This was my intro into intraoral scanning and I did research for quite awhile. The i500 and the team at Cad Ray are top notch. The company has done such a great job putting this scanner in the ranks of the premier ones. With constant updates it gets...read moreThis was my intro into intraoral scanning and I did research for quite awhile. The i500 and the team at Cad Ray are top notch. The company has done such a great job putting this scanner in the ranks of the premier ones. With constant updates it gets better and better (though I’m still behind on updates). My crowns have never been better. They drop right in with no models. I didn’t believe it but I’m loving digital dentistry. I can’t wait to go to the class after COVID calms down!read less - 6/16/2020
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
Mehryar Ebrahimi
Great costumer service. I needed a part for my i700 and they were able to ship overnight. No down time. - 5/06/2022
Matt Stratman
only dental company that I have no complaints about - 11/03/2022
Engy Hassan
Amazing customer service! Excellent on time feedback. Thank you Kaila - 12/08/2021
Kurt Adamson
I was on the fence for a few years about getting into intra-oral scanning. I finally did it in the fall of 2019 and haven't looked back. I was hesitant mostly because I didn't want to spend a lot on $$$ on something that I don't end up implementing. ...read moreI was on the fence for a few years about getting into intra-oral scanning. I finally did it in the fall of 2019 and haven't looked back. I was hesitant mostly because I didn't want to spend a lot on $$$ on something that I don't end up implementing. I found that I love scanning, I feel like it has improved my quality of preps and my OCD of being able to verify accuracy. I recommend Cad-ray because they want you to succeed. They are always available. They have been through this process many times, they know what does and doesn't work. My experience is with the Medit i500 IOS.read less - 6/19/2020
Scot White
It's rare to find a company that actually has its customer's best interests in mind. They took all the intimidation out of the equation for me as I took the leap into the "digital dentistry." Frank Weinstein is the right person to know if you are try...read moreIt's rare to find a company that actually has its customer's best interests in mind. They took all the intimidation out of the equation for me as I took the leap into the "digital dentistry." Frank Weinstein is the right person to know if you are trying to learn about and buy and use digital tools in your office. It's so mush easier when you have knowledgeable people who are really on your side.read less - 7/07/2021
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
Used CAD-Ray for my Medit scanner purchase, training, and assistance and have had zero problems. They are so quick to respond to inquiries and helping with any minor issues (which have been very minimal). Highly recommend working with this company - 8/27/2021
Mark Geddes
Love my medit! Cad-ray has been awesome to work with and very educational in learning all things digital . Was doing a study club with 4 other dr's showing off the medit and the cerec dr who had just bought the newest kept saying, "mine doesn't do...read moreLove my medit! Cad-ray has been awesome to work with and very educational in learning all things digital . Was doing a study club with 4 other dr's showing off the medit and the cerec dr who had just bought the newest kept saying, "mine doesn't do that. No way! I wish mine could do that. For real? I paid 4 times as much."
Needless to say the medit is awesome.read less - 6/18/2020
I'm a dentist in Maine and have been working remotely with CAD-RAY for about 5 years. They do all my implant planning and fabrication of surgical guides. I just send them a CBCT image and digital impressions and they take care of all the rest, it cou...read moreI'm a dentist in Maine and have been working remotely with CAD-RAY for about 5 years. They do all my implant planning and fabrication of surgical guides. I just send them a CBCT image and digital impressions and they take care of all the rest, it couldn't be smoother. I've only had good experiences with CAD-RAY, and am very grateful for this awesome service they offer.read less - 6/02/2019
LoAn Huynh
Erika is one of a kind! She truly is patient with me. She has gone above and beyond to help me every time I call her. We have a few locations and she is always prompt in her responses and always manages to find a solution for me. I wish every rep was...read moreErika is one of a kind! She truly is patient with me. She has gone above and beyond to help me every time I call her. We have a few locations and she is always prompt in her responses and always manages to find a solution for me. I wish every rep was reachable ALL THE TIME and helpful! Thank you Erika! ❤️read less - 6/04/2025
