“Sam, just three IDS highlights please. Just THREE.“
“THREE!?? You’re kidding me. No way, you’ve got to let me have more,” I pleaded.
Ever the negotiator, I convinced the team that despite my idea to go with nine, I would compromise at six and keep it short.
Safe to say I’ve managed to slip in a couple of more.
My reflections on IDS Cologne 2025
As I sit here reflecting on the last week, I am filled with a range of emotions and feelings – excitement, guilt, exhaustion, joy, nervous anticipation, sadness, gratitude, anxiety, pride, longing, and inspiration.
I’ll try to explain some of these.
Sadness and longing are the lower-hanging fruit – it’s a homesickness for Natasha and my girls. There is a sense of guilt in finding myself on the other side of the world pursuing my dreams while Natasha has to pick up the pieces.
As much as I love traveling and connecting with my colleagues from around the world, I miss the routine – you know, the one we all tend to complain about.
Getting up early to hit the gym before making some folded eggs for my girls and sharing a coffee with Tash. The mad rush to get ready, and while I don’t miss the traffic on the way to school drop-off, I do miss the cuddles before bed.
I miss listening to the intense appraisal of Estelle’s friends at kinder and why she thinks they need to be less naughty, Claudia’s wisdom even at nine, and Natasha’s slow roasts and long kisses.
The Excitement of Innovation at IDS Cologne
Excitement – that’s another easy one. It’s the feeling I got with each of these highlights.
I can safely say that, with our partners, we have a suite of products that lead the way in CAD-CAM Dentistry. The use of AI (artificial intelligence) in many aspects is just the start, though it is an overused term. Instead, I prefer to describe it as the removal of steps. We have come a long way.
Here are my top six highlights from IDS Cologne:
1. Exocad’s AI Advancements
Exocad’s development of its AI-driven design platform marks a significant step forward. The A.R.T. module is a game-changer, allowing orthodontic planning to integrate seamlessly with CAD design for restorative dentistry. The future of Chairside dentistry is looking bright with these advancements revealed at IDS Cologne.
2. iTero’s Unrivaled Intraoral Scanning
iTero has firmly established the Lumina scanner as the leading restorative intraoral scanner, proving it is much more than an Invisalign scanner.
IDS highlights for iTero? There’s a few.
iTero Design Suite with direct integration into Chairside 3D printing. Perfect for Asiga 3D printers – another IDS highlight.
Then there’s the new video feature. Demonstrate proposed smiles with ortho-restorative treatment plans – truly next-level innovations in Digital Dentistry.
We are one of the first resellers to have the iTero Lumina PRO ready to demonstrate. To book your demonstration or make an enquiry – CLICK HERE.
3. Asiga’s IDS Cologne Triumph
Asiga took center stage at IDS Cologne. The PrintPods accessory transforms the existing Asiga 3D printer into a fully open Chairside solution compatible with third-party materials. These Pods allow approximately 3-5 crowns per pod, offering simple and efficient post-processing – a true advancement in Chairside 3D printing.
Check out the Asiga PrintPods system here.
Our partners at Asiga have truly seen the writing on the wall.
They have provided an open and scalable alternative to the main player in this space, the clever Midas system. Giving credit where it’s due of course. However, the ability to use your existing printer, using open materials means that Asiga wins.
Then there’s the Cure system which allows for the full curing of your custom made or patient matched medical devices. What makes it different is that it is network connected to the 3D printer and will cure the appliance based on need. Ie, curing program will differ depending on weight and quantity of appliances.
4. The Debate: Photogrammetry vs. Intraoral (Photo)grammetry
This remains a hot topic.
Full transparency – we sell the iMetric iCAM and we sell iTero intraoral scanners.
I have seen and played with the obvious leader in IPG (Intraoral Photogrammetry) as they describe it. The Shining scanner. Whilst, I am impressed, I really can’t see how it would handle every case day-in-day out. The question I have for those cases are the five and ten year reviews.
There is passive fit and then there’s just fit.
While intraoral scanners have improved, extraoral photogrammetry systems make more sense. They bypass the challenges of blood, saliva, and other intraoral artifacts, ensuring more reliable results.
Robust discussions on this are ongoing, especially with iTero’s latest developments. The scanner has 3 x the field of view of other scanners meaning it gets the job done faster (ie, taking less pictures, means less stitching means speed and accuracy).
