Analog is Not the Opposite of Digital

Analog is Not the Opposite of Digital

Analog Is Not the Opposite of Digital

You’re Doing it Wrong.

Many of us in the dental field have been using the word ‘analog’ improperly. We often refer to analog technologies as being anything preceding digital technology. That’s definitely not the case. So this post is to collectively save us all from ever sounding stupid to technology nerds ever again. And don’t worry, it’s not just us, I’ve seen the same mistake made in the New York Times.

I recall a video that referred to 1950’s classrooms as ‘analog learning’ as opposed to our modern classrooms’ use of computers and the internet. I’ve heard the work of contemporary digital artists and designers compared to the ‘analog art’ of painters. The real kicker, and reason for this post, is those who position traditional handmade work as the ‘analog’ opposite of digital dental technology.

Handmade isn’t Analog.

Restorations that are handmade are not analog, period. As an analogy, I recently picked up a used Canon Rebel G from the ’90s used to shoot film. I have had a digital SLR from Canon for years now, and they’re obviously extremely different. But we have to be careful not to confuse ‘old’ and ‘new’, with two very specific terms like analog and digital.

The word digital, to most people, refers to a device that can capture, store, or display data in a binary fashion. Ones and zeros, on and off, digital is all about numbers. Digital shouldn’t be confused with binary, of course, as digital simply means concrete values. The root word is digits, after all. Any system that utilizes solid values (or digits) is digital, binary is simply the most common system. Digital cameras, and conversely digital 3d scanners capture light with a sensor, that light is converted into data (numbers), so the use of the word ‘digital’ for your cell phone camera, DSLR, or 3shape is accurate.

Analog, however, is a very abused word. I would venture a guess that the significant amount of technicians have used the word ‘analog’ to refer to anything done traditionally. If the new, fancy robot 3D scanners are ‘digital’ then our aging techniques are ‘analog’, right? Not at all. Leaning back on the camera analogy: Older cameras capture light with film, which is basically plastic, gelatin, and silver halide. When you take a photo (perhaps of an aesthetic full mouth restoration), photons hit this material and produce a latent (invisible) image, that can later be brought into view by bathing the film in various chemicals. You could write hundreds of blog posts on film development alone, but the point is that film photography is a chemical process. Conversely, when you stack porcelain, or process a denture, the materials go through various chemical and physical changes.

Digital 3D scanners and traditional techniques are quite different, but I’d rather hear the word ‘chemical’, ‘organic’, or ‘magic’ given to traditional techniques before ‘analog’.

 

Wait, What is Analog Then?

Analog, as its name suggests, refers to being analogous to something. If we’re referring to the adjective used in technology, the definition of analog is:

Of, relating to, or being a device in which data are represented by continuously variable, measurable, physical quantities, such as length, width, voltage, or pressure. – Wordnik

So a great example of an analog technology would be a vinyl record. The audio is stored as waves (variable data) within the grooves of the vinyl. Digital audio stores the data as numbers, as finite units of data per second found in mp3s and CDs. What’s important is that a vinyl record is legitimately something that deserves to be called ‘analog’. Dentures are not. Dentures and the techniques used to fabricate them are physical and chemical, there is no data (waves or otherwise) to be found as there would be on the record.

Plenty of older (and current) technologies are analog. Just be sure to ask yourself if that device has variable signals/data, or if that device is just really old. A television with a cathode ray tube (CRT) is an analog device; a cave painting of a man stabbing a mastodon with a spear is not. Ironically, CNC machines and 3D printers take digital signals and use transducers, pulse width modulation (PWM), or variable frquency drives (VFD) to produce analog signals that drive the spindles or lasers that ultimately produce a restoration. Those restorations are technically physical “analogs” of their corresponding digital designs.

Stop Saying Analog?

I know its hip to be anti-digital sometimes. But before we all drink a PBR and hop on our fixed gear bikes to the thrift store, we have to remember that just because something is old, that doesn’t make it ‘analog’. 35MM cameras, oscilloscopes, and the cotton gin are all old technologies, but only one of them is an analog device.