Harrison MacKenzie
Purchased Medit i700 from Frank/CAD-Ray and everything has been absolutely top-notch! Great service, quick responses, great training. Very happy with CAD-Ray and our i700! - 10/20/2022
Artin Sakhaee
The support is even better then the camera itself. I used many other scanners and this is by far the best one. Recommended to many people. Looking to purchase a second one for my practice. The use and results are amazing. No adjustments to the p...read moreThe support is even better then the camera itself. I used many other scanners and this is by far the best one. Recommended to many people. Looking to purchase a second one for my practice. The use and results are amazing. No adjustments to the prosthetics at all.read less - 7/15/2020
Suzanne Stock
Excellent experience, customer service has been stupendous! - 11/20/2023
Andrea Sleep
Thank you guys so much. You guys have the absolute best customer service! - 5/05/2025
David Paquette
Cad-Ray has been super-efficient and very easy to work with! Highly recommend them for Medit sales and support! - 11/09/2021
Absolutely the best customer service I have ever seen. I couldn't be happier with the service received. I won't be going anywhere else!! Thank you again. - 2/01/2022
Michael Conte
Needed help with scanner updates and Frank is the man! Once he was done the scanner was operating in hyper-drive!!thanks frankoffice of Glenmont Dental - 2/15/2022
Ellen Huang
Armen created series of these very helpful videos. They helped us tremendously in breaking into the new scanner we purchased. No matter you just got into digital dentistry or you are quite experienced with different fields of data acquiring or treatm...read moreArmen created series of these very helpful videos. They helped us tremendously in breaking into the new scanner we purchased. No matter you just got into digital dentistry or you are quite experienced with different fields of data acquiring or treatment planning, you will find those being tremendous help.read less - 5/24/2020
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
I just ordered my i700 and am
Very excited to get into the digital world of dentistry and Nick was extremely helpful with answering any questions and helping to put the order together. - 12/09/2021
Very happy with my Sprint Ray 3D printer. Frank D. went above and beyond with training my team on how to use it. He offered remote training as a courtesy and followed up to make sure we were ok. Highly recommend! - 1/25/2023
Jorge Gonzalez
Armen is a dentist and knows what a dentist need, on other words cad ray sells technology that works for dentists! - 6/16/2020
Eric Turner
I bought my Medit from Cad-Ray a little over a year ago. The very few times I've needed any kind of help with it, Cad-Ray has been absolutely ON IT. Issues get completely resolved within minutes. It's great!! - 11/01/2021
Tara Ericson
Very pleased with the EXCELLENT support we have received from Frank DeLuca! Loving our new Medit so far, definitely more user friendly than our previous one. - 6/02/2022
Christopher Godla
I have had my Medit i700 scanner for about 2 months now and have completed 67 restorative cases with it. Scans have generally been pretty quick, and the accuracy seems to be superior to the iTero I used. My first scanner ended up dying after a few ...read moreI have had my Medit i700 scanner for about 2 months now and have completed 67 restorative cases with it. Scans have generally been pretty quick, and the accuracy seems to be superior to the iTero I used. My first scanner ended up dying after a few weeks. Medit and cad-ray were great- they sent a new scanner within the week and haven't had any problems since. Customer service has been spot on. Overall I have been very satisfied.read less - 6/30/2021
I am beyond impressed with Destaney and Cad-Ray! Despite accidentally throwing away my old scanner, which I was supposed to return, their team went above and beyond to advocate for me. Their exceptional support and understanding turned a stressful si...read moreI am beyond impressed with Destaney and Cad-Ray! Despite accidentally throwing away my old scanner, which I was supposed to return, their team went above and beyond to advocate for me. Their exceptional support and understanding turned a stressful situation into a seamless experience. Highly recommend!read less - 8/02/2024
DERYCK PHAM
STOP SEARCHING NOW!
Best bang for your buck scanner on the market. we have been using out medit for 8 months now. love our crowns, margins are fantastic. almost no adjustments needed at all. maybe one in ten crowns might have to adjust mesial or...read moreSTOP SEARCHING NOW!
