As was the case with the 4.4 release, the 4.5 software is geared almost exclusively towards the Omnicam scanner. Automatic shade detection is perhaps the most attractive new feature in the latest version of CEREC design software. Unfortunately, it looks like the early Omnicam cameras (2012-2013) don’t have the hardware components built into them to take advantage of this feature. In response to this, Dentsply Sirona is offering CEREC Club members without a compatible camera a “low-cost” exchange option. For $3,400, you can trade in your Omnicam camera for a new one (REF 6625797) that is shade detection compatible.

To find out if your Omnicam camera is compatible with this new feature or not, visit https://my.cerec.com/en/products/cerec-sw.html and submit your Omnicam’s serial number. The website has instructions on how to find out your Omnicam’s serial number as well as additional information on other software changes.

Bad news for Compact Milling unit owners: your trusty old workhorse is officially no longer supported in the 4.5 software version. The MC, MC X and MC XL are the only mills able to take advantage of the improvements to the BioJaw algorithms and completely new milling/grinding strategies for the internal surfaces and external contacts. If you have both a compact mill and one of the compatible milling units, you can run both 4.4 and 4.5 software on the same acquisition unit and switch back and forth on a case-by-case basis. If you want to trade in your compact mill for a 4.5 compatible milling unit, Patterson is offering up to $20,000 in discounts through September 1, 2017.