What Is an Intra-oral Scanner?
An intra-oral scanner is a device that captures a digital 3D image of your teeth & gum. The scanner projects a sophisticated light source onto the area of interest. The images are captured with sensors and are processed precisely by software, which then produces a 3D model.
The Digital Impression Procedure
We capture scan of the tooth/teeth preparation. The impression is captured using an intra-oral scanner that is inserted into the patient’s mouth and moved over the surface area of the teeth & gum. There will be a chair-side computer & monitor to display the images as they are recorded. It takes around 90 seconds to record a digital impression of prepared teeth. A scanned impression recording of the teeth in the opposite arch takes just 45 seconds. As we review the real-time scan, we can enlarge and manipulate it for enhanced detail and analyze them.
Advantages
Some of the advantages of digital scanning include:
- Less patient discomfort. Traditional impressions cause discomfort for patients. Traditional approach often causes gag reflex. Digital impressions eliminate discomfort by avoiding the need for materials and impression trays.
- Time efficiency. We send email of the patient’s 3D virtual model to the lab without the need to deliver anything via mail. Are you looking for same-day restorations? With digital scan, the images are directly imported to our design software (CAD: computer-assisted design), and after the design is complete, it is transferred to the manufacturing software (CAM: computer-assisted manufacturing) and put in the milling machine.
- Simplified procedures for the clinician. In complex cases, if we are not satisfied with the impression, we can delete and recapture the impression without having to repeat the entire procedure.
- Cost savings $$. Minimum number of appointments leads to direct savings and reduced consumables costs.
- Better communication. Patients also feel more involved with their digital treatment plan. In addition, patients are interested & they feel safer in modern technology.
Applications
Intra-oral scanners can be used in various fields of dentistry for state-of-the-art diagnosis. It can also be used for making restorations in prostheses, surgery and orthodontics. In prostheses, an intra-oral scanner is used to take a 3D scanned impression for fabricating a wide range of prosthetic restorations: inlays/onlays, single crowns and fixed partial dentures. In prosthodontics, an intra-oral scanner can capture the 3D position of Dental Implants. It can also be used to fabricate implant-supported restorations. In orthodontics, an intra-oral scanner is very useful for diagnosis and treatment planning. Digital 3D models can be used for before & after treatment demonstrations even before the start of treatment. We are also specialized in Digital Invisalign Clear Aligner treatment with the help of intra-oral scanner.
Why LASER DENTAL 3D Scan?
Our consultant Dr. Shihabur Rahman BDS, FCPS, FWFO (USA), Clear Aligner specialist (USA), Certified Smile Designer (USA) is intensively trained & certified specialist of Trios-3 intra-oral scanner. He has received his digital intra-oral scanning training & certificate from “3 Shape” academy.