Kevin and Zach welcome back Scott Shrader to talk digital dentistry and specifically about Medit scanners and software. Both Zach and Al are current Medit users so the episode is a great one if you're new to scanning or want to incorporate digital dentistry into your workflow even more!
- 3D Dentist Approach: While courses often involve scanners, 3D Dentist is largely scanner-agnostic, focusing on techniques.
- Importance of Training & Support: Scott emphasizes the critical role of knowledgeable support and hands-on training (like that provided by 3D Tech/3D Dentist) when integrating technology, contrasting it with less specialized support from large suppliers. Support is ongoing for products purchased through them.
- Medit Overview: A South Korean company celebrating 25 years (mostly lab scanners, ~7 years for intraoral).
- Medit's Value Proposition: No annual fees, free software, and free software upgrades are key differentiators.
- Medit Link Software Suite (The "Apps"):
- A powerful, free suite accessible even to non-Medit scanner users (importing STLs).
- Includes free apps like Model Builder, Crown Design, Night Guard/Bite Splint, Ortho Simulation.
- Newer, more powerful CAD features (AI Final Crown, Provisional, Inlays/Onlays, Bridge Design) are being introduced with a per-export fee, but the core remains free.
- AI Crown Design: Discussion on how AI differs from standard proposals (better morphology matching, less tweaking, potential AI margination) vs. algorithms.
- Practical Scanning Tips & Troubleshooting:
- Marking margins: Alan does, Zach doesn't – lab preferences vary.
- Sluggish scanning fixes: Ensure the laptop is plugged in, perform all updates (Windows, graphics drivers, Medit Link), check scanner tip condition (rated for ~100 autoclave cycles, look for degradation/spots).
- Technique: Dry teeth well, use the white light setting for scanning through blood, proper path/tissue capture (especially around canines).
- Hardware: i700 vs. i900: The i900 is smaller, lighter, has a larger scan area, multiple tip sizes, and is generally smoother, especially for full arches and scanning through blood. The i900 "Classic" brings back the physical button many users missed.
- Recommended Medit Apps to Explore:
- Model Builder & Bite Splint: Great, easy entry points for CAD, good for team delegation (requires printer for output).
- Ortho Simulation: Automated simulation of tooth movement.
- Smile Design: Powerful tool using even basic phone photos, creates a shareable before/after slider for patient communication.
- App Access: Apps run on the scanning computer but can be accessed remotely by logging into your Medit Link account on another computer (requires downloading case files).
- Integrations: Medit Link integrates with third-party software and platforms (SprintRay Cloud, Exocad, etc.).
Some links from the show:
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