What Are The Advantages Of Intraoral Scanners For Patients?

Kanata South Dental - Dentist Kanata

What Are The Advantages Of Intraoral Scanners For Patients?

Intraoral scanners offer several advantages for patients in comparison to traditional dental impression methods. Here are some key benefits:

  1. Comfortable Experience:
    • Intraoral scanners eliminate the need for traditional, often uncomfortable, impression materials like putty or silicone. This makes the scanning process more comfortable for patients, reducing anxiety and discomfort associated with traditional impressions.
  2. Quick and Efficient:
    • Intraoral scanning is generally faster than traditional impressions. The digital scanning process is efficient, and it allows for quick capture of detailed 3D images of the patient's teeth and oral structures.
  3. Reduced Gag Reflex:
    • Traditional impressions can trigger the gag reflex in some patients, leading to discomfort and difficulty during the procedure. Intraoral scanners, being non-invasive and quick, can help minimize or eliminate the issue of gag reflex for many patients.
  4. Accurate Impressions:
    • Intraoral scanners provide highly accurate digital impressions, reducing the chances of errors or the need for retakes. This accuracy contributes to better-fitting dental restorations.
  5. Improved Communication:
    • The digital nature of intraoral scans allows for instant visualization of the patient's oral structures on a computer screen. Dentists can share and discuss digital images with patients, improving communication about their oral health and treatment options.
  6. Digital Treatment Planning:
    • Intraoral scans are integrated into digital workflows, allowing for more precise treatment planning. Dentists can use digital impressions to design and customize dental restorations, resulting in better outcomes.
  7. Enhanced Patient Engagement:
    • Some intraoral scanners come with patient engagement features, such as visual treatment simulations. These tools help patients better understand their dental conditions and treatment options, fostering a more informed and engaged patient experience.
  8. Fewer Appointments:
    • In some cases, the use of intraoral scanners can streamline the overall treatment process, potentially reducing the number of appointments required for certain procedures.
  9. Archiving Digital Records:
    • Digital impressions can be easily stored in electronic records, making it convenient for both patients and dentists to access and reference them in the future. This is particularly useful for ongoing treatment planning and follow-up care.

It's important to note that the specific advantages may vary based on the type and brand of intraoral scanner used by the dental practice. Overall, the transition to digital impressions with intraoral scanners has significantly improved the patient experience in many dental procedures.

INTRAