As important as the decision of which scanner to buy (I bought the Medit i500 - why is a separate review) is the decision of who to purchase it from. There is a Medit i500 distributor 5 miles from my office who agreed to lower their price to match C...read moreAs important as the decision of which scanner to buy (I bought the Medit i500 - why is a separate review) is the decision of who to purchase it from. There is a Medit i500 distributor 5 miles from my office who agreed to lower their price to match Cad-Ray. So why did I purchase it from Cad-Ray who is 2000 miles away from my office. Because I did my homework. Because the post purchase training and support offered by Cad-Ray was unmatched by any other dealer I spoke with. Their library of online training videos that came with the purchase is without equal. Bottom Line: I’m glad I purchased the Medit i500 and, with hindsight, I know I made the right choice to purchased it from Cad-Ray!read less - 5/12/2020
Michael Pagano
I bought a Medit i500 from Cad-Ray. The service was fantastic. This group also does ongoing training to keep you up to date on how to use the technology.I had a minor issue with hardware and Cad-Ray resolved the issues no questions asked!They have a ...read moreI bought a Medit i500 from Cad-Ray. The service was fantastic. This group also does ongoing training to keep you up to date on how to use the technology.I had a minor issue with hardware and Cad-Ray resolved the issues no questions asked!They have a very active online forum that is supportive. I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase more equipment from them!read less - 10/13/2020
Penelope Lee
Frank and his team have always been ready and able to help us with any issue we’ve come across in the last 2 years since we purchased our mill and equipment from them. Today, Griffen went above and beyond to find a solution to our software issue. I w...read moreFrank and his team have always been ready and able to help us with any issue we’ve come across in the last 2 years since we purchased our mill and equipment from them. Today, Griffen went above and beyond to find a solution to our software issue. I was able to finish a project on time for a patient in pain because of his dedication. “We’ve never had a more helpful team for any of our equipment” was a quote from our head Doctor today. Excellent job Griffen and team!read less - 5/14/2025
ycsongdds
I have had zoom training with Andy today. I can honestly say that he was the best. He was patient and very throughal. I learned a lot I would ask him again when I need support again Thanks Rodger - 3/15/2023
Gould Dentistry
A newcomer to scanning, I have been impressed with the ease of the process. The commitment shown by each CAD-Ray team member to successful customer training and their skill levelhave been extraordinary. Thank you Kaila, Frank and Andy!! - 5/15/2022
Caleb King
Kaila Larson is the support specialist for our office and has been outstanding. She gets back to us quickly with any questions we have, and will log into the computer and fix issues so we don't even have to worry about them. She is extremely knowled...read moreKaila Larson is the support specialist for our office and has been outstanding. She gets back to us quickly with any questions we have, and will log into the computer and fix issues so we don't even have to worry about them. She is extremely knowledgeable about the MEDIT scanner and the supporting software. She responds to calls and texts or emails and will communicate with us in whatever way is most convenient for our office. She has saved us hours of time and headache by always being available to help.read less - 5/25/2022
Nancy Hartrick
I am absolutely in love with my MEDIT i700, as is my entire staff. The Medit i700 is reliable, fast, easy to use and the software is incredibly intuitive. I couldn't be happier with the team at CAD-Ray. They are true professionals, and very hands and...read moreI am absolutely in love with my MEDIT i700, as is my entire staff. The Medit i700 is reliable, fast, easy to use and the software is incredibly intuitive. I couldn't be happier with the team at CAD-Ray. They are true professionals, and very hands and responsive in terms of their support and training. Thank you to the entire team.read less - 8/24/2021
Best support ever. They are super responsive when a problem occurred, and immediately set up a support ticket with the vendor who contacted me within the hour to help me to solve the problem. - 7/27/2023
Ernesto Carmona
