Digitization in Prosthodontics

Digitalized dentistry enables efficient, fast and precise and error free production of fixed prosthodontics appliances. The term 'Digitization' refers to conversion of an image or signal into digital code by scanning, tracing, or a graphics tablet or using an analogue to digital conversion device. There is endless scope of digitalisation and technology in prosthodontics, be it in the clinical and lab procedures like use of CAD-CAM technology, stereolithograph, rapid prototyping, use of virtual articulators and digital facebows, digital radiographs or in the field of training , education and research by the use of virtual patient programs, dental softwares, optoelectronic recording of jaw motion, digital instron machine, retention testing device, audiovisual aids the list will remain endless. The advantages of the digital impressions and scanning systems are improving patient acceptance, reducing the distortion of impression materials, 3D pre-visualization of tooth preparations, and potential cost- and time-effectiveness. Therefore, Digitization has become part and parcel of the Contemporary Prosthodontics with the probability of most procedures being based on the Digitization.