Maximizing Profits by Maximizing Time with inLab SW 19

inLab SW 19 clears a simple path to a strong esthetic canvas and restoring a single-unit implant. InLab software has been misunderstood for many years as being too parameter-driven, but making decisions with defined parameters can lead to extremely quick and complete results. Understanding the parameters helps the user understand why each step is vital to the case's success.

The following case was prescribed with a titanium interface, a zirconia tissue-level abutment, and a milled zirconia crown. A screw-retained crown was not prescribed, so a cementable final restoration was necessary.

Whether for a single unit or a complex case with multiple layers, creating a case is simple with inLab SW 19's menu-style administration screen (Figure 1). The inLab software platform continues to offer a milling strategy setup from Step 1, showing the progression of the restorations throughout the easy step-by-step process. Internal and external defects/problems can be handled in the software as they arise, instead of at the end.

Once the case is scanned in, the models must be evaluated. The surface data catalogs match up very nicely (Figure 2). This is a key to a successful case; it all starts with the models.

Next, the model tissue catalog can be adjusted to open the implant site for a much better proposal. When the "Form (Remove)" tool has been opened, smooth it down quickly with the "Form (Smooth)" tool. This is imperative for a good proposal (Figure 3).

Next, the user must help the software identify what it is viewing (Figure 4). Creating a level occlusal table will pay dividends later. Identify the tooth or teeth that are being restored (Figure 5). This will create a model based on the titanium base scan body with the implant in the correct location, level, and orientation.

After the insertion axis of the restoration is identified, parameters can be set. With the knowledge that this software is heavy on parameters, the user should evaluate what the crown needs in its initial design (Figure 6). This step is often misunderstood and skipped; however, it is quite possibly the most important step in the whole process. InLab SW 19 is built and driven by parameters, but the importance of a fundamental understanding of each parameter and its impact on the proposed restoration cannot be stressed enough. There are no spacer parameters on the bottom layer in the workflow parameter set with implant cases. These are housed in the settings menu, where the user can adjust the spacer setting for the restoration to the titanium base interface. This setting, once perfected, can be locked in and never touched again unless problems arise in the future. The rest of the parameters are needed to predictably complete all digital cases repeatedly without error.

Once parameters are set, the position of the tooth in the arch can be adjusted for optimal results (Figure 7). If all steps are completed correctly and the checkbox "Adapted Restoration Calculation" (mainly used for posterior restorations) is selected, the result is an anatomic/parameter-adjusted restoration that requires little to no adjusting in the design step (Figure 8).

Next, the Split adjustment phase ensures there are now two restorations—an abutment and a crown—and tools can be used to fine-tune the marriage between the two. This new step adds the ability to see both restorations at one time. When one is adjusted, the software automatically adjusts the other to compensate for the adjustment. It ensures a good anatomic substructure with a strong and esthetic crown on top (Figure 9).

Once adjustments are completed, crowns can be fabricated in a milling unit or printer. The user can choose an STL export, sending directly to inLab SW 19 CAM software, or even a direct link to a third-party CAM software directory (Figure 10).

When the design is sent to the inLab SW 19 CAM software, all the hard work put into the restoration in the CAD software can be seen. Due to the milling strategy following the design, the restorations should be checked before being milled with the newest CAM features, "Production Simulation and Wall Thickness." These new tools allow the user to double-check any restoration milled on a Dentsply Sirona mill to find areas that are not retrievable in the present milling strategy as well as check the integrity of its thickness within the strategy (Figure 11 and Figure 12).

Knowing our tools and what they can do best reflects our ability to use them to their full potential. Fortunately, this software is robust and, with its unique abilities to complete complex tasks in just a few simple clicks, it is an invaluable asset. InLab SW 19 has new updates to all applications—CAD, CAM, inLab Partial, inLab Splint, and inLab model software with the addition of Elos DIM analogs added to the model library. It is easy on the budget—with no fees for updates—and has served the author well for 20 years.

Michael Smith, CIDT, BBA, is the Owner of Sierra Dental Arts in Dayton, Tennessee.

Manufacturer Information:
Dentsply Sirona
dentsplysirona.com
844-848-0137

Disclaimer: The statements and opinions contained in the preceding material are not of the editors, publisher, or the Editorial Board of Inside Dental Technology.