Intraoral Scanners

What is an intraoral scanner, and how does it improve your workflow?

An intraoral scanner is a handheld device that makes a 3D digital map of your mouth, replacing traditional impressions with a quick, digital process. Like a small camera, it shines a light into your mouth and captures numerous pictures, which a computer combines into a 3D model. This method eliminates uncomfortable trays and uses a gentle scan, making patients more comfortable, decreasing waste, and simplifying the dentist's job. Using an intraoral scanner eliminates multiple steps, turning a time-consuming process into a fast digital one.

What is an intraoral scanner used for?

• Creating digital impressions for crowns, bridges, inlays, and onlays.
• Fabricating clear aligners and other orthodontic appliances.
• Planning and creating surgical guides for dental implants.
• Designing dentures, partials, and sleep apnea devices.
• Tracking tooth wear, gingival recession, and tooth movement over time by comparing scans.
• Boosting patient education and communication.

What are the benefits gained from integrating an intraoral scanner?

An intraoral scanner transforms your practice by elevating patient comfort, clinical accuracy, and daily efficiency. Patients appreciate the modern, comfortable experience—no more messy impressions—which eases anxiety and builds trust. Real-time, 3D visuals make treatment discussions clearer, increasing patient understanding and case acceptance.

Digital scans increase accuracy by capturing precise impressions and reducing errors, enabling immediate adjustments for better-fitting restorations and fewer remakes. Scanners simplify workflows, shortening chair time, lowering supply and shipping costs, and supporting collaboration with laboratories. This leads to higher patient satisfaction, operational savings, and a more efficient and stronger practice.

Are there any downsides to intraoral scanners?

• Initial investment: There is a high upfront cost for the hardware and software, but this investment often pays for itself over time by reducing other ongoing expenses and increasing efficiency.
• Learning curve: While modern scanners are very intuitive, clinicians and staff may experience a short learning curve to become proficient and efficient with the scanning technique.
• Technical issues: As with any technology, there is a risk of software glitches or hardware issues that may require technical support.

How do intraoral scanners fit into CAD/CAM dentistry?

CAD/CAM technology empowers dentists to use intraoral scanners to capture highly accurate digital images of a patient's teeth and oral tissues in real time. These thorough scans replace traditional impressions, streamlining the process by providing immediate feedback and a precise foundation for digital treatment planning. Once the scans are complete, they feed directly into computer-aided design (CAD) software, where dentists and lab technicians can design custom restorations—such as crowns, bridges, or veneers—tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. The result: a faster, more comfortable experience for patients, and a more predictable pathway to excellent clinical outcomes.

What is the difference between an intraoral scanner and an intraoral camera?

Intraoral scanners and cameras each offer distinct benefits that can elevate clinical dentistry. With these tools, dentists can streamline workflows, enhance patient communication, and deliver more precise care.

• Intraoral scanners create precise 3D digital impressions for restorations, orthodontics, and treatment planning, replacing traditional impressions to increase accuracy, patient comfort, and streamline digital CAD/CAM workflows.
• Intraoral cameras capture high-quality 2D images and videos, helping dentists clearly document findings and visually engage patients, supporting education, trust, and effective case presentation.