The digital revolution is coming to dentistry, but it’s only halfway there — nearly 50% of dentists in the United States do not yet use intraoral scanners.
Despite its many impressive benefits, one in four dentists across the country do not plan to transition from analog to a digital IOS anytime soon. But why?
The Barriers To Innovation
The Big Myth: Digital is Too Complicated To Adopt
Dentists and practices may feel uninitiated to the ways of digital technology and thus averse to what they see as a complex overhaul of their current workflows.
The Truth: Digital Has Evolved– A Simple And User-Friendly Process
The concept of digital dentistry can sometimes feel daunting for more digitally-reserved professionals. A deeper understanding around how digital dentistry and workflows function can help even the most digitally averse dentists see the significant potential value of these innovative technologies for their practice.
The Big Myth: Digital Is Too Expensive
Digital scanners can be a costly investment—upwards of $20k for some models. For decades, intraoral scanners have been too costly or complex for most dentists to seriously consider them. But the past three years have seen incredible improvements to the technology that makes scanners more clinically viable—and yes, less expensive—to use in your practice.
The Simple Truth: Digital Is More Affordable– If You Do It Right
In fact, certain suppliers and labs are helping offset the cost with promotions and discounts, often in return for purchasing volume. Some labs will even invest in your practice and provide a free scanner in exchange for a manageable minimum lab spend.
The Big Myth: Tried And True Analog Impressions Produce Better Results
In an ever-automated world, doing things by hand has become (dare we say it) old-fashioned. While no automation can replace the clinical expertise and craft of dentistry, digital tools are designed to streamline.
The Simple Truth: Digital is Faster, More Accurate, and Improves Patient Experience
There is no debate: traditional impressions and in-house restorations simply can no longer compete with the ease, speed, and accuracy of lab-crafted restorations and dental appliances using digital impressions. They have lower turnaround times, are more accurate, and fit with fewer chairside adjustments. Both your staff and your patients will thank you.
The Future of Digital Dentistry
The digital movement is sweeping dentistry, poised to take over. As practices increasingly make their transitions, these myths fall away, the truth becomes clear: digital is the future and it’s here. Is your practice ready?