We pride ourselves in the dental lab industry for knowing tons of interesting things about art, science, and technology, but this is one adjective we should all cut back on a bit. The good news is we will always have our favorite noun: analogue! We can still say: “A picture is an analogue of a memory”, or “A cubic zirconia is an analogue of a diamond”, and “Cerec is an analogue of real lab work.”

3M and 3Shape Announce Partnership for Digital Orthodontic Workflow

3M and 3Shape Announce Partnership for Digital Orthodontic Workflow

 

ST. PAUL‚ Minn. Januray 29, 2018 –(Courtesy of BUSINESS WIRE)–3M and 3Shape announced their intention to work together to advance the field of orthodontics through digital workflows supporting indirect bonding, clear aligners and other emerging digital orthodontic workflows.

“Our partnership with 3Shape puts our customers first and is designed with practitioners, their patients, and their businesses in mind. Our goal is to make it easier for Orthodontists to engage patients, provide effective treatments and run a profitable practice. The workflow will include our indirect bonding solutions, our customized lingual offering, and future new offerings in the digital orthodontic space,” said Jim Ingebrand, President and General Manager, 3M Oral Care Division.

For 3M’s and 3Shape’s joint customers, the cooperation will enable use of the 3Shape TRIOS scanner and 3Shape indirect bonding software with 3M’s Incognito™ lingual appliance system, the Clarity™ ADVANCED brackets with APC™ Flash Free technology for indirect bonding procedures, as well as future orthodontic product offerings. These combined solutions will enable better outcome while improving productivity of the practice.

“3Shape believes that an open market with freedom of choice is in the best interest of doctors and patients. Partnering with 3M will help orthodontists provide better treatment for their patients using 3Shape’s award winning TRIOS scanner and digital workflow software with 3M’s treatment solutions in integrated workflows,” said Allan Hyldal, 3Shape Vice President, Orthodontics & Implantology.

Emerging technology is enabling new efficiencies and greater predictability in the practice of orthodontics. While technology is changing how orthodontics is practiced, the end goal remains the same —a beautiful smile and healthy teeth that will last a lifetime.

No two smiles are alike. To develop customized treatment plans for each patient’s unique clinical diagnosis, orthodontists need flexible, choice-based solutions that deliver the best outcomes for their patients.

About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 91,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews.

About 3Shape
3Shape is changing dentistry together with dental professionals across the world by developing innovations that provide superior dental care for patients. Our portfolio of 3D scanners and CAD/CAM software solutions for the dental industry includes the multiple award-winning 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner, the upcoming 3Shape X1 CBCT scanner, and market leading scanning and design software solutions for dental labs.

Two graduate students founded 3Shape in Denmark’s capital in the year 2000. Today, 3Shape has over 1,200 employees serving customers in over 100 countries from an ever-growing number of 3Shape offices around the world. 3Shape’s products and innovations continue to challenge traditional methods, enabling dental professionals to treat more patients more effectively. www.3shape.com

APC, Clarity and Incognito are trade marks of 3M Company.
TRIOS is a registered trademark of 3Shape.

© 3M 2017. All rights reserved. Used under license in Canada.

Contacts

3M
Jay Issa, Global Business Leader
jissa@mmm.com
or
Michael Gugala, Karwoski & Courage
michael.gugala@creativepr.com
or
3Shape
Bruce Frederic Mendel, 3Shape Communications
bruce.mendel@3shape.com

Straumann and 3Shape Announce Distribution Agreement for Trios 3 Intraoral Scanners in North America

Straumann and 3Shape Announce Distribution Agreement for Trios 3 Intraoral Scanners in North America

3Shape’s TRIOS® 3 intraoral scanner now available through Straumann in North America

Andover, 18 January 2018: In a statement released on the Straumann website, Thanks to a distribution agreement between Straumann and 3Shape, dental professionals across the United States and Canada can now purchase TRIOS 3 intraoral scanning solutions directly from Straumann.