Best bang for your buck scanner on the market. we have been using out medit for 8 months now. love our crowns, margins are fantastic. almost no adjustments needed at all. maybe one in ten crowns might have to adjust mesial or distal to get crown to drop in. occlusion is always spot on. patients love the technology and WOW factor -"SOOO COOOLLL." customer service is great also! dont waste your money on anythign else. our lab even comments on how easy it is to deal with medit and how good the scans are. they recommend it to their other doctors now as well.read less - 10/09/2019
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
Micah Bickel
Great products, training and support - 11/01/2021
Graham Reed
I got the Medit scanner last fall and I have been nothing but impressed by it and the support by CAD-Ray. The level of support, training videos, and continuously upgraded software is really impressive. If you are on the fence, you should feel confide...read moreI got the Medit scanner last fall and I have been nothing but impressed by it and the support by CAD-Ray. The level of support, training videos, and continuously upgraded software is really impressive. If you are on the fence, you should feel confident in moving forward with CAD-Ray.read less - 6/16/2020
JCarlos Mendoza
Had a good experience when purchasing my scanner, it was very easy, and to date after three months of using the scanner no support is a plus, anytime I call me I will answer and troubleshoot - 7/10/2022
Monika Reyes
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
I seriously can't believe the amount of support I get from Cad-Ray. I bought a medit scanner 2 months ago through Laura and she was very quick to get it shipped to me. She helped me through the whole process and ensured that I was passed to the right...read moreI seriously can't believe the amount of support I get from Cad-Ray. I bought a medit scanner 2 months ago through Laura and she was very quick to get it shipped to me. She helped me through the whole process and ensured that I was passed to the right people to train me. They were always available whenever I called, even one time I ran into an emergency after hours and Kaila picked up and saved the night. Very cool how they can remote access to my computer and guide me through as if they were right next to me.I also recently bought an Ackuretta Sol printer with Laura's help and she got me paired up with Jessica for my printer training. Jessica is so awesome! She is very knowledgeable and guided me through a lot of troubleshooting and set me up for success.Thank you guys so much!! I will always refer my friends to you all.read less - 4/13/2022
Brandon Jones
Cad-Ray customer service is great! Super responsive and efficient. - 3/26/2024
Dr. Howard Lassin
Great 1st lesson with Ryan on the Mediti700. We are ready to scan:) - 12/30/2022
Kelly Betts
Customer service has always been top-notch! I personally worked with Wayne Glassoff and he has been super helpful getting our office up and running with 3D printing and has always been a great resource and highly responsive whenever I need anything o...read moreCustomer service has always been top-notch! I personally worked with Wayne Glassoff and he has been super helpful getting our office up and running with 3D printing and has always been a great resource and highly responsive whenever I need anything or have any questions.read less - 9/24/2022
Stephanie O'Rourke
I am fairly new to scanning with my Medit I700. I am loving this in my business. It has had its challenges at times but the best part is the accessibility and support from Frank DeLuca. He has been instrumental in helping me when I have a patient in...read moreI am fairly new to scanning with my Medit I700. I am loving this in my business. It has had its challenges at times but the best part is the accessibility and support from Frank DeLuca. He has been instrumental in helping me when I have a patient in the chair and need assistance. I couldn't be more grateful for his help. Thanks, Frank!read less - 12/16/2021
David Weber
Much like dentistry is not a commodity, CAD-RAY's service is not a commodity. What CAD-RAY does so well is not just sell pieces of technology affordably and smoothly, but provides service, training, and insight so these tools can be used meaningfully...read moreMuch like dentistry is not a commodity, CAD-RAY's service is not a commodity. What CAD-RAY does so well is not just sell pieces of technology affordably and smoothly, but provides service, training, and insight so these tools can be used meaningfully and profitably.read less - 12/12/2022
Shawn Van de Vyver
Most amazing customer service I've experienced with any dental office related company. It reminds me of the legend about the lady returning car tires to Nordstrom and getting a full refund, but with intraoral scanners. I've moved all my related purch...read moreMost amazing customer service I've experienced with any dental office related company. It reminds me of the legend about the lady returning car tires to Nordstrom and getting a full refund, but with intraoral scanners. I've moved all my related purchases (and all future equipment purchases) over to CAD-Ray. I couldn't ask for anything more.What else is there to say?read less - 6/02/2022
Value Dental
Excellent customer service and support. Kaila was extremely pleasant and professional over the phone. She sent us the replacement part in a timely fashion. Will recommend this product and their business to fellow colleagues. Thanks again! - 12/06/2021
North Bakersfield Dental
Excellent customer service and product!! - 3/16/2022
Roopam Garg
I purchased Medit scanner few weeks ago . Frank and Nick have been really excellent answering my questions promptly. The scanner itself is wonderful with no back fees , customer service is top notch. The entire team works fast and helps you out. I st...read moreI purchased Medit scanner few weeks ago . Frank and Nick have been really excellent answering my questions promptly. The scanner itself is wonderful with no back fees , customer service is top notch. The entire team works fast and helps you out. I strongly recommend this scanner!read less - 6/17/2020
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
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
I have just recently purchased the Medit i700, and although it is "on its way" I have to comment on the support that I have already received, especially from Nick. He walked me through the benefits and features of the scanner and the transaction was...read moreI have just recently purchased the Medit i700, and although it is "on its way" I have to comment on the support that I have already received, especially from Nick. He walked me through the benefits and features of the scanner and the transaction was extremely easy. I can only think that the rest of the onboarding will be the same and in six months I will revisit this site and be extremely grateful I made the purchase.read less - 12/09/2021
I have enjoyed using the Medit i500 scanner. Previously I had two 3Shape scanners, however, the yearly fees were adding up and there are no ongoing fees with the Medit. Quality is great, and support has also been solid. Overall very happy with thi...read moreI have enjoyed using the Medit i500 scanner. Previously I had two 3Shape scanners, however, the yearly fees were adding up and there are no ongoing fees with the Medit. Quality is great, and support has also been solid. Overall very happy with this purchase.read less - 2/16/2020
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
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
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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