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Dental (Intraoral) Scanner

Dental (Intraoral) Scanner


An intraoral scanner is a handheld device used to directly create digital impression data of the oral cavity

What is an Intraoral Scanner?

An intraoral scanner is an innovative equipment for taking digital impressions of a patient's mouth. For a more precise scan, this state-of-the-art tool employs a laser source to highlight the teeth and gums. It takes millions of photos using imaging sensors and processes them using scanning software. The end product is a detailed 3D model of your teeth and gums.

The usage of digital intraoral scanners on computers has spread throughout modern dental practices. They've evolved into efficient tools, offering an option for labor-intensive, analog impressions and production processes. These scanners are crucial to the CAD/CAM processes that improve efficiency and the patient experience during dental restorations.


How Do Intraoral Scanners Work?

An intraoral scanner consists mainly of a hand-held camera wand, a personal computer, and specialized imaging software. The handheld wand is a compact and stylish gadget that is linked to a computer running specialized software to process the digital data acquired by the camera. The smaller the scanning wand, the more exact and accurate the data it can collect from the depths of the mouth cavity. This method reduces the potential for triggering a gag reflex, making the procedure more tolerable for the patient.

During the scanning operation, the dentist softly puts the camera wand into the patient's mouth and moves it over the teeth's surface. The wand detects the dimensions of each tooth mechanically. Complete scanning takes only a couple of minutes with this method. On the screen, live feeds are displayed, and you can zoom in to examine minute details. Next, dental labs receive the information and use it to make any custom dental appliances that may be required. Dentists can properly diagnose and treat more patients thanks to the rapid feedback and speed of the entire process.


Uses of Intraoral Scanners in Dentistry

For the Clear Aligners treatment, you need to follow the instructions from the orthodontist. You may have to switch the Clear Aligners and wear these for 22 hours daily.

Precautions:

Dental intraoral scanners have several uses; however, the following are among the most important:

  • Dental crowns and bridges
    • First, intraoral scans play a crucial role in producing precise impressions for the planning and construction of dental prostheses. By providing exact information, digital impressions allow for the development of restorations that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally optimal.
  • Nightguards for clenching and grinding
    • Second, people with bruxism (the result of nightly clenching and grinding) can have custom nightguards made with the help of intraoral scans. These custom-made nightguards protect teeth effectively and reduce related discomfort.
  • Teeth whitening trays
    • Custom teeth whitening trays require accurate imprints, and intraoral scans offer the precision required for a pleasant and effective whitening procedure
  • Orthodontic treatment
    • 3D intraoral scans are an integral part of orthodontic treatment planning and monitoring. Orthodontists can use the images they provide to precisely tailor devices like braces and aligners.
  • Dental implant restorations
    • Correct impressions are essential for the placement and rehabilitation of dental implants, which brings us to our fifth and last point. Intraoral scanning guarantees a perfect fit and maximum effectiveness for the implant.

The Benefits of Intraoral Scanners

Intraoral scanners provide various benefits over conventional impression molds:

  • Intraoral scanners are a lot less painful and invasive for the patient than traditional dental X-rays. They spare patients the hassle of using unpleasant impression materials and cumbersome trays.
  • There is very little tolerance for errors in digital impressions made with dental scanners. This precision allows for more comfortable dental appliance fitting and more successful therapy.
  • Intraoral scanning is more efficient and takes less time than taking impressions manually. Both the dentist and the patient will appreciate how much time the computerized workflow will save them.
  • Intraoral scanners provide 3D models that dentists can utilize to demonstrate to patients the status of their oral health. Patients benefit greatly from having access to this visual representation of their diagnosis and therapy options.

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