic dental treatments. DSD software allows dentists to analyze facial aesthetics, design a virtual smile, and transfer the design to the mouth for a mock-up.

III. Implant Dentistry Software:

• Implant Planning Software: Software used to plan the placement of dental implants based on CBCT scans and 3D models of the patient’s jaw. This software helps dentists to visualize the bone structure, identify anatomical landmarks, and select the optimal implant size and position.

  • Software mentioned above under CBCT Analysis (Mimics, InVivo Dental, OnDemand3D) also serves as implant planning software. The implant planning module allows dentists to select implants from a library, position them in the bone, and assess bone density and proximity to vital structures.
  • Blue Sky Plan (Blue Sky Bio): A free and open-source implant planning software that is gaining popularity. It offers a wide range of features, including CBCT visualization, implant placement planning, surgical guide design, and integration with various implant libraries.

• Surgical Guide Design Software: Software used to design surgical guides for accurate implant placement. Surgical guides are custom-made templates that fit over the patient’s teeth and guide the placement of the implant drills.

  • Many of the implant planning software packages also include surgical guide design modules (e.g., Mimics, InVivo Dental, OnDemand3D, Blue Sky Plan). These modules allow dentists to design surgical guides based on the planned implant positions and export the design for 3D printing.

IV. Dental Model Creation and Management Software:

• Mesh Editing Software: These tools are used to refine and optimize 3D models of teeth and jaws, typically generated from intraoral scans or laboratory scanners.

  • Meshmixer (Autodesk): A free software for editing and repairing 3D meshes. It is commonly used to smooth surfaces, fill holes, and optimize models for 3D printing.

  • Blender: An open-source 3D creation suite that can be used for advanced mesh editing and manipulation. It requires more technical expertise but offers a high degree of control.

• Dental Model Management Software: Systems that allow for storing, organizing, and sharing digital dental models.

  • Many CAD/CAM software suites include model management features. For example, 3Shape Dental System and exocad DentalCAD allow users to organize and manage their digital models within the software.

Key Considerations for Selecting Software:

• Integration: Does the software integrate well with your existing equipment (e.g., scanners, milling machines, 3D printers)?
• Ease of Use: Is the software user-friendly and intuitive?
• Features: Does the software offer the features you need for your specific applications?
• Cost: What is the cost of the software license, maintenance, and upgrades?
• Support: Does the software vendor offer good technical support and training?
• Open vs. Closed Architecture: Open architecture allows you to use different brands of scanners, milling machines, and materials. Closed architecture is limited to the ecosystem of a single manufacturer.
• Specific Indication: Software may be specialized for specific fields like Orthodontics, implantology, and restorative dentistry.

The landscape of 3D dental modeling software is constantly evolving, with new features and technologies being introduced regularly. Dental professionals need to stay updated on the latest advancements to provide the best possible care to their patients.