An intraoral scanner is a handheld imaging device used in modern dentistry to create a precise, three-dimensional digital model of a patient’s teeth and surrounding tissues. This technology has begun to replace traditional physical impressions, often called molds, which involve messy putty materials and bulky trays. The scanner works by capturing thousands of data points from the oral cavity to construct a highly accurate digital impression. This transformation streamlines the process of diagnosing conditions and fabricating custom dental restorations.
The Technology Behind Digital Impressions
Intraoral scanners utilize advanced optical technology to capture the internal geometry of the mouth without making physical contact. The primary methods involve structured light projection or confocal microscopy. Structured light scanners project a known pattern of light, such as alternating stripes, onto the teeth and gums. One or more cameras then capture how the surfaces deform this light pattern.
By analyzing the distortion of the projected light from different angles, the scanner’s software can calculate the precise depth and dimensions of the oral structures. Confocal microscopy systems, on the other hand, use laser light beams and parallel focusing principles to capture cross-sectional images at various depths. Both methods rapidly capture hundreds or thousands of high-speed images per second as the dentist moves the wand across the dental arch.
Integrated software then processes this massive stream of image data in real-time. Powerful algorithms stitch the overlapping images together, aligning corresponding points to create a seamless, cohesive, and colorized three-dimensional model. This digital impression is typically exported as a standard file format, such as STL or PLY, making it immediately ready for computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems.
Key Applications in Modern Dentistry
The digital file created by the intraoral scanner serves as the foundation for numerous procedures across different dental specialties. In restorative dentistry, the precision of the digital impression is used to design crowns, bridges, inlays, and veneers with an improved marginal fit. This enhanced accuracy minimizes the need for adjustments when the final restoration is placed. The digital data also contains color and texture information that aids in selecting the most aesthetically appropriate shade for the restoration.
Orthodontics relies heavily on this technology for treatment planning and appliance fabrication. Orthodontists use the 3D models to accurately plan tooth movements and to create custom appliances, such as clear aligners and retainers. Furthermore, in implantology, the scans are used to plan the precise positioning of dental implants and to fabricate custom surgical guides. This computer-guided surgery enhances the accuracy of the placement, which can improve the overall outcome and longevity of the implant.
The digital workflow significantly improves communication between the dental office and the laboratory responsible for fabricating the custom devices. Instead of shipping a physical mold that could potentially be damaged or distorted, the digital file is transmitted electronically and instantaneously. This swift and seamless transfer of data reduces turnaround time for the patient and ensures the lab receives an error-free representation of the patient’s mouth.
The Patient Experience: Digital Versus Traditional Molds
Intraoral scanning has fundamentally changed the patient experience by eliminating the discomfort associated with traditional physical impressions. The conventional method involves filling a bulky tray with a soft, putty-like material and holding it in the mouth until it sets, which often takes several minutes. This process frequently causes discomfort, stimulates a gag reflex, and can be unpleasant due to the material’s taste and texture.
Digital scanning replaces this experience with a quick, non-invasive process using a small handheld wand. Patients report a clear preference for the digital method, citing significantly less discomfort and fewer issues with gag reflexes compared to conventional techniques. The scanning process is fast, typically requiring only a few minutes to capture both the upper and lower arches.
Patients are often able to view the scan in real-time with the dentist. This immediate visual feedback allows for better communication regarding diagnosis and treatment planning. The resulting highly accurate digital model minimizes the chance of errors, meaning fewer appointments for retakes and a better fit for the final restoration or appliance.