When I decided to purchase a digital scanner I decided on user experience. They have provided the best experience I could have asked for, from online support, Facebook support, and in person courses. There is no better team to buy Medit from period...read moreWhen I decided to purchase a digital scanner I decided on user experience. They have provided the best experience I could have asked for, from online support, Facebook support, and in person courses. There is no better team to buy Medit from period. Do yourself a favor and buy from them if you are in the market for an intraoral scanner.read less - 6/16/2020
Michelle Duong
We are a new user of Medit i600. My rep Andy was very good with the training & very detailed & patient with the whole process. The online support is one of the best. Installation was also easy and straightforward. Our staff is really happy...read moreWe are a new user of Medit i600. My rep Andy was very good with the training & very detailed & patient with the whole process. The online support is one of the best. Installation was also easy and straightforward. Our staff is really happy with this new addition to our office. Thank youread less - 9/23/2022
Never had customer care like Cad-Ray, you can't go wrong purchasing through them. Trios is a great scanner. All the reps at Cad-Ray are very knowledgeable and helpful and will make sure you are up and running smoothly. Above and beyond customer serv...read moreNever had customer care like Cad-Ray, you can't go wrong purchasing through them. Trios is a great scanner. All the reps at Cad-Ray are very knowledgeable and helpful and will make sure you are up and running smoothly. Above and beyond customer service.read less - 8/27/2022
I purchased my Medit i500 scanner almost a year ago from CAD-Ray. Laura and the team there have been so responsive and ready to help. It is so nice to have a person answer the phone and be willing and able to assist! - 12/09/2021
Diana Teverbaugh
What can I say ! I have been extremely pleased with my scanner ! I recommend it to all my colleagues ! The support is the best , I bought the extended warranty and my scanner hada small crack and within one day they shipped my a new one ! I can’t wo...read moreWhat can I say ! I have been extremely pleased with my scanner ! I recommend it to all my colleagues ! The support is the best , I bought the extended warranty and my scanner hada small crack and within one day they shipped my a new one ! I can’t work without it ! Thank you !read less - 2/09/2022
Mayoor Patel
Kaila is awesome with training and her customer service skills. Enjoy learning from her... Product (scanner) so far loving it. - 12/02/2021
Tiffany Lee
This is a unique place because it serves both dentists and patients. For patients, this is an imaging center only. There are no diagnostics done here. There is a dentist on staff, but he is only there for imaging purposes, no diagnosis. As a dentist,...read moreThis is a unique place because it serves both dentists and patients. For patients, this is an imaging center only. There are no diagnostics done here. There is a dentist on staff, but he is only there for imaging purposes, no diagnosis. As a dentist, I would say that to be fair a niche place like this couldn't be expected to bill insurances. They would have to hire an entire separate staff to deal with all the thousands of types of insurances you have. For dentists: This is a great service to your patients because if you do not own a 3d x ray machine, you don't have to invest the $200,000.00, you can refer your patients here and cad ray will send you the digital files. You can also send them files to have custom surgical guides made. The folks who work here go out of their way to explain how things work. If you don't have a doctor, they can refer you to a dentist who can diagnose your problems. I always call ahead to make an appointment.read less - 6/02/2018
carlos Santos
I would like to let you know that Kaila Larson is excellent communicator, personable, professional and knowledgeableI have had the opportunity to talk to her 3 times and it has always been awesome.Regards,Dr Carlos santos - 4/08/2022
Ajitha Gereddy
We purchased Medit i-500 with CAD ray last December and customer support is great.One of best thing for our practice is having intra oral scanner ,works great . Laura was very patient with our learning curve. - 12/10/2021
Mitchell Rubinstein
I purchased my medit i500 scanner about a year ago from CAD Ray, and I have been extremely happy with both the scanner and the service / support.
Armen and Frank consider your purchase to be the beginning of your relationship with them, not...read moreI purchased my medit i500 scanner about a year ago from CAD Ray, and I have been extremely happy with both the scanner and the service / support.
Armen and Frank consider your purchase to be the beginning of your relationship with them, not the end. They do their best to make sure you learn everything you need to know in order to get the best possible results .
They answer calls and messages promptly, and it never takes me very long to get my questions answered.