Intraoral scanning is a convenient modern alternative to unpleasant conventional methods of taking impressions of the patient’s teeth. 3Shape’s TRIOS® 3 range of intraoral scanners offers accurate, ultra-fast, powderless scanning. In addition to the full-color package, which includes digital shade measurement and an integrated intraoral camera, an upgradable lower-priced monochrome version is also available.

3Shape TRIOS 3 and Straumann’s compact C series chairside mill can be combined to offer an in-office solution for producing dental prosthetics in dentists’ practices. In addition, TRIOS 3 intraoral scanners can be integrated with ClearCorrect orthodontic solutions.

Guillaume Daniellot, Executive Vice President of Straumann North America, commented: “TRIOS 3 is a fantastic addition to our portfolio of integrated solutions, which include leading chairside and lab-based scanning and milling technology, 3D printing, central milling, and ClearCorrect orthodontic solutions – all with interconnected software platforms, validated workflows, and materials, including our own new glass ceramic ‘n!ce’. All of this together with service support, implants and biomaterials is now conveniently available from a single source”.

Tais Clausen, 3Shape co-founder and co-CEO, says: “We are excited that dental professionals in the US and Canada now have the opportunity to work with Straumann as a strategic partner for our 3Shape TRIOS 3 intraoral scanner. Straumann is well-reputed for its dental industry expertise and comprehensive selection of solutions. 3Shape TRIOS makes a terrific addition to the Straumann lineup and now gives professionals working with them, the widest range of superior options for treating their patients,”

About 3Shape

3Shape is changing dentistry together with dental professionals across the world by developing innovations that provide superior dental care for patients. Our portfolio of 3D scanners and CAD/CAM software solutions for the dental industry includes the multiple award-winning 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner, the upcoming 3Shape X1 CBCT scanner, and market leading scanning and design software solutions for dental labs.

Two graduate students founded 3Shape in Denmark’s capital in the year 2000. Today, 3Shape has over 1,000 employees serving customers in over 100 countries from an ever-growing number of 3Shape offices around the world. 3Shape’s products and innovations continue to challenge traditional methods, enabling dental professionals to treat more patients more effectively. www.3shape.com

About ClearCorrect

Based in Round Rock, TX, ClearCorrect is a well-established manufacturer of clear aligners that discreetly correct malocclusion. It became part of the Straumann Group in 2017 and offers an affordable and provider-friendly approach to doctors around the world.

About Straumann

Straumann USA Inc. is the US subsidiary of the Straumann Group and is based in Andover Massachusetts. The Straumann Group (SIX: STMN) is a global leader in tooth replacement and orthodontic solutions that restore smiles and confidence. It unites global and international brands that stand for excellence, innovation and quality in replacement, corrective and digital dentistry, including Straumann, Instradent, Neodent, Medentika, etkon, ClearCorrect, Dental Wings, and other fully/partly owned companies and partners.

In collaboration with leading clinics, institutes and universities, the Group researches, develops, manufactures and supplies dental implants, instruments, CADCAM prosthetics, biomaterials and digital solutions for use in tooth replacement and restoration or to prevent tooth loss.

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the Group currently employs approx. 4800 people worldwide and its products, solutions and services are available in more than 100 countries through a broad network of distribution subsidiaries and partners.

Align Technology Files Six Patent Infringement Lawsuits Asserting 26 Patents Against 3Shape

Align Technology Files Six Patent Infringement Lawsuits Asserting 26 Patents Against 3Shape

Align Technology, Inc. has filed six patent infringement lawsuits asserting 26 patents against 3Shape.

Align filed two Section 337 complaints with the U.S. International Trade Commission alleging that 3Shape violates U.S. trade laws by “selling for importation and importing its infringing Trios intraoral scanners, OrthoAnalyzer and Dental System software,” according to their press release.

