AI Powered, One-Shot 3D Face Scanner Revolutionizes Dentistry - Part 2

In this second part, we continue our interview with Dr. Nazariy Mykhaylyuk to get a more in depth understand on his thoughts regarding 3D facial scanning technology, and its impact on dentistry, specifically RAYFace and the platform it offers for doctors.

What is Full Mouth Reconstruction and why is it such a life-changing procedure?

Full mouth reconstruction is when we can recreate the proper occlusion, the proper function for the patient; We usually involve 28 teeth, when we are doing this type of treatment, it's either teeth or a combination of teeth and implants. When we work with 28 units, we're able, besides the function, to create new aesthetics for a patient, because we have the freedom to create the shape, and the color that we want.

Even things like success are determined by how your smile looks. When you talk to a person who has bad dental hygiene. When you have that type of dental health, it's difficult to find a good job. It's difficult to communicate with friends and loved ones. That's the point. And this is why dental health and dental aesthetics are important.

How is 3D Face Scanning relevant in dentistry?

It’s most relevant in big cases. Because when we are speaking about [one molar only], we don't need a facial scanner. But when we speak about aesthetics, the wide smile [and], number of teeth that the patient is showing during the wide smile, only facial scanner can show us this data. It’s amazing how we can see in real-time how the smile of the patient changes with the facial scan. Because we can use different types [of] digital teeth libraries, I can use those, and compare which one I like the most, which one works the best for the patient. The beauty of the smile does not only consist of the macro pictures in the mouth. The most important picture that you can have in dentistry is the facial picture. Because if the teeth are naturally integrated with the face of the patient, then it's a successful treatment.

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How important is it to capture the natural smile in 3D?

The natural smile is the most important thing because we need to realize how much tooth structure the patient is showing during the maximal smile. Starting from that information, we understand we need to perform some soft tissue correction, crown lengthening, or any other additional procedures. If I see that the patient has a low smile line, that means that I don't care so much about the position of this end because in real life nobody will ever see that.

But if I have a patient with a high lip line position, that means I need also to work with the soft tissue. I need to perform crown lengthening on the patient or some other procedures. Once you have the proper tool, you decide which data you want to collect.

How important is it to capture the entire pupillary distance?

Some of the scanners flash strong lights; it’s uncomfortable for the patient, it's difficult for them to keep their eyes open all the time. That’s why a short scan time allows for better, more comfortable scanning. 30% of patients have the inter-pupillary line that is the same as the horizon, but 70% don’t. You can better see the face and understand the esthetics when you can also see the eyes.

Is there anything that you want to tell the readers?

We’re all going to use digital workflows sooner or later. And if you ask when is the right time to switch to digital, the answer is yesterday. It’s not something impossible or something imaginary. It’s an everyday tool that works perfectly. It completely changes the game in dentistry. It brings new possibilities for you today. Why? Because I’m a big fan of working less and producing more, but still have time to enjoy life. And this is what digital dentistry gives me.