I am VERY glad I bought from them, and not from one of the "big box" Dental Mega retailers.read less - 10/09/2019
I've been using this for almost 2 months now and I just love it. At this price point, ROI is a no-brainer. The convenience factor is amazing. I only did the DIY online training and I'm pretty confident doing the scan. I've signed up for the actual ...read moreI've been using this for almost 2 months now and I just love it. At this price point, ROI is a no-brainer. The convenience factor is amazing. I only did the DIY online training and I'm pretty confident doing the scan. I've signed up for the actual course so looking forward to seeing it's greater potentials.read less - 10/14/2019
Kaila Larson is absolutely the best support person I have ever used. She knows her stuff and is a pleasure to work with. Medit is only as good as the support and SHE MAKES CadRay and Medit an amazing experience! - 1/05/2023
Delicate Dentistry
Cad-Ray's support is truly exceptional. While the equipment represents a significant investment, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they stand firmly behind their products is invaluable. Their support team is efficient, professional, and remar...read moreCad-Ray's support is truly exceptional. While the equipment represents a significant investment, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they stand firmly behind their products is invaluable. Their support team is efficient, professional, and remarkably persistent in ensuring everything runs smoothly. I'm especially grateful to Destaney and Laura for their ongoing assistance- their dedication and expertise have made a world of a difference!read less - 5/15/2025
Rich Hirschinger
I had an issue that was due to the Medit settings. Damien logged on remotely to my laptop, and resolved the issue in a couple of minutes. Fantastic service. Thank you. - 8/27/2021
robert delaney
This summer I decided that it was time to purchase a scanner and train with my team. We could not be more excited as our experience with Laura at Cad-Ray has been just amazing. From the initial sales discussions to the support and training after the ...read moreThis summer I decided that it was time to purchase a scanner and train with my team. We could not be more excited as our experience with Laura at Cad-Ray has been just amazing. From the initial sales discussions to the support and training after the purchase I am very thankful to have purchased my Medit scanner from Cad-Ray. Every text and phone call has been given prompt attention and the after the sale support is first rate. It is a pleasure to leave a 5 star review for both the technology and for Laura!read less - 12/16/2021
Alderman Dental
Frank DeLuca from CAD-Ray has been absolutely awesome from day one. Readily available and very knowledgeable to provide support when needed. - 1/25/2023
Dr Grace Simco
I bought I500 scanner two years ago. The scanner is great and the service is excellent. I have contacted Heather Gramley and Andy Nova about the updates of my scanner recently. They are absolutely amazing people. They go above and beyond. They repres...read moreI bought I500 scanner two years ago. The scanner is great and the service is excellent. I have contacted Heather Gramley and Andy Nova about the updates of my scanner recently. They are absolutely amazing people. They go above and beyond. They represent the company very well.read less - 7/05/2022
As a lab we see a lot of scans. Great quality and easy to create great restorations from the Medit offices that send us work.- Jarvis dental lab - 1/29/2019
Susan Latimer
Cad Ray has always provided me with the best customer support for my Medit scanner. Today, I worked with Destiny. She is quick to respond and identify problems and also great at explaining how to fix them! I highly recommend this company! - 5/01/2025
Thuy Nguyen
CAD-Ray is amazing! Prompt replies, quick delivery, knowledgeable team! I had some cracks on my scanner that I read on their FB group may be a manufacturer's defect. My scanner was still covered under warranty. They overnighted a brand new one to me ...read moreCAD-Ray is amazing! Prompt replies, quick delivery, knowledgeable team! I had some cracks on my scanner that I read on their FB group may be a manufacturer's defect. My scanner was still covered under warranty. They overnighted a brand new one to me before I even knew they were going to replace it! That's how quick they are! Highly recommend them!!!read less - 12/23/2021
Esther Quintana
Se ve muy bien, aunque yo le tengo, pánico, a los Dentistas, Sorry, pero tengo que ir, Ni modo - 2/25/2015
Scott Chong
The i500 has been a game-changer for our orthodontic practice. Patients love not having to do alginate impressions. Records appointments and debands take much less time plus there's significantly less clean-up. And it's fast/easy enough to use tha...read moreThe i500 has been a game-changer for our orthodontic practice. Patients love not having to do alginate impressions. Records appointments and debands take much less time plus there's significantly less clean-up. And it's fast/easy enough to use that we've even been able to train summer interns to scans with zero prior dental experience. Our retainers, nightguards, and sleep apnea appliances all showed improved fit with less chair-side delivery time due to accuracy of the scans. Customer support is top-notch. Whenever we've had issues, we get someone immediately and they either talk us through a fix or login via screenshare to help us directly. They have a great loyalty program which gives significant discounts to upgrade to newer units. We recently took advantage and are excited to try out the new i700, especially since they're now Mac-compatible. Simple version: Great intra-oral scanner, easy to use/operate, intuitive software interface, fantastic support.read less - 8/16/2023