Align’s twenty-six patents asserted against 3Shape are:

Patent No. Title
9,615,901 Method and apparatus for imaging three-dimensional structure
9,566,132 Smile Designer
9,510,757 Identification of areas of interest during intraoral scans
9,451,873 Automatic selection and locking of intraoral images
9,427,916 Method for preparing a physical plaster model
9,299,192 Methods and systems for creating and interacting with three dimensional virtual models
9,101,433 Method and apparatus for colour imaging a three-dimensional structure
8,845,330 Method for preparing a physical plaster model
8,734,149 Systems and methods for fabricating a dental template
8,675,207 Method and apparatus for colour imaging a three-dimensional structure
8,638,448 Method and apparatus for imaging three-dimensional structure
8,638,447 Method and apparatus for imaging three-dimensional structure
8,545,221 Smile Designer
8,454,364 Method for preparing a physical plaster model
8,451,456 Method and apparatus for colour imaging a three-dimensional structure
8,363,228 Method and apparatus for colour imaging a three-dimensional structure
8,092,215 Smile Designer
7,112,065 Method for defining a finish line of a dental prosthesis
7,092,107 Method and apparatus for imaging three-dimensional structure
7,056,115 Systems and methods for fabricating a dental template
6,948,931 Digitally modeling the deformation of gingival tissue during orthodontic treatment
6,845,175 Dental image processing method and system
6,685,470 Digitally modeling the deformation of gingival tissue during orthodontic treatment
6,514,074 Digitally modeling the deformation of gingival
6,334,853 Method for obtaining a dental occlusion map
6,227,850 Teeth viewing system

With sources from marketwired.

Stick with DentalTechTips for more updates on Align and 3shape!

Align Technology Files Six Patent Infringement Lawsuits Asserting 26 Patents Against 3Shape

Align Technology Files Six Patent Infringement Lawsuits Asserting 26 Patents Against 3Shape

Align Technology, Inc. has filed six patent infringement lawsuits asserting 26 patents against 3Shape.

Align filed two Section 337 complaints with the U.S. International Trade Commission alleging that 3Shape violates U.S. trade laws by “selling for importation and importing its infringing Trios intraoral scanners, OrthoAnalyzer and Dental System software,” according to their press release.

Align’s twenty-six patents asserted against 3Shape are:

Patent No. Title
9,615,901 Method and apparatus for imaging three-dimensional structure
9,566,132 Smile Designer
9,510,757 Identification of areas of interest during intraoral scans
9,451,873 Automatic selection and locking of intraoral images
9,427,916 Method for preparing a physical plaster model
9,299,192 Methods and systems for creating and interacting with three dimensional virtual models
9,101,433 Method and apparatus for colour imaging a three-dimensional structure
8,845,330 Method for preparing a physical plaster model
8,734,149 Systems and methods for fabricating a dental template
8,675,207 Method and apparatus for colour imaging a three-dimensional structure
8,638,448 Method and apparatus for imaging three-dimensional structure
8,638,447 Method and apparatus for imaging three-dimensional structure
8,545,221 Smile Designer
8,454,364 Method for preparing a physical plaster model
8,451,456 Method and apparatus for colour imaging a three-dimensional structure
8,363,228 Method and apparatus for colour imaging a three-dimensional structure
8,092,215 Smile Designer
7,112,065 Method for defining a finish line of a dental prosthesis
7,092,107 Method and apparatus for imaging three-dimensional structure
7,056,115 Systems and methods for fabricating a dental template
6,948,931 Digitally modeling the deformation of gingival tissue during orthodontic treatment
6,845,175 Dental image processing method and system
6,685,470 Digitally modeling the deformation of gingival tissue during orthodontic treatment
6,514,074 Digitally modeling the deformation of gingival
6,334,853 Method for obtaining a dental occlusion map
6,227,850 Teeth viewing system

With sources from marketwired.

Stick with DentalTechTips for more updates on Align and 3shape!

3shape D2000

3shape D2000

 

 

Introduction

With a longstanding reputation as a leader in the field of extra-oral 3d scanners, 3shape has continued to improve on their designs with each passing generation of scanners that they’ve introduced.

Keeping in mind what technicians really want with each new iteration, they’ve managed to transform what we once considered pretty innovative-into relatively standard features that are simply expected of every 3d scanner released to the dental market today.

To separate themselves from the equally-as-capable competition, 3shape has taken a gamble with some new feature additions that have some real potential game-changing power. This is the review of the 3shape D2000 scanner.

