6 Common Digital Dentistry Mistakes To Be Aware Of

The dental industry always strives to be on the cutting edge of technology and services that provide patients with the best care and most convenient experience. One way that modern dental care has recently improved is with digital dentistry.

Digital dentistry has revolutionized the field of dental care. From advanced intraoral scanners to precise CAD/CAM systems, this technology has elevated the accuracy of dental restorations, streamlined workflows, and significantly enhanced the patient experience. However, these advancements are not without challenges. In this blog, we’ll explain the most common digital dentistry mistakes that dental professionals and labs must be aware of so that they can provide the best care and services for their patients and partners.

1. Insufficient Training and Reliance on Technology

Digital tools bring precision and efficiency to dentistry, but they are only as effective as the skills of the clinician using them. One common mistake is assuming that digital tools are infallible or generate results with minimal input—basically, that they can do it all on their own. This overreliance on technology without proper training can compromise outcomes and lead to errors.

A lack of training often leads to improper usage of intraoral scanners, digital design software, or milling systems. This affects workflow efficiency and results in suboptimal clinical outcomes, introducing risks such as poor-fitting restorations or inaccurate diagnoses.

Solutions

To overcome this challenge, dental professionals should prioritize ongoing training for both clinicians and support staff. Taking the time to fully understand the capabilities and limitations of digital tools plays a crucial role. Training should not be something technicians do once—it should be an ongoing process of learning new technologies and updates. For example, many manufacturers offer online tutorials, in-depth training sessions, or certifications to help users become proficient.

All digital service users should also understand that this technology is not a cure-all for everything—even the most advanced technology has limitations. This technology works best in combination with sound clinical judgment, not as a replacement for it.

2. Poor Technique in Intraoral Scanning

As a key element of digital dentistry, intraoral scanning replaces many of the challenges that come with conventional impressions. However, poor scanning techniques can cause issues like incomplete scans, missed margins, and stitching errors. These problems affect accuracy, resulting in costly delays or remakes.

Incomplete scans frequently occur when operators avoid fully visualizing all areas of the preparation or arch. Inadequate retraction or poor moisture control may obscure margins while stitching errors can arise if the scanner cannot correctly align adjacent images. These mistakes compromise the quality of the generated data.

Solutions

Dental professionals can resolve these challenges by adhering to the manufacturer’s scanning protocols as closely as possible. Dentists should ensure effective retraction, particularly in areas surrounding margins, and maintain moisture control using tools like isolation systems and retractors to avoid obscured views. Upon completion, dental professionals should immediately review the scan to validate the data and ensure it’s as accurate as possible before proceeding.

3. Ignoring Occlusion and Functional Design

An important part of digital dental design services is providing aesthetically pleasing and functional designs. However, it’s important never to let these priorities become unbalanced or let aesthetics overtake functionality in the design. Ignoring proper occlusion and functional design can cause unintended consequences, including patient discomfort, fractures, or the need for remakes.

Without accurate bite registration, poor occlusal contacts can create restorations that cause trauma to surrounding teeth or gingiva. Similarly, overlooking functional dependencies, like articulation, can lead to restorations that fail during regular use.

Solutions

Dentists can address these issues by ensuring precise bite registrations during the scanning phase and by leveraging digital tools to simulate occlusion and articulation. Most dental CAD software includes occlusal analysis features, which allow users to assess the functional dynamics of a design before finalizing a restoration. Collaboration with skilled dental labs plays a crucial role in ensuring that restorations meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.

4. Errors in Capturing Digital Impressions and Data Management

Another common digital dentistry mistake to be aware of is incompetently capturing digital impressions and managing data poorly. The digital workflow depends heavily on capturing accurate data and managing it effectively. Mistakes like incorrectly uploading files, mislabeling scans, or failing to save critical data can disrupt the entire process.

These errors delay restorations, negatively affect clinical outcomes, and create dissatisfaction for patients. Incomplete impressions result in unfit restorations. Even minor inaccuracies can cascade into broader problems, rendering a restoration unusable. Mismanaged or mislabeled scans, on the other hand, can cause significant confusion, particularly when transferring files between clinics and dental labs.

Solutions

To combat these pitfalls, clinicians must double-check digital impressions for completeness and accuracy before proceeding. For data management, a standardized labeling and transferring files protocol will reduce errors and save everyone time and confusion. Implementing cloud-based systems enhances collaboration with dental labs by offering secure, streamlined communication channels.

5. Underutilizing Advanced Software Features

Dental CAD software offers powerful tools for customizing and optimizing restorations. However, many professionals fail to leverage these features fully, sticking to basic functionalities instead. This underutilization limits the potential of digital tools and results in less efficient workflows or broadly generic outcomes.

Too often, dental professionals overlook advanced capabilities like margin marking, design customization, and anatomy libraries. For instance, a digital tool's ability to fine-tune design elements allows for restorations that blend perfectly with natural dentition.

Solutions

Clinicians should dedicate time to exploring and mastering advanced software functionalities. Using manufacturer-provided resources like webinars, case studies, and manuals can streamline this process. Simulating practice cases in design software also allows dentists to experiment with features and build confidence before working on live cases. And lastly, dental professionals should take their time—don’t rush through the design phase and overlook crucial details.

6. Skipping Clinical Try-ins and Ignoring Post-Processing

Many assume that milled or 3D-printed restorations are ready for immediate placement. Neglecting clinical try-ins or proper post-processing can result in issues such as poor fit, inadequate contacts, or inconsistent aesthetics.

Relying solely on machine precision overlooks variables like occlusal adjustments or the functional dynamics of the patient’s mouth. Ignoring the finishing phase, including polishing and sintering, can further compromise the restoration’s visual and functional qualities.

Solutions

To ensure optimal results, every restoration should undergo a clinical test fit before the final cementation. This step allows dentists to evaluate fit, contacts, occlusion, and aesthetics within the patient’s mouth before completion. Careful finishing, polishing and any necessary sintering will help improve both the functionality and longevity of the final product.

Maximizing the Benefits of Digital Dentistry

The rise of digital dentistry presents an opportunity to enhance outcomes, improve workflows, and increase patient satisfaction. However, these opportunities are only realized when clinicians and support staff understand the tools’ full capabilities and their limitations. Ongoing education and attention to detail without overly relying on this technology is key to a useful combination of expertise and technology.

At DDS Lab, we’re here to help you optimize your workflow, improve your practice, and make the most of your digital systems. If you’re ready to elevate the quality of care you provide, contact DDS Lab today.