5. Alternative Materials Revolution
Our best-selling materials from Whitepeaks, including Zirconia and PMMA for ALL-ON-X cases, continue to dominate. However, there is growing demand for hybrid ceramics, led by VOCO’s Grandio. The aesthetic results are remarkable, and more innovative materials are coming soon to our online store.
Keep an eye on that here – XYZ Dental Online Shop.
Chairside materials have also evolved. Why persist with a certain lithium disilicate product less suitable for milling when hybrid ceramics offer 0.3mm wall thicknesses and precise marginal fits?
Additionally, we’re seeing increased use of polymer hybrid materials as substitutes for metals – a shift I’m excited to explore further. At IDS Cologne, we signed a couple of agreements to bring this technology here. Watch this space.
6. IDS Cologne – A Triumphant Return
After the disruption of recent years, IDS Cologne is back in full force. The energy and innovation on display were unparalleled. 2019 was the peak before global events disrupted everything, and while 2021 was a shadow of its former self, IDS 2025 was the best yet.
The sheer volume of people to see meant I couldn’t see everything. The exhaustion from 25,000 steps per day was offset by the joy of reconnecting with friends and industry leaders.
Emerging Technologies in Digital Dentistry
Beyond my top six highlights, other groundbreaking technologies deserve mention.
Whitepeaks still on top
Whitepeaks’ latest layering technology in Zirconia takes multilayer Zirconia to the next level – enhancing strength, translucency, and aesthetic transitions.
At IDS, I caught up with the team there including Master Technician Oliver Puckert and Founder of Whitepeaks. He kindly explained the new updates including an entire spectrum of shades across the Zirconia & PMMA range.
Faster sintering is another area of focus, although, many of you know that I remain skeptical. More in this space soon.
New products online soon – XYZ Dental Online Shop.
imes-icore? Why aren’t they are highlight?
Err, they probably need their own blog to be fair.
A major development requiring its own deep dive is the Imes-icore Mythos. Likely to be the lead IDS highlight, it combines 3D printing and milling in a single production unit. Hybrid workflows are nothing new to Imes-icore, as seen with Make & Mill, but Mythos is the first to integrate both processes into one system.
Another highlight is the CORiTEC 250i PRO+, a milling machine capable of producing bars while weighing under 100kg. One of my favourite machines and likely to become a best seller for Dentists or Labs. A strong all-rounder.
The Challenges and Triumphs of a Small Business
I haven’t touched on the anxiety yet. Running a small business in a sector dominated by larger firms with extensive sales teams and SEO budgets can be daunting.
However, those feelings quickly give way to pride. XYZ Dental continues to punch above its weight, supported by a network of clients and industry partners who believe in us.
Our tagline, ‘With you, all the way,’ is not just a slogan—it’s our vow. We don’t just sell products; we provide solutions and expertise in CAD-CAM Dentistry.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Inspiration
Nervous anticipation comes up every now and then, but it’s a good emotion. It signals change.
XYZ Dental stands at the threshold of its next growth phase. We’ve expanded our team with clinical experts and strengthened our product offerings. Whether it’s Chairside solutions or full-scale milling center installations, we have a suite of Digital Dentistry solutions to meet every need.
Above all, I am inspired. Inspired by you, our clients, and our team.
Digital Dentistry is evolving, allowing for more efficient treatments and better patient outcomes. Learning from my colleagues and exchanging ideas was another IDS highlight.
Meeting industry pioneers and leaders like Karim Bousseba (EVP of iTero), Olaf Sauerbier (VOCO) and Novica Savic (COO of Exocad) was so positive.
Seeing my old friend Oliver Puckert, founder of Whitepeaks Dental Solution sand first milling partner Christoph Stark (imes-icore) still continue to push ahead and innovate every day was reaffirming.
Most of all, the young Dentists and Dental technicians, much younger than I, using Digital Dentistry as tools to refine their own artistry – they were most inspiring to me.
Almost too many to mention but formidable young(er) guns like Jack Milgate, and Alina Ceclan (although, we kept missing each other) reaffirm my belief that the future is indeed bright.
As Digital Dentistry continues to grow, XYZ Dental will be there—leading the way, innovating, and supporting our clients every step of the journey.
Want to know more, head over to the website here or call the team.