Provinces Dental
Cad-Ray has provided a great product! They have been super helpful with getting all of our questions answered and products to us in a timely matter! - 3/01/2022
Mary Oliverie
Last year when I started looking into the Medit i500 I had my front desk call 3 sellers to get preliminary information. She told me hands down call CAD-RAY and don’t bother with the others. Boy was she right! Frank got us going with all our hardware ...read moreLast year when I started looking into the Medit i500 I had my front desk call 3 sellers to get preliminary information. She told me hands down call CAD-RAY and don’t bother with the others. Boy was she right! Frank got us going with all our hardware needs and trained us until all our questions were answered. Then Jonathon and Armen jumped in at our 2 day live training in Baltimore. I still review my notes to implement all the great ideas. When I get myself in a jam time to time CAD-RAY responds immediately and fixes my problem. Best decision I have made in the practice in a long time - Thank you everyone at CAD-RAY!read less - 10/09/2019
As a small office, making the move to digital impression dentistry was a rather large commitment. After much research we settled on the Medit i500. We almost purchased from our implant supplier but were less than impressed with their training and...read moreAs a small office, making the move to digital impression dentistry was a rather large commitment. After much research we settled on the Medit i500. We almost purchased from our implant supplier but were less than impressed with their training and support options. After additional research we found Cad-Ray and couldn't be happier that we purchased from them. Their online tutorials and live support have been second to none. Having such a great support network behind the Medit made the transition and purchase so much better than it could have been had we gone a different route.read less - 11/30/2021
Cad-ray has been amazing, not to mention they have an amazing product in the medit i500. Their training is great, customer service is quick and thorough, and follow up is consistent. I highly recommend using cad-ray for anything that you may need. - 6/19/2020
Scott Terry
Six Stars! On a scale of one to five, I give CAD-Ray six stars. They really are that good. If you are purchasing an intra-oral scanner, I would recommend buying the Medit I-700. It is a dream machine. But, if you want incredible service every time, y...read moreSix Stars! On a scale of one to five, I give CAD-Ray six stars. They really are that good. If you are purchasing an intra-oral scanner, I would recommend buying the Medit I-700. It is a dream machine. But, if you want incredible service every time, you should buy your scanner from Cad-Ray. They have come through with flying colors each time I have contacted them. Their sales team great and their service is amazing. They have volumes of educational videos available, as well. I have worked with Jonathan, Damien, Frank, Armen and Laura. In a time where we are seeing the opposite, CAD-Ray will totally blow you away with the entire experience. I totally appreciate them and their value.read less - 11/01/2021
Karam ALrousan
i purchased medit intraoral scanner a year ago, other than the scanner is great, the customer service is outstanding whenever j need help or have a question they are ready instantly to answer my questions, cant ask for better customer service. - 6/16/2020
David Chong
Digital dentistry has changed my work flow for the better and could not imagine going back. So important that I have the support when things don't work as expected. CAD-Ray has been there every step and trust their expertise and knowledge! - 4/20/2022
Dong Lim
One of the best investments I’ve made for my office. A fraction of the cost compared to cerec. No monthly club fee. Easy maintenance. Saving a ton on lab costs. Milling and designing crowns is honestly my favorite things to do now. - 6/29/2020
Instant support, nice people at Cad-Ray but LOTS of trouble getting CIT 12m same-as-cash approval as offered. CIT fumbled around for 7d in finding credit report. Eventually fed up with inactivity or support after lifting Equifax credit freeze and d...read moreInstant support, nice people at Cad-Ray but LOTS of trouble getting CIT 12m same-as-cash approval as offered. CIT fumbled around for 7d in finding credit report. Eventually fed up with inactivity or support after lifting Equifax credit freeze and directed to Experian quagmire of automated phone calling tree.read less - 1/09/2021
Jennifer Ebner
After using the medit i500 scanner at an office as an employee, I purchased it from Cad-ray,com specifically because of their good reviews and their large, concise training library of videos. I've used CEREC as an instructor at a dental school and bo...read moreAfter using the medit i500 scanner at an office as an employee, I purchased it from Cad-ray,com specifically because of their good reviews and their large, concise training library of videos. I've used CEREC as an instructor at a dental school and bought a used Planscan, Planmill for my private office. Both were hard to learn and the fees and cost associated with training were a bitter pill to swallow after the costs to purchase. The ease of seating restoration was instant. The scanning learning curve is quick. I have easily added occlusal guard scanning, and implant scanning and will be trying a digital denture soon.
The purchase was easy, the product came quickly and the set-up videos guided me through very necessary adjustments to my Laptop I never knew I needed. Learning the new features with each FREE update is a treat. The DIY option was an extra bonus as the $2000 rebate came without having to ask for it. Cad-ray has delivered more than I expected with the purchase of the fantastic Mediti500 scanner.