Visual and Build Quality

The most apparent feature of the D2000 is the extra large scanning area. In fact, there’s nothing more accurate to say about the D2000 than it is a big scanner. It’s wider, more spacious, and heavier than most of the 3shape scanners that have come before it. The exception being the D250.

The D2000 comes in a space grey color scheme reminiscent of Apple’s iPhones, and features 4 individual 5 megapixel cameras. There are 27 LED lights featuring what 3shape has dubbed their “Blue LED multiline technology”. Pretty much everything you can think of has been upgraded from previous generations and the numbers cranked up to the maximum.

Moving up from an older model like the D810 takes a moment to get used to, but it really is worth it. There’s no question this is a 3shape product. It’s really well made, sturdy and high end, even the door closing and opening feels better than it ever has. The status light is integrated into the logo on the door now, which is a really clever design choice. In fact, the D2000 is a Red Dot design winner.

Scanning Software and Features

On the software side, the improved texture scanning ability fully digitizes models in true living color. Scans coming from the D2000 don’t feel like virtual approximations of the actual model they feel more “authentic” and lifelike somehow. My guess is that is has something to do with the decreased tolerances from 10 microns down to 5 microns; an absolute must for accurate implant bars and long span bridges.

All of the core features of scanning have been refined and honed to perfection; Accuracy, details, speed –Everything works straight out of the box without any real need for tweaks. As one of the first companies to really get 3d scanning right, 3shape has really built a reputation for themselves to live up to as a leader in the field. 3shape has delivered on that promise with the core functionality of this scanner. The new ScanSuite offers a versatile and flexible scanning platform to digitize your models. You can seamlessly switch between each step. This gives you the freedom to achieve whatever results you desire, in whatever order you can conceive. It makes so much sense and I couldn’t imagine going back to scanning in the old linear fashion.

The inside of the scanner is all about the new double scanning platforms and roomy interior. This is very clearly at the epicenter of what 3shape had in mind when they designed and built this scanner. You really get a sense of how they’ve focused everything else around in this one particular feature. Almost every feature and enhancement is directly related to utilizing the platforms to their fullest extent. The execution of that however, sometimes falls a bit short of expectations.

In some situations having a larger scan area makes a HUGE difference. Gone are the days of snapping off articulators and in its place 3shape has introduced some new toys: The occlusion setup tool and the occlusion transfer calibration object. After trying them out I can’t say that I’m completely sold on the ideas. Not being sold seems to be the prevailing theme with a lot of the additional features introduced by the D2000. Texture scanning and rotation-less scanning are a bit slow and cumbersome. Speed mode doesn’t do anything as far as I can tell. The models and designer seem to screech to a halt and defining the individual dies proved to be more of a chore than simply rotating the dies. It’s also very loud, which doesn’t affect any functionality, but it does diminish the element of refinement that 3shape has painstakingly put so much effort into for the visual aspect of the scanner. The refinement of the scansuite is also undermined with little bugs and quirks that don’t cripple the software, but they do put a damper on the overall experience

 

Furthermore, some long standing features have been removed: The option to load an old scan has been take away — although it’s not necessarily a major loss – simply because of how fast the scanner is. The rotating multi-die arm has been removed, and in it’s place a new stationary multi die plate has been introduced. I’ll be honest, I don’t really miss having to re-calibrate the old arm and plate that much. This new addition is quite welcome.

Conclusion

Overall, although the features or “gimmicks” are nice to have, the truth is that I could live without them. On a day-to-day production basis I normally DO live without them. The concepts introduced are nice, and I’d really like to see 3shape expand and refine these features in the future iterations. There’s plenty of potential here, they just weren’t fully realized with this release.

Final Verdict

With it’s new and improved double scanning platforms The D2000 is fast, accurate, and an extremely powerful scanner. 3shape has really built on and improved those core mechanics that they’re so well known for. However, some of the extra “features” introduced with this scanner seem to fall a bit short of expectations.

Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this review, please like, share, and subscribe. For everything else 3shape, and all the latest and greatest in dental technology… stick with dentaltechtips!