Dr. Nadine Buchholz
Dr. Nadine Buchholz has been working with intraoral scanners since 2010 and has continuously developed her digital treatment concepts ever since. Since 2016, she has relied on functional diagnostics with zebris and has been using the JMA-Optic system since 2019. In 2022, she established her own dental practice in Bad Fallingbostel, where she combines state-of-the-art digital technologies with functionally and aesthetically sophisticated treatment concepts.
“Digital is my passion!”
Dr. Nadine Buchholz is a dentist with her own practice in Bad Fallingbostel, where she has digitalised her practice workflows. She has integrated a digital splint concept combining intraoral scanning and digital jaw movement analysis, which is presented below.
Functional diagnostics make the difference
Functional diagnostics make the difference
Successful splint therapy does not start with the splint itself, but with precise functional diagnostics. Patients suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, clicking or popping of the jaw, muscle tension, or headaches and neck pain benefit from a structured analysis of their individual jaw situation.
Before taking the patient’s medical history, the upper and lower jaws are digitally scanned. This is followed by a comprehensive CMD assessment and manual screening of jaw movements in order to identify symptoms and any previous treatments at an early stage.
For digital functional analysis, the JMA-Optic system from zebris Medical is used. The precise measurement of individual jaw movements provides the basis for functionally optimised splint therapy. At the same time, it enables reliable treatment planning, reduces the need for subsequent occlusal adjustments and ensures complete documentation.
First Consultation and Digital Functional Analysis
First Consultation and Digital Functional Analysis
At the beginning, we carry out a detailed CMD assessment using a specially designed questionnaire. This is complemented by a manual screening of jaw movements to identify potential functional disorders, pain or the need for treatment at an early stage.
During the consultation, we also explain to the patient the movement sequences that will be performed during the subsequent digital jaw movement analysis using the JMA-Optic system from zebris Medical. This allows the patient to practise the movements before the follow-up appointment, helping to ensure that the measurement can be carried out quickly and reliably.
At the second appointment, the digital functional analysis is performed. Based on the previously acquired intraoral scan, the individual measuring device is digitally designed and manufactured using 3D printing. This provides the basis for precise diagnostics and functionally optimized splint therapy.
Digital Measurement
Digital Measurement
Based on the previously acquired intraoral scans, the patient-specific measuring devices is digitally designed and manufactured using 3D printing. It can be positioned quickly and precisely, providing the basis for highly accurate digital functional analysis.
The digital facebow of the JMA-Optic system will be positioned within seconds and connects to the software via a stable Wi-Fi connection. The patient then performs the mandibular movements practiced before. During this process, all movement paths are recorded and documented three-dimensionally in real time.
The software clearly visualizes all contact points and movement paths in a 3D view and automatically generates a comprehensive functional report. This includes patient-specific parameters such as condylar path inclinations, Bennett angles, anterior guidance, as well as other parameters relevant to splint design and prosthetic planning.
The measurement data and the intraoral scan in the patient-specific centric relation (.PLY file) are matched in the zebris software. The resulting digital data set can then be transferred directly to the Tizian Creativ RT CAD software. This makes all patient-specific movement parameters available for virtual articulation as well as for the design of functionally optimized splints and dental restorations.
Benefits of the JMA-Optic System
Benefits of the JMA-Optic System
For the patient:
- The maxillary bow provides the patient with a clear field of vision
- Reliable prosthetic treatment – individual dental restorations that fit precisely
For the dentist:
- Good intraoral accessibility
- Fast registration of the reference plane
- Quick adjustment of the maxillary bow
- Transfer of individual patient data to articulators
- Comprehensive documentation for treatment planning and health insurance purposes
- Reliable prosthetic treatment – fewer occlusal adjustments required
For integration into the dental practice:
- Integration of the device into the digital practice environment via the existing VDDS interface
- Easy handling and clear visualisation for patients
Software:
- Wireless connection to the laptop via Wi-Fi
- Automatic software updates
After splint therapy
After splint therapy
Following splint therapy, we decide together on the next step: whether the patient requires new dental restorations, table tops or a splint for long-term use.
Benefits for the digital dental practice
Benefits for the digital dental practice
- High economic efficiency through cost and time savings
- New areas of responsibility for dental assistants
- Model-free scanning
- Improved quality of treatment
- Greater patient satisfaction thanks to a comfortable scanning procedure
- High precision in splints and dental restorations
- No need for physical transport or collection between the dental laboratory and the dental practice – enabling efficient collaboration with dental laboratories regardless of location
What do you need to start your digital practice concept on Monday?
What do you need to start your digital practice concept on Monday?
- The necessary hardware components: an intraoral scanner and JMA-Optic by zebris
- Enthusiasm for the digital dental practice
- A motivated team that enjoys working with digital technologies
- A secure data environment
- A dental laboratory partner with a highly developed digital workflow and extensive expertise in CAD design
“DentaBridge highlighted the capacity of AI-powered CAD systems to enhance the efficiency and predictability of contemporary digital prosthodontics.”
References
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