I've included my cart set up. purchased from Amazon for $68. Its stable, has room for the necessities. I've taken it home and back to the office half a dozen times and it transports the scanner safely. It also keeps the cords from being run over. I haven't taken the included 2 day course but look forward too it after Social Distancing mandates are lifted.read less - 4/25/2020
Just got this scanner a few weeks ago. Has changed my workflow. Easy scanner to use. What's truly great is the support behind the product. Whether by call or fb messenger, I have never not been able to reach someone who solved the issue! Very pleas...read moreJust got this scanner a few weeks ago. Has changed my workflow. Easy scanner to use. What's truly great is the support behind the product. Whether by call or fb messenger, I have never not been able to reach someone who solved the issue! Very pleased so far.read less - 6/19/2020
Evan Bedell
Laura has always been so helpful with the medit when we needed assistance or resources. The training she provided the office was invaluable! She is quick to respond whenever we reach out. 13/10 - would recommend her to anyone looking to get a medit ...read moreLaura has always been so helpful with the medit when we needed assistance or resources. The training she provided the office was invaluable! She is quick to respond whenever we reach out. 13/10 - would recommend her to anyone looking to get a medit scanner.read less - 12/16/2021
Rusty Fitton
Super happy with our purchase of the Medit i500 from Cad Ray. Overall its a work horse scanner that has handled anything weve thrown at it. The key to success with it is definitely taking the time to actually learn how to use it after purchase. Ca...read moreSuper happy with our purchase of the Medit i500 from Cad Ray. Overall its a work horse scanner that has handled anything weve thrown at it. The key to success with it is definitely taking the time to actually learn how to use it after purchase. Cad Ray has an immense library of straight forward education videos that are updated basically daily. I havent done the 2 day course but that is also included in the purchase. You really cant find that sort of service and education with any of the other scanners on the market. Id recommend them to anyone.read less - 6/26/2020
Melissa Poynter
Very pleased with Heather :) She has been able to solve any and all issues I may be having, and does so within the same day if not right away! - 6/16/2022
Laura
Very helpful and attentive when setting up my new Medit scanner. Seamless process from start to finish - 10/28/2024
Vivek Singh
I have had done business with these guys. I am impressed with their Amazing Customer service. John and Armen are great. I have and will order lots of stuff from them. Kudos to them!!!! - 6/19/2020
Greg Camfield
CAD-Ray keeps knocking it out of the park. Upgraded from i500 to i700. Transition was seamless! Thanks again guys! - 11/15/2022
Travis Kendall
This scanner is amazing! It’s hard to believe that it is less then half the price of 3 shape with zero yearly charges. I highly recommend you give it a try! - 10/09/2019
For a few years I have been hesitating to get an intra oral scanner. I finally made the decision to get one and it turned out to be the best purchase I made in 2021!I love my Medit i700! - 11/23/2021
Bought a medit 6 months ago and customer service has been nothing short of amazing. Always very responsive and helpful. Great scanner, too! - 6/16/2020
With the Meditlink software you can design a case and then export the designs and take them to any milling machine of your choice. In this demonstration, we use the CORiTEC ONE to mill out the metal abutment in 45 minutes. This procedure is not intended to be a single appointment visit so timing is not critical and you don’t place undue wear and tear on the milling machine.
The crowns were milled with two different milling machines. A Celtra Duo block was used and milled with the CEREC MCXL and retrofitted to the abutment to verify the fit and accuracy. The same crown stl was milled out of Vita material in the imes icore machine. The whole point of the demonstration is that you can take scans from any intra-oral scan, take it to CAD software (in this case exocad) and then export the case and take it to any printer or milling machine of your choice. You must make sure critical information is accurately transferred from your CAD software to your CAM software, which is generally the construction / project file that accompanies the STL files of the prosthetic components
The same crown was milled out of Vita’s Suprinity material in 20 minutes with the imes-icore CORiTEC ONE. Take note of the internal adaptation of the metal abutment and the restoration and how when it is flipped upside down, the restoration does not fall out easily!
For our advanced users, we demonstrate how to plan and manage a two unit molar case so they can deliver multiple chairside restorations in a single visit. There are numerous short-cuts to this treatment protocol and we present them in great detail during our courses. The limiting factor for most doctors is that they have a single milling machine and we show our users how to balance prep and mill time so that they can complete 2 units in less than 90 minutes.
