Harnessing the Power of AI in Digital Dentistry
Story by Rune Fisker - 3Shape Senior Vice President Product Strategy
In the rapidly evolving world of digital dentistry, staying ahead of technological advancements is crucial for both practitioners and patients.
At our “3Shape Discover" digital event, one of the subjects that I deep dove into was Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on dentistry and patient care.
AI is a critical topic for all of us. While it may fill many with apprehension, I would argue that we should be embracing its transformative potential.
From automated crown design to advanced diagnostic tools and streamlined workflows, AI is poised to revolutionize how we care for people.
Beyond Traditional AI: Generative AI
When we look at the evolution of traditional AI, which focuses on pattern recognition and classification, to generative AI, there is a major difference. Unlike its predecessors, generative AI, like ChatGPT, can create original content. Generative AI can write songs, create designs, text, even make movies. This shift has profound implications.
Introducing 3Shape Automate
3Shape Automate is an example of generative AI. Launched in 2021, the 3Shape technology has revolutionized the process of designing dental crowns by using AI. Professionals simply upload their intraoral scans to the cloud. There, 3Shape Automate takes the scan and automatically identifies margin lines, segments teeth, and designs the crown. There is no human intervention.
It then sends back the AI-designed restoration, or as many restorations as you’ve ordered, in as little as 90 seconds. Professionals either accept the design, edit it, or decline. You pay only for what you approve.
3Shape’s Pioneering Role in AI Development
As a company, 3Shape began investing in AI in 2014. In fact, we hired our first AI developers 10 years ago. This foresight I believe has positioned us way ahead in the application of AI for practical, dental industry-specific tasks.
How AI Works in Dentistry
Here’s how generative AI works with 3Shape Automate.
3Shape Automate leverages deep learning neural networks. These networks are trained by extensive datasets of intraoral scans and crown designs. Designs that have been made by high-quality dental technicians. When a new scan is uploaded, the AI uses this training to design a new crown. And while the inner workings of deep learning may be opaque, the results speak for themselves.
In three short years, 3Shape Automate has processed over two and a half million cases with a 94% acceptance rate. This demonstrates its efficiency and reliability.
AI in X-rays and Diagnostic Tools
What we are seeing now is 3Shape and other companies looking to integrate AI into their diagnostics, production, and even marketing.
When we look at other applications where AI is making important strides, it is in the analysis of X-rays. Healthcare companies are developing AI algorithms to identify diagnostic issues such as interproximal caries, cancer, and more. This technology is advancing rapidly and offers exciting possibilities for more accurate, efficient, and early detection.
AI in Scanning and CAD Design
For 3Shape, other examples of how we apply AI is with our scanning and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) technology. For instance, we use AI to remove cheek and tongue interference in TRIOS intraoral scans. This was a task that previously required manual adjustment.
Similarly, we use AI with our lab scanning. AI automates the trimming of scans; a task that was also performed manually in the past. AI saves time and reduces the margin of error for professionals.
In CAD design, AI transforms the workflow from a manual, step-by-step process to one driven by AI proposals. Practitioners can use AI to generate the initial design. They can then make any adjustments if needed. This reduces the time and effort required for a dental prosthesis design.
3Shape Model Builder Express and Implant Studio
In our 3Shape Model Builder Express software, AI constructs dental models from intraoral scans in seconds. Seamlessly integrated with our lab software and TRIOS scanners, you just click to create a model - ready to print. It exemplifies the efficiency and accuracy AI brings to dental workflows.
In addition, our 3Shape Implant Studio software leverages AI for implant planning and surgical guide generation.
The software demonstrates AI's potential for streamlining complex procedures with its ability to automatically generate surgical guides once implants are placed.
Professionals have embraced the software’s AI-driven efficiency, illustrated by Implant Studio cases growing 31% over the past year.
The Broader Implications of AI in Dentistry
While I’ve discussed AI’s application in diagnostics and workflows, I believe it will also impact dental professionals in other ways. A McKinsey report predicts that AI's most significant commercial impact will be in software engineering, marketing, and customer operations.
As we speak, AI now drives various aspects of patient care and administrative tasks, such as patient management and marketing. Its use will only increase.
Embracing AI for Future Success
In closing, I would recommend dental professionals look to embrace AI proactively. You should demand AI integration from your suppliers and ensure that AI becomes a standard tool in your clinics and labs.
The ability to leverage AI capabilities to enhance patient care and improve operational efficiency is set to become a competitive advantage.
As it continues to evolve, AI will usher in a new digital dentistry era of innovation and excellence.
Are we there that it can it give few iterations of 6-11 teeth arrangements to produce character for a patient for all on 4 cases
Keep Growing , it’s Awesome 👏