The 8 Best Things About Dental Intraoral Scanners
Hey, have you ever heard about dental intraoral scanners? Yes, they are used to capture a direct optical impression. Moreover, project a light source onto the targeted object.
The scanners are developed to overcome the difficulties associated with conventional techniques. They are an electronic device that reproduces in 3D images. Moreover, allow the creation of a digital document. After discussing the meaning, its essential to know it’s different advantages when used in a dental clinic? How and for what it is used? What is the best intraoral scanner in the market? Challenges of intraoral scanners? Current medical applications? Tips and tricks for using the product?
Here is a brief description of all these queries-
How does a dental intraoral scanner work?
Dental intraoral scanners are used for various purposes such as-
They allow you to observe imperfections that require correct-alignment.
In the treatment of invisible aligners.
Partial obturators.
It captures optimal impressions on the patient’s jaws. You must pass the pencil over the gums and teeth of the patients. Finally, you will observe the model recreating itself in a three-dimensional image.
They are of 2 types and how they work depends on the type of intraoral scanner.
Photographic technology scanner- They capture images of the individual area to be scanned.
Video technology scanners- Their working is similar to a video camera, so the scanned areas are recorded.
How they help your dental clinic and the 8 best things about dental intraoral scanners-
Until now, the traditional system is used to represent the patient’s capacity. The system is both time consuming and uncomfortable for the patient.
Nowadays, the design of the models has been simplified because of intraoral scanners. The treatments now require less time as compared to the traditional model.
The 8 advantages offered by the intraoral scanners to your dental clinic-
Say goodbye to plaster- Intraoral scanner allows you to avoid the use of alginate.
Avoid discomfort to your patients- You can easily obtain the images without bothering the complaints about the smell or taste of silicone. It is annoying for both the patients (children’s and adults). It makes the process faster, pleasant and comfortable for your patient. Consequently, he/she will thank you for saving a part of his/her precious time.
Get high fidelity models- This is because, there are no inconveniences such as bubbles, wrinkles, cracks and tears. The scanners are capable to capture the models of both natural teeth and implants.
Correct the defects immediately- If an image has been distorted, scan it again and you will be able to rectify it easily.
Create 3D files- It provides the ability to access 3D digital files whenever required.
Save on shipping cost- You don’t require to ship it physically under any circumstances. This will be sent to the laboratory through management software.
Marketing tool- Technology can make you stand out from the competition. If the patients can visualize the evolution of their treatment, they will feel that they are part of the process. It will enable you to show the fractured teeth, the current position of their teeth to help them get the knowledge about their mouth. Consequently, they will recommend you to their dear and near ones.
It simplifies the process- It facilitates diagnosis and improves the effectiveness.
What are the main dental intraoral scanners in the market-?
There are several intraoral scanners in the dentist industry. Here is a brief description of the 13 most important dental intraoral scanners in the current industry.
iTero– After many years of trial error tests and researches it was introduced to the market at the beginning of 2007. Align technology does not use powder to reflect light. The operator can remove the scanner head from the patient’s mouth at any time.
The iTero Element, iTero Element Flex, Elemnt2 and the new iTero Elemnt5D are currently available.
Medit- This first intraoral scanner with blue light was started in 2013. Last year they introduced Medit i500 to date they have been perfecting their software.
Element2 iTero Intraoral scanner-
       – They are stylish and have a 21.5-inch extended touchscreen.
       – Offers uninterrupted scanning
       – Optimized and certified connectivity
       – Offer a more detailed view
       – Allows the patient to accept the treatment.
       – Capture time is 40-50 milliseconds.
I500 Intraoral Scanner- Medit
       – High resolution and HD color image.
       – Lightweight and flexible
       – High-precision
       – Dust-free
       – Single button to start and stop scanning whenever required
        – Available with full desktop PC and laptop with touchscreen and cart. Â
This much is enough for the wise to understand the merits and perks of having an intraoral scanner in your dental clinic.
CEREC Omnicam from Dentsply Sirona- Nothing can match the pain of a toothache. It can be very dangerous if proper treatment is not taken on time. A digital dental clinic can provide you the perfect image of your teeth. Nevertheless, this is possible only by CEREC Omnicam.
This oral scanning technology provides doctors and patients with 3D dental images with full arch scans. The product is light and comfortable to insert into the patient’s mouth.
Carestream CS 3700– When compared to the CEREC Omnicam, they are highly priced but offer many valuable features. It comes with a significant feature of wrist wrap that keeps the device safe at the doctor’s hand.
While utilizing this valuable product the user’s will be treated to the latest software updates.
CEREC Primescan from Dentsply Sirona- The product comes with pretty cool features and prove as your money maker. It provides high-quality images and excellent data by which treatment decisions can be made.
Moreover, perfect sharpness and precision with fewer sweeps. Its working speed is impressive and it consolidates 50000 images per second. It is advisable to try this energy efficient, accurate and effective product by today for fruitful outcomes.