In this case however, we present two restorations that were prepared and delivered at the same time. The sequence of steps are:
Anesthetize the upper right first and second molar
While the patient is getting numb, image the arch to be prepped, image the opposing, and image the bite WITHOUT the teeth being prepared
Reduce the occlusal height of your preparation but do not image them
Check your reduction visually or with the camera function of the Medit i500
Reduce more tooth structure until you have the proper clearance for material strength
Finish refining your preparations, displace the tissue, reach hemostasis, and then crop out the area of the model that you have altered
Image the two preps into that equation. Most people turn on the HD mode for capturing the margins
For distal extension cases, we recommend that you take the second bite. While imaging the second bite (NOT the left vs right bite), if the occlusal model turns green, it is a clear Indication that the vertical has no changed from the pre-op to the prep situation and that you will have minimal post-op adjustments to make. If the second buccal bite does not register in green, it should serve as a warning to you that the vertical dimension has changed
As advanced users, you quickly recognize what areas in the model need to be closed either with imaging or with the “close hole” options during the processing step of the Meditlink software. If you are familiar with exocad or other CAD software programs you can just ignore these areas as they do not have any clinical significance whatsoever.
Once the case is designed you can mill them with your milling machine of choice. The testing of materials, fit, and milling machines are a constant at CAD-Ray.com so we milled the first molar with emax material and the MCXL and the second molar, a Celtra Duo material, was milled with the Imes Icore CORiTEC Once
An immediate post-op bitewing X-ray was taken to verify fit and to make sure that there was no excess resin cement left behind in the interproximal area. The premolar mesial to the working field also needs to be replaced and will be in the near future
In the following three videos we walk you through the steps of how the digital “scanbody drop” works to identify the location of an implant fixture. In the demonstration videos, we highlight this upcoming feature and how you an integrate the CAD software for implant designs and restorations. In the final video, we demonstrate how you can take the construction files to the milling machine of your choice and mill out the abutment and/or suprastructure.
When you start a case in exocad or in Meditlink, you have to define a project or define the job by entering a prescription. A dentalproject file is created that has all the pertinent data, like the type of restoration, the shade, the material, parameter settings,etc..
After the case is designed a dental cad project file is formed, along with the stl file of the restoration, accompanied by the construction information. Once the construction file is formed, the case can be import it into CAM software like cerec inlab. It carries a lot of information like the margin line.
Some CAM software can process simple redirections without the need for any other pertinent information from the construction file, while others require it. Some are so specific that a simple typo or wrong character will lead to mis-production.
In the case of cerec inlab, it’s best to have the construction file accompany the stl of the restorations, although there are numerous work-arounds in case you don’t. Once processed, the restoration is taken to the Mcxl milling machine.
Why are we so focused on teaching this concept ? Because it is critical for milling metal abutment where you have to keep track of an object that is cylindrical and symmetric in shape. The code in these files will dictate the indexing of the connections and how these abutments are milled.
The new Medit i500 software will feature the ability to mark margins in the imaging step before you import the case into a CAD software or send it to the lab. In this article we showcase a case where a 12 year old implant crown needed replacement. The pre-op images were captured, along with the opposing and the bite.
After the area was anesthetized and the crown was removed, expasyl was used to achieve hemostasis and tissue retraction. The margins of the abutment were imaged. Note how we used a feature in the Medit scanner to change the scan light from blue to white, which allows you to pick up red (blood and tissue) that is normally difficult to capture.
Once the margins were captured, we activated the margination tool. You highlight the area you want to address and the meshwork is calculated and processed locally, where you can then designate your margins that are exported to CAD software along with the jaw model, the opposing, the pre-op and the bite.
Alternatively, the traditional way would be to not place the margins in the native Medit software and to place it in the CAD software itself. As you can see both options are very viable and you do not lose any resolution of the scanned data between the imaging program or the design software.
The Medit i500 intra-oral scanner has two different software programs to operate, one is of which is geared towards clinical dentistry and the other is geared towards laboratories. Our advanced users are encouraged to use the lab version as it has a lot more functionality. One of them is to directly link to exocad software.
In this particular preview we show you the interface where you can launch the iScan program and define the work order and set all the parameters for your restorations.
Once all the settings are chosen, you launch the Medit scanner and image the case. Here, we defined the custom abutment for the crown and the opposing, which activated the catalog box for the antagonist, the arch, the scanbody, and the buccal bite. All respective images were captured.
Once the implant type is identified then you can design the abutment and crown with great control, where you can contour the underbelly of the abutment to help provide tissue support.
The design and the construction file is taken to the milling machine. Here, we used the CORiTEC ONE to mill the titanium abutment and then the Lithium Disilicate crown. You can see the great internal adaptation when the crown and the abutment are flipped around completely and the abutment does not fall out.
This case shows the amount of control one can have over the fit of a restoration. The upper right first molar was imaged with the Medit i500 and then imported into exocad design software. Once the margins are marked, the user can then define parameters that affect the fit of the restoration.
