Digital dentistry has become a marketing pitch. Many practices call themselves “digital”—but behind that word, the reality varies widely.
Before choosing a practice for a crown, veneer, or implant, here are the clinical questions that really matter.
The difference between a full digital workflow and partial digital
This is the fundamental distinction—and the one patients know least about.
The full digital workflow
Everything happens in the practice. The dentist scans, designs the restoration in software, manufactures it with their own milling unit or 3D printer, and fits it during the same appointment. No middleman, no lab—even a digital one.
The partial digital workflow
The intraoral scanner is in the practice—but the file is sent to an external digital lab. The lab designs and manufactures. The dentist receives the piece and fits it. It’s faster than a traditional lab—but it’s not a full workflow. The essentials are delegated.
The difference for the patient: in a full workflow, the dentist treating you is also the one who designed your restoration. No middleman, no loss of information, no delegated decisions.
The 5 clinical criteria that really matter
1. How long has the dentist been using this system?
Six months after a marketing-driven investment or ten years of daily practice—it’s not the same thing. Mastering a full digital workflow is built on hundreds of cases, refined protocols, and corrected mistakes.
At Dental Swiss Clinics, Dr Zerguine has been using CEREC since 2013—before this technology became common in French-speaking Switzerland.
2. Who designs the restoration?
Designing a crown or veneer is a clinical act—not an administrative one. It requires precise knowledge of occlusion, dental anatomy, material constraints, and the patient’s specific situation.
The right question to ask: “Are you the one designing my restoration?” A dentist who delegates the design to an assistant or a lab is outsourcing a clinical decision.
3. Who fits the restoration?
Continuity is essential. The dentist who scanned, assessed, and designed is best placed to fit it. They know every decision made during the design—and can adjust if needed during placement.
4. Which material for which case?
A true digital dentist adapts the material to the clinical indication—not one single material for every case. Lithium disilicate for standard crowns, hybrid materials for ultra-thin veneers, zirconia for certain bridges—each situation has its answer.
A practice that offers the same material for everything deserves to be questioned.
5. What equipment is actually in the practice?
The minimum list for a full digital workflow: an intraoral scanner, CAD/CAM design software, a milling unit or 3D printer. If any of these is missing—the workflow isn’t complete.
Questions to ask before choosing
Five simple questions that reveal a lot about the reality of a digital practice:
“Do you do everything in the practice, or do you send it to the lab?” The answer should be clear and unambiguous.
“Who designs my crown—you personally?” The dentist or someone else—it’s a legitimate question.
“How many years have you been using this system?” Experience across hundreds of cases can’t be replaced.
“Can you show me your equipment?” A practice confident in its workflow won’t hesitate.
“In which cases do you still prefer to work with a lab?” An honest dentist has an answer to that question. Anyone who says “never” deserves a follow-up.
What Digital Dentistry Does Not Replace
Technology is a tool—not a guarantee. A full digital workflow in the hands of an experienced dentist delivers precise, long-lasting results. The same equipment in the hands of someone who’s been using it for six months delivers variable results.
The question isn’t only “do they have the right equipment?”—it’s “do they have the experience to get the best out of it?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all crowns be made in a single visit? No—the indication depends on the clinical situation. An honest digital dentist will tell you when a single visit is possible and when it isn’t the best option.
Is digital always more precise than a traditional lab? In a well-mastered full workflow—yes. With current protocols, CEREC restorations achieve fit margins on the order of 10 microns. This level of precision is documented in the scientific literature.
How do you know if a practice really has the equipment in-house? Ask to see it. A practice that has invested in a full workflow is proud of its equipment—and won’t hesitate to show it to you during your appointment.
Does Dental Swiss Clinics offer a full digital workflow? Yes—since 2013. Scanning, design, and manufacturing in-practice by Dr Zerguine himself, from diagnosis to placement. Learn more about digital dentistry in Montreux.
For a consultation and an assessment of your situation—contact Dental Swiss Clinics in Montreux, Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM.