The 6-step Total Fit Workflow – 3Shape Blog (2024)

As a dental professional deeply entrenched in the digital revolution of our field, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of digital tools on dental practices. Over the past decade, the evolution of digital dentistry has not only refined how we approach traditional procedures but also significantly enhanced patient outcomes.

Today, I’m eager to share the methodology pivotal in my practice: the six-step Total Fit Workflow, enhanced through integrating 3Shape’s cutting-edge digital solutions.

The journey begins with a comprehensive digital patient model, which involves a thorough examination, image acquisition, and the use of reference objects for alignment and verification. Utilizing 3Shape’s software, we create a restorative treatment plan encompassing these elements, setting a solid foundation for the workflow.

Solutions that can be used during this step:

• 3Shape TRIOS: intraoral scanner used for capturing high-resolution digital impressions of the patient’s oral cavity
• 3Shape Implant Studio: Used for planning the implant placement within the digital patient model

The second step focuses on selecting appropriate implants and abutments, followed by designing and manufacturing surgical guides and immediate prosthetics using 3Shape’s solutions. This step ensures that the surgical and prosthetic components align with the treatment goals. 

Solutions that can be used during this step:

• 3Shape Implant Studio: used for designing surgical guides and planning the placement of implants
• 3Shape Dental System: used for design and manufacturing of immediate prosthetics

Guided implant positioning is critical during the dental implant surgery. We confirm implant placement, assess primary stability, and decide on the appropriate healing abutments and immediate restoration or loading strategies. These processes are crucial for optimal healing and integration of the implant. 

Solutions used during this step:

• 3Shape Implant Studio: ensures that the surgical guides are accurately designed to aid in guided surgery

This step involves taking digital impressions and registering the implant positions with impeccable accuracy. Using 3Shape’s TRIOS Intraoral scanner, we ensure that all occlusal registrations and repositioning accuracies are meticulously captured, which is vital for the subsequent laboratory procedures.

Solutions that can be used during this step:

• 3Shape TRIOS: vital for accurate digital impressions and dental implant position registration
• Shape Dental System: used for dental CAD designs based on the digital data collected

Our laboratory procedures are comprehensive. They begin with the verification of registrations, followed by model fabrication and abutment selection. We utilize CAD/CAM and 3D printing technologies to finalize the restorations, ensuring each component fits perfectly within the patient’s unique dental architecture.

Solutions that can be used during this step:

• 3Shape Dental System: used extensively in the laboratory for designing of prosthetics, and possibly integrating with CAD/CAM systems for the fabrication of the final prosthesis.
• 3Shape CAMbridge: potentially used for CAM processing and to facilitate 3D printing procedures

There is so much to explore

Integrating 3Shape’s digital solutions across these steps has significantly improved the quality and efficiency of dental implant procedures in my practice. By sharing this Total Fit Workflow, I hope to inspire other dental professionals to leverage digital dentistry’s potential. 

I encourage my peers to explore these technologies and workflow to see firsthand the improvements they can bring to your practice and your patients.