Medit i500- This professional scanner is capable to draw the perfect margin lines. It helps dentists to capture HD pictures that reveal the real situation. Moreover, help them to determine a patient’s problem.
The unique technology of these scanners enables dentist to perform pre-operational scans on the patient’s teeth. The pre-operational scan makes the post-operation easy and the data can be used as a blueprint in the creation of natural prosthesis.
iTero Element 5D– The product is so expensive because it scans the internal structure of the tooth. Manufacturers of these scanners have incorporated with the NIRI technologies, to detect interproximal caries in its early stages.
A full-arch scan using the iTero Element 5D provides necessary information for the restorative and orthodontic works.
Dental Wings Virtual Vivo– It offers basic dental digital services like- speed and accuracy in capturing images and life-like images. The product is unique because of the cart solution, its voice and gesture control.
3Shape Trios 4– It is a great example of innovation in dentistry. 3Shape Trios 4 comes with advanced and effective functionalities to safely detect the surface.
3M True Definition Scanner- The unit is comfortable, easy to handle and provides basic services. While providing the digital optical image they provide basic services and they are inexpensive.
Condor Scan-This convenient tool for a dental clinic is slowly transitioning from analog to digital. It comes with updated software and provides the highest ROI.
Planmeca Emerald S – This super-fast scanner provides clear coverage of the arch. Its slim design makes it comfortable for the doctors to hold them. The product is costly but offers several unique and priceless features.
Comparison of Intraoral Scanners- Which one is perfect for you?
Are you thinking of acquiring one of the intraoral scanners for your dental clinic? From the wide variety of scanners, it becomes complicated to choose one because each representative says that his scanner and systems are the best in the market.
Here is a comparison criterion for the evolution of intraoral scanners.
Scanning speed- Speed of the scan is the primary factor to be considered before choosing an intraoral scanner. The ratings of the scanner provide a perfect idea of which one is slower or faster?
Scanning flow- Besides speed, it is also to be noted how smooth the experience is? Whether the scanner joins the images well or not? The evaluation of the scan indicates whether the scanner handles well in the corner and which experience has been irregular.
Size- Besides speed, the overall size and weight of the scanner are also to be taken into consideration. When judging from the size some scanners are heavier and complicated than others. It is recommended to focus on how comfortable it feels in the hand and while scanning.
Easy of use- It takes into account how the software and the hardware are managed. Moreover, and if any problem is noticed with scanning, processing and general workflow.
Price- This is an important factor considered by dentists. The prices of the scanner can vary and they depend on the cost, complements, distributors and geographical locations.
Maintenance package and subscription requirements- The subscription requirements for the use of scanners are mandatory. Some companies have an annual subscription for maintenance whereas, others claim that they don’t require any subscription.
Wireless scanner- The assessment is based on wireless option is available for the scanner or not.
Caries detection- This criterion is based on whether or not the scanner has caries detection function like – fluorescence or transillumination.
CAD Integration- Check the integrated CAD/CAM design functions
Challenges of using dental intraoral scanners for dentists-
Deep marginal lines are hard to detect- Intraoral scanners can’t detect deep marginal lines on the prepared teeth. If the patient has bleeding gums the prosthetic margins can’t work on it.
To counteract this setback, dentists need both digital and analog impressions.
A significant learning curve- Dental practitioners need time for an in-depth understanding of how IOS works. The learning curve is so fast for dentists. In addition to it, manufacturers make scanners of different brands and with different strategies. Hence, choosing the ideal intraoral scanner is critical.
Significant long-term investment- High-end scanners retail at a large price. For support services, manufacturers also ask for additional fees. So, it is only possible for a well-established dentist to withstand such an investment. Other dental clinics struggle with cash-flow problems.
Current Clinical Applicants of IOS-
Take a look at the current clinical applicants of dental intraoral scanners-
Diagnostic Purposes- The intraoral scanners are of great help for creating custom units for surgery and orthodontics.
Dental Implants- They generate optical impressions for dental implants. They are of great use while coming up with implant supported bars and bridges.
Dentist-patient communication- It is essential to win the trust of your client’s. They help the patients to know about their treatment in real-time.
Tips and tricks for using dental intraoral scanners-
Preparation is the key- By prior planning a dentist can avoid many of the setbacks. Address any fears of your patients and prepare them for the procedure. Let them know what outcomes they should expect.
Start the scan with a dry mouth- The dry mouth is perfect to capture clear images of your teeth. Ask a patient to swallow saliva or blow some air onto his teeth.
Clear screen- To prevent mashups, it is recommended to wipe the scanner screen.
Educate the future patients through past samples- To show the worth of intraoral scanners in the dentistry profession there is no better proof than your past success. This is an easy way to introduce new patients to the IOS process.
Conclusion-
The use of dental impressions and dental intraoral scanners are revolutionizing the dental profession. They are beneficial for both, a patient looking for the best treatment and a dentist who wants to maximize his skills.
The above discussed scanners offer unique features but they all are capable to meet the needs of different dental practitioners. Decide your expectations before ordering any scanner for you.