Digitalization has facilitated the work of dentists and dental technicians, but it has provoked an urgent need to increase theoretical and technological competence. By creating specific dental file formats, dental specialists diagnose, plan treatments and create personalized dental constructs. In digital dentistry and dental laboratories, 2D image files, 3D image files and model files are used. Some of the most commonly used file formats are DICOM, STL, PLY and OBJ. Each format has its pros, cons and applications. Practitioners often do not recognize their specificities and differences. Understanding the strengths and limitations of the file formats used in the dental industry is essential in modern digital dentistry. This knowledge is essential for good practice.
The purpose of this study is to systematize information about the file formats used in communication and production of constructs in digital dental practice and the dental laboratory. It also aims to consider the main differences between them, their limitations, advantages and most common applications.
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