What are Intra oral Scanners?

Intraoral scanners are advanced dental devices used to create highly accurate 3D digital impressions of the intraoral environment, including teeth and surrounding tissues. These scanners have largely replaced traditional methods of taking physical impressions using impression materials.

Key features of intraoral scanners include:

1. Optical Technology: Intraoral scanners use optical technology, often based on principles like structured light or laser scanning, to capture detailed images of the teeth and oral tissues.

2. Real-time Imaging: They provide real-time imaging of the scanning process on a computer screen, allowing the operator to ensure comprehensive coverage of the intraoral surfaces.

3. Comfort for Patients: Compared to traditional impression materials, intraoral scanners offer a more comfortable experience for patients as they eliminate the need for physical molds that can cause discomfort and a gag reflex.

4. Accuracy: These scanners can produce highly accurate digital impressions, aiding in the precision of dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, and orthodontic devices.

5. Efficiency: Intraoral scanning is typically faster than traditional methods, reducing chair time for patients and streamlining the overall treatment process.

6. Digital Workflow: The digital impressions obtained from intraoral scanners can be easily integrated into a digital workflow, allowing for efficient communication between dental professionals and laboratories.

Applications of Intraoral Scanners:

1. Restorative Dentistry: Intraoral scanners are commonly used for creating digital impressions for crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and other restorative procedures.

2. Orthodontics: They play a crucial role in orthodontic treatment planning by capturing accurate digital models of the teeth, aiding in the design of orthodontic appliances like clear aligners.

3. Implant Dentistry: In planning for dental implants, intraoral scanners help in creating precise digital models to ensure optimal implant placement.

4. Monitoring Changes: Intraoral scanning is also used to monitor changes in oral structures over time, useful in orthodontic treatment progression.

Overall, intraoral scanners contribute to the digitization of dentistry, enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and patient comfort in various dental procedures
Intra Oral scanners are the future of complete digital dentistry.