The diameter of the drill can be taken into consideration; in the design, 1.0 mm was chosen, but ultimately, we used the 0.6 mm bur to mill the intaglio of the emax restoration. The cement gap can be controlled as can the distance from the margin where it takes effect. The minimum thickness parameter also reinforces the material at the margins which will reduce the chances of chipping and ditching at deep chamfer margins. All of this translates into well fitting restorations with little space needed for the resin. That ultimately translates to easier clean up.
The case was milled using a few different materials and at varying speeds to see how thin the margins could be handled and how much detail the 0.6 mm burr can carve into emax and the glass ceramic material
At any given time, we are milling restorations with 3 or 4 milling machines. Recently, we designed a restoration with the Medit i500 scanner, designed in exocad, and milled with a chairside mcxl cerec milling machine. Here are the steps we took to do this:
You may have to install some .net framework files from Microsoft. It’s generally an automated installation
Once installed, make sure to have your milling machine turned on and connected. A lot of the functionality is closed if your machine is not on and connected to the PC with the software.
We had to follow certain steps in sequence to get this to work. We had to activate the license in a pre-installed CEREC software and then move that thumbdrive to the machine where the inlab CAM was going to be installed
You can contact Mr. Milos Gedosev who runs DentalCADCAM in Germany and has earned a great reputation over two decades if you have any questions.
If you are new to digital dentistry, this introductory video will show you how to judge if digital models are related to each other. As a simple exercise, we opened one digital model and then imported the exact same model as a pre-op scan into the equation.
Once the models are in the design software, they are manually related to each other with at least 3 common points. After the merge, we performed “best fit matching” and then demonstrate how the color histogram in exocad has the both models painted completely blue.
We then slightly altered one model by adding material to one cusp tip, reduce the adjacent cusp tip, and then smoothing the third cusp tip. We then re-aligned both models to each other again and you can see how the software lets you know the range of discrepancy in those areas. Notice that all three areas have the same histogram color but all three have distinct meshwork areas from the original.
Once you understand this concept, it opens up many avenues for you that you can never achieve with traditional impressions.
There are may advanced ways that you can articulate the maxilla with the mandible if you happen to have models that are not accompanied by a bite registration or the arches were scanned intra-orally in separate folders as files
Generally, when you scan intra-oral and complete the case with both arches and the buccal bite, the models maintain their relationship to each other when exported to CAD software. But if you do not include the buccal bite scan, or if you scan the arches in separate files or cases, there is no way for a software to know how they are supposed to align with each other.
This simple video tutorial shows beginners how they can hand articulate the arches together with digital software. There are two steps you should take to make this an easier process to visualize, once you become comfortable with the moving models around as a system or as independent units. Crop the model at its base so that you can see through it and then turn on the feature “show distances” in exocad that will give you a color map and help you with alignment.
Obviously a bite alignment scan will come in hand, whether you use a desktop scan or an intraoral buccal bites scan
Once in a while, our users get themselves in a bind and you have to rely on manual alignment of jaws to each other. Sometimes, it feels like you are doing gymnastics to get the process to work. The sequence of how you import the models and how you set up the case is important in exocad.
Here we have 3 models; one of the upper, one for the lower, and one for the bite. Don’t ask how we ended up here:) The “direction of travel” is important to keep in mind, and as you can see in this video that is sped up, how the case was managed. if you bring in the upper and lower models in together, and then the bite, as soon as you align the bite to one jaw, you end up dislodging it when you tack it to the opposing jaw.
Reversing the sequence of import helps. We first bring in the upper jaw and the bite alignment and stitch those together. Then we bring the lower jaw into the equation and then merge that to the whole complex. Once that is done, the arches now know their relationships to each other and when you save each arch individually and import them into other programs, they will know exactly how to line up.
At the end of this video demonstration you can see how we re-import the two models in stl format just to verify that they do align properly
In this particular case, we demonstrate an emax restoration fabricated with the Z4 milling machine by VHF. In the first video, you can see how the case was set up initially within the software. You will notice how we image the preop, image the opposing and can even image the bite out of sequence, all while the patient is being anesthetized.
Once the preparation is captured, we place the margins and design a crown in exocad. The emax is milled, tried in, and them placed in the oven for crystallization. It is then delivered to the patient. Note how the decay at the contacts of the adjacent teeth was drilled out and restored, while the crown was milling / crystalizing. An immediate post op x-ray was taken to make sure there was no resin left behin
When imaging a preparation, all you really need for a restoration to “fit’ is the contact area of the adjacent teeth (above the height of contour) and the opposing occlusal surface.
