What Is Digital Dentistry?
Digital dentistry refers to the use of digital technologies to improve workflows in dental labs and clinics. It replaces many traditional manual steps with computer-based tools for scanning, design, and production.
If you’re wondering what digital dentistry is, it’s essentially a shift to faster, more precise, and cost-effective processes — from digital impressions and CAD/CAM design to 3D printing and milling. This evolution benefits both dental technicians and patients.
Core components of digital dentistry:
Digital impressions (Intraoral scan, physical impression or, lab scan), CAD/CAM design software, 3D printing, milling units, and digital treatment planning tools.
These tools work together to streamline production, reduce turnaround times, and ensure consistent quality.
Metal 3D Printing in Dentistry
Metal 3D printing has become a key part of today’s digital dental workflows. This modern approach allows dental labs to create strong, detailed restorations quickly and efficiently.
Using materials like cobalt-chrome and titanium — known for their strength and biocompatibility — metal printing delivers reliable, high-quality results. By working directly from digital design files, the process reduces manual work, speeds up production, and ensures consistent outcomes for every case.
2onelab’s Digital Workflow for Dental Labs
2onelab offers a complete solution for digital dentistry, focused on in-house metal production using 3D metal printing with Powder Bed Fusion (PBF).
Watch the video to learn more about 2onelab`s Digital Workflow for dental labs.
This setup allows dental labs to manufacture high-quality metal restorations entirely digitally — faster, cleaner, and more efficiently.
The 2onelab Ecosystem includes:
- CAM software & web monitoring app (2Build & 2Connect)
- Metal 3D printers (2Create / 2Create Plus)
- Post-processing units (heat treatment, polishing)
Benefits of Digital Dentistry for Labs
- Faster Production
Digital workflows reduce waiting times while streamlining and automating laboratory processes. - Higher Accuracy
Enhanced precision through CAD design and digital tools results in better fits and fewer remakes. - Lower Costs
Reduced material waste and fewer manual steps contribute to long-term cost savings.
Hybrid Workflow in Digital Dentistry
A hybrid workflow in digital dentistry combines 3D printing and milling to produce dental prostheses efficiently, affordably, and with high quality. It uses open digital systems to connect both methods smoothly.
Hybrid workflows are especially useful for:
- Implant-supported structures
- Telescopic crowns
- RPD frameworks
2onelab x CIMsystem: The Future of Hybrid Dental Workflows
Make&Mill by CIMsystem and 2onelab create a seamless hybrid workflow, combining 3D printing with precise milling.
This approach is perfect for labs looking to increase production without compromising quality, offering:
- Fast additive manufacturing
- High-precision milling for critical fit areas
- RPD frameworks
- Cost reduction
- Improved output
Conclusion – Why Go Digital?
Embracing digital dentistry helps labs of all sizes stay competitive. Whether you’re exploring what digital dentistry is or already using some digital tools, moving toward fully digital workflows — including 3D printing and hybrid workflows — brings clear advantages:
- Shorter lead times
- Consistent quality
- Greater flexibility
- Lower production cost
With 2onelab’s complete system, your lab can digitize production from scan to finish — efficiently, reliably, and affordably!
FAQ: Digital Dentistry
What is digital dentistry?
Digital dentistry uses computer-based tools to improve dental workflows. Technicians work digitally with scans, CAD designs, and CAM production like milling and 3D printing instead of physical models.
Key tools include digital impressions, CAD/CAM, CBCT, intraoral scanners, and 3D printing. This streamlines processes, speeds up treatment, and improves precision.
What is 3D printing in dentistry?
3D printing in dentistry allows for the production of highly precise, customized restorations in a short amount of time. Metal-based 3D printing, especially with cobalt-chrome and titanium, has become standard in many modern labs.
Examples: RPDs, RPEs, crowns and bridges
What are the advantages of digital dentistry?
Advantages of digital dentistry for labs
– Faster Production: Speeds up workflows and cuts waiting times.
– Improved Accuracy: Precise CAD designs ensures better-fitting restorations and fewer adjustments.
– Cost Savings: Minimizes material waste and manual labor, leading to long-term savings.
– Flexible Compatibility: Open STL files work seamlessly across different systems.
What does the digital workflow of 2onelab include?
The 2onelab digital workflow covers all steps for 3D metal printed dental restorations — from design to the final polished product. It includes SLM 3D printing, heat treatment, and polishing, using a fully integrated system of CAM software and hardware.
Our ecosystem includes:
2Create /2Create Plus (3D printers), 2Build (CAM software), 2Connect (monitoring), 2Sieve, 2Clean, 2n2, HTS-2 / Metal Glow / Glow Cube (furnaces), and DLyte polishing machines.
What is a hybrid workflow in digital dentistry?
A hybrid workflow combines 3D printing and milling to produce dental prostheses more efficiently. It enables faster, cost-effective manufacturing with high precision by integrating both technologies through open digital interfaces—ideal for scalable and automated production.
Further links:
Author: Markus Wolf
Passionate about 3D printing, while being
CTO and Co-Founder of 2onelab.
