Man and Machine

Awhile back we had an online debate, via LMTmag.com, about what’s good, better, best when it comes to man-made or machine-engineered restorations. By now, it seems the answer is clear: both. In the same way “art versus science” was the community debate of the 1980s and 90s, I think most technicians would agree that, ideally, it’s a blend.

At LAB DAY this year—as well as at the IDS in Cologne—exactly what became clear is that we mortals have been forced to recognize that machines are, and forever forward will be, our creative partners for many things, including the creation of prosthetics. There was an acceptance and understanding among attendees that being a player means incorporating advanced technologies into the laboratory environment.

Though there were a number of product introductions—among them, lab and intraoral scanners, 3D printers and milling units, digital fabrication materials and digital solutions for removable...