Digital technologies for functional diagnosis and treatment

Digitalization originally appeared to have a very limited potential for dentistry and was viewed with skepticism for many years. In the last few years, however, it has become an undisputed fact that new digital technologies are fundamentally changing many processes in the diagnostic and treatment chain. All areas of dentistry are being affected by these developments. The industry is now investing heavily in appropriate developments, and many research groups are studying the effects of digital technology on various areas of treatment concepts. The goal is not only to replace the conventional work processes with new procedures, but also, and above all, to realize the potential for achieving new and better diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. This article discusses the advantages, possibilities, and current limitations of digital technology with regard to functionally relevant aspects in various applications. Keywords: electronic bite registration, jaw movement, articulator, intraoral 3D scan, occlusion, temporomandibular joint