The Sirona inLab is a CAD/CAM (computer-assisted design/computer-assisted machining) unit designed to fabricate all-ceramic inlays, onlays, copings, crowns and 3-unit fixed partial denture substructures from millable ceramic blocks. Sirona states it uses the same design/machining technology as Sirona’s CEREC 3D and is the first CAD/CAM unit designed for use in a dental laboratory. The inLab creates a digital image by scanning a die and then generates and displays a 3-dimensional restoration on the screen. The technician can alter the design to suit individual preferences. Once designed, the inLab mills the restoration from a block of VITA/ Ivoclar ceramic or 3M ESPE heat-cured composite. Sirona states the total processing time is 27 minutes for a coping and 76 minutes for a bridge framework. This time can be further reduced with the addition of Sirona’s inEos Dental Digitizer external scanner. The inLab can be used to fabricate fully-contoured crowns and bridges or it can be used to fabricate copings only, with full-contour achieved by the traditional layered porcelain technique. Sirona provides free upgrades to its software, but charges a nominal fee for “activation keys” (one key required per unit fabricated). The inLab requires a conventional Pentium 4 PC, weighs 66 lbs, measures 19”Wx10”Hx18”D, and requires 100V – 230V AC, 50/60 Hz.
The inLab CAD/CAM System can be used to fabricate inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns, and fixed partial denture frameworks from millable blocks. The system is compatible with ceramic and composite blocks available from VITA, Ivoclar, and 3M/ESPE. The system provides the option of fabricating a fully-contoured crown or a coping only. Evaluators attended the same 3-day training course that is provided to purchasers of the inLab, and they thought the training was effective and the operating manual very helpful in overcoming a steep learning curve. They felt the 24-hour technical support hotline provided readily-available, competent assistance. All evaluators agreed the inLab saved time over the traditional method of fabricating metal-ceramic and all-ceramic restorations. An optional external scanner reduces the scanning time even further. The remake rate was very low once the initial learning curve was overcome, and there was no negative feedback from the clinicians who inserted the restorations.
Although initial results were very promising, long-term clinical studies of inLab copings and frameworks are not available. The learning curve is steep and the system requires a large financial commitment. A separate “activation key” must be purchased for each unit fabricated. Because of these factors, the inLab is probably not suitable for small, low-volume labs.
This review has been adapted from the DECS website. The DECS has no formal association with Dentalcompare or with vendors listed on dentalcompare.com. The DECS does not specifically endorse any particular product or vendor and is provided for informational purposes only.