But the more you feed the computer aided design software the less work you have to do in the design of the restoration. For example, in the video below, you can see how the software automatically recognizes the adjacent teeth and a great initial proposal is rendered.
However, if you don’t capture all the data in the adjacent teeth, you will have to manually plot the adjacent teeth and spend more time in the design steps.
With exocad, the first step is to align the orientation of the arch so that the occlusal surface is directly facing you. Once the prepped arch and the opposing models are imported, then you place the margins.With the color OBJ files from the Medit i500 it is very easy to identify the margin based on color and geometry. Once the margins are placed, the next step in the wizard is to calculate the initial proposal.
This video demonstrates how the CAD software recognizes the adjacent teeth and renders a great initial proposal
Download the OBJ files and import them into smile design software and do a virtual wax up for a real case
This patient has had crown lengthening procedure performed on all the teeth in her smile line, greatly increased the tooth structure visible in this video. Her chief complaint was a gummy smile and now she is ready to “fill in the buccal corridor”
This is a first molar crown that was replaced with an in-office milled eMax restoration. The adjacent second molar had recurrent decay under the existing class 2 restoration. That was removed and replaced and pre-existing crown was also removed.
The preparation was refined and the recurrent decay was removed. Once hemostasis was achieved and the tissue was retracted the area was scanned with the medit i500. The crown was designed to full contour and milled chairside. After it was chrystalized, it was bonded into place with Nx3 resin cement. The excess was removed and an immediate post-op bitewing was taken to verify that no excess cement was left behind.
Pre-Op
This video shows the design of a crown after the impression was taken where vivid colors of the retraction cord, the sulcus, the preparation, and the details of the adjacent tooth can be visualized.
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Immediate Post-Op
Download the case files in OBJ Format
There are so many incredible and robust features to exocad and it is precisely why there are over 35,000 users around the world. There are many distributors to the software, including us, at CAD-Ray.com
We focus mostly on our clients who are generally dentists, and our main goal is to streamline your workflow and make this easy and not intimidating. During our two day hands-on course for new medit i500 owners, we install the software and design four cases in exocad.
Here are some of the top highlights for you to understand. The software is installed and self contained within a folder that you can place anywhere on a computer’s directory. What’s great about this is that your software operates completely independent of the windows operating system. So whenever there is an automatic windoes update, it does not mess with your configurations or settings and you don’t have to deal with firewalls and other technical terms we don’t even comprehend.
Another benefit to this is that you can place this folder on the cloud like dropbox and then you can go to ANY machine- at home, in another operatory, at another office and launch the program there, instead of carrying a laptop around. Since the data can only be accessed by a real license / dongle, there are no concerns about HIPAA violations as it is encrypted and only accessible by the active license. Moreover, one machine can be running Windows 7 and another could be runnng Windows 10, and you wouldn’t know the difference or have to worry about configurations
Also, multiple doctors in multiple locations could be working off the same program on the cloud, as long as they have an active dongle. This really allows for a lot of flexibility in a practice or a group setting.
You can see the basic elements in the folder, which are broken down into a case data storage folder, the CADApp and the DentalDB folders. We’ll explain what these other two folders do below.
As a distributor, we can custom make our own private label version of exocad. Since we are focused on chairside dentistry, or on dentists, generally, we strip the software down to the essentials. Namely, we’ve programmed it for inlays, onlays, crowns, and veneers. We also include bridges that can fit in 40mm blocks. You can choose to add on other modules like implant planning, implant designs, dentures, etc.. if you choose to.
It is important for you to understand that we provide a fully functional version of this software, and if you want to add more features as your confidence grows, all you have to do is swap out these files called WorkParamsDB.xml
Watch the video that shows you how we have multiple versions of the file. We provide you with many versions of this file that you always have access to and they are all configured differently. In seconds, you can change the look and the feel of the software to your liking, and turn on multiple modules that we hide from the version that we provide. Please note that we only provide support and tutorials for the what we call the Dentist Version of exocad, as opposed to the lab version. If you grow to the point where you want to add the other components, it is very to transition, just recognize that we don’t support the heavy duty version. We certainly can refer you to the right people to learn how to use those extended functions.
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One more thing for you to get excited about is the WorkParamConfigTool.exe
Now, if you are scared of the mouse and can’t press the “Any Key” button on keyboard, stop reading any further.
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