Intraoral scanners are handheld devices that can create digital impressions of oral cavities and teeth. One unit is made up of the software, a computer, and a handheld camera wand. The tiny wand is connected to a small computer operating custom software that processes the digital data recorded by the camera. The smaller the wand, the more flexible it is in reaching deep into the mouth to capture precise data.
The scanning wand emits a light, which is projected onto the object, like a dental arch. Then, a 3D model created by the scanner appears on a touch screen. With this technology, the dental professional can send the digital files of the patient’s impression to the laboratory online, so there’s no need to wait for the courier to make back-and-forth rounds.
An intraoral scanner provides extremely accurate details of the soft and hard tissues located in the area through high-definition images. Due to exceptional 3D image outputs and short lab turnaround times compared to traditional methods, IOS devices are becoming increasingly popular among dentists and clinics.
The entire process of capturing the size and shape of each tooth using the scanning wand takes only a couple of minutes; some IOS models take less than 40 seconds to scan a full dental arch. You are able to not only see the real-time images on the computer, but also can magnify and manipulate them to enhance details. Computerized case presentations can be sent to your lab to fabricate whatever appliances you need.
The fast feedback allows you to treat more patients and save a lot of time. Intraoral scanners have revolutionized the way dentists capture the shape and contours of patients’ teeth. They offer very clear teeth structure information so you can provide the most appropriate and accurate dental treatments.
Not to mention, digital scans also reduce the chair time significantly. Patients don’t have to endure the discomfort and inconvenience that are associated with traditional methods of getting impressions, like the possibility of gag reflex (especially in patients with small mouths).
By using IOS technology, you no longer have to rely on rubber bowls and spatulas for mixing materials and you don’t have to hold the tray in the patient’s mouth as they lay perfectly still for several minutes while you painstakingly wait for the plaster to set. Taking digital impressions is far more efficient in terms of chair time, patient comfort, and final outcome.
Add New Value to Your Dental Practice with an Intraoral Scanner
We work closely with dentists and have seen a pattern develop where many dentists still aren’t using IOS devices despite them being proven to have many benefits. The biggest reason remains that most doctors have long-time relationships with dental labs that are stuck in their ways and are not willing to move toward digital dentistry.
We understand. You and your current lab have a workflow that works for you. You’re used to that workflow and you don’t see the need to rock that boat. You may even realize that going digital would be more cost-effective and optimize your operations as a whole, but still, you’re reluctant to change things because of your long-term relationship with a certain lab that’s still living in the good old analog days.
The thing is, not everyone is as unwilling to change as you. In August 2021, The Journal of the American Dental Association published ADA Clinical Evaluators Panel report which found that 53% of dentists are using an intraoral scanner. Among professionals who use this technology, 70% said it improved their clinical efficiency; 91% said they were extremely satisfied with the results; and 40% said it’s better than using conventional methods.
Even more interesting is that 34% of respondents said they were considering buying a scanner; their main barrier was the high level of initial financial investment.
