Tecnologias digitais em odontologia estética: ferramentas para o planejamento e execução de tratamentos restauradores

Abstract

Introduction: The aesthetic field in dentistry is broad and highly significant, as any disruption in smile harmony directly affects various aspects of the patient's life. Given that precision and predictability are crucial in this field, digital tools are frequently introduced to the market to facilitate dental practice, making it more efficient, faster, and more accurate. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the available technologies and their applications, advantages, disadvantages, and future perspectives. Methodology: Integrative literature review on the use of digital tools with a focus on restorative procedures, conducted through research in the PubMed, Lilacs, and Cochrane databases in May 2024, in English and Portuguese. Results: Of the 193 articles found in the search, 46 studies in English and Russian were included in this review after analysis. In these studies, several categories of technologies were identified for various purposes in aesthetic planning and treatment, such as: software, scanners, tomographs, 3D printers, chairside systems, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR). Conclusion: The digital workflow offers reduced clinical time, predictability, and precision in planning and treatment but does not eliminate the need for clinical judgment, experience, and mastery of the tools.