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The intra-oral scanner (IOS) is used mainly to generate direct optical dental impressions, relieving patients of the traditional and often cumbersome procedure of old.  A small device is used to scan over the surface of the teeth and gums.  Similar to other three-dimensional scanners, it projects a light source (laser or structured light) onto the dental arches, including natural teeth, prepared teeth and implant scan-bodies.  The images of the dentogingival tissues (as well as the implant scan-bodies) captured by imaging sensors are processed through scanning software, which generates point clouds.  These point clouds are then triangulated by the same software, creating a 3D surface model (mesh).  The 3D surface models of the dentogingival tissues are the result of the optical impression and are the ‘virtual’ alternative to traditional plaster moulds.

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In recent times, the application of digital dental technologies has increased significantly within general, cosmetic and implant dentistry.  Modern solutions are replacing conventional dental problems – ultimately patients receive the safest, most efficient and accurate treatment possible, under the most comfortable of circumstances. 

The intra-oral scanner (IOS) is used mainly to generate direct optical dental impressions, relieving patients of the traditional and often cumbersome procedure of old.  A small device is used to scan over the surface of the teeth and gums.  Similar to other three-dimensional scanners, it projects a light source (laser or structured light) onto the dental arches, including natural teeth, prepared teeth and implant scan-bodies.  The images of the dentogingival tissues (as well as the implant scan-bodies) captured by imaging sensors are processed through scanning software, which generates point clouds.  These point clouds are then triangulated by the same software, creating a 3D surface model (mesh).  The 3D surface models of the dentogingival tissues are the result of the optical impression and are the ‘virtual’ alternative to traditional plaster moulds.

 


ADVANTAGES OF INTRA-ORAL SCANNERS

  • The clinical process is simplified for the dental practitioner.
  • The intra-oral scanner delivers a quick process, eliminates inaccuracies, relieves patients of what is generally an uncomfortable procedure, results are immediate and can be shared in real-time with patients.
  • A digital impression of the treatment area is delivered in the form of a 3D image, processed and made available for interpretation through scanning software.
  • Impressions give dentists a clear map of the “landscape” of the teeth so they can achieve a good fit when creating prosthetic restorations (including inlays or onlays, copings and frameworks, single crowns and fixed partial dentures) on both natural teeth and implants.  They can be used for smile design, and to fabricate posts and cores, removable partial prostheses and obturators, implant dentistry for guided surgery and in orthodontics for fabricating aligners and custom-made devices.
  • Improved communications with dental technicians, and other dental specialists.
  • Patients are not exposed to any form of radiation.
  • Improved storage of dental records and digital images.


DISADVANTAGES OF INTRA-ORAL SCANNERS

  • Difficulty may be experienced in detecting deep marginal lines of prepared teeth.
  • There is a learning curve in adopting the intra-oral scanning system into a practice.  It will however be a fairly easy learning process for those with an affinity for technological systems and advances.
  • Purchasing and managing costs are currently still fairly high.
  • It is unclear at this stage whether one scanning system is better than the next.
 


IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CHOOSING AN INTRA-ORAL SCANNING SYSTEM

What is your Reasoning for Acquiring an IOS System
  • Do you want to improve efficiency? Including:
    – Patient flow through your practice.
    – Streamlining communication with your dental lab.
    – Improved patient experience & communication.
     
  • Is data capturing important for your practice? Such as:
    – From a medico-legal aspect.
    – Storing of virtual models vs storage space for plaster models.
     
  • Most dentists don’t want to invest in chair-side design, and tend to over-invest in intra-oral scanners and the accompanying annual software license fees.  Most often the reason for the acquisition of the system is really to streamline communications between the dentist, the lab and the subsequent treatment processes more so than actually using the software which is included, with binding annual license fees.
When Choosing a System – Some Points to Consider Include
  • Trueness and precision.
  • The need for powder and opacization typical of the first-generation intra-oral scanning systems as opposed to the newer models which can detect optical impressions without using powder – a more comfortable option for patients.
  • Scanning speed which in anyway should be one of the major features of the system.
  • The size of the device tip which plays an important role as well, especially in the case of scanning second and third molars. 
  • The possibility of obtaining in-colour 3D models of the dental arches which represent one of the latest innovations in the field of optical scanning.
Integrating the IOS System into Your Practice
  • The initial outlay costs can be quite prohibitive.
  • An intra-oral scanning system should fit in an ‘open’ workflow .
  • Access to local training and support services should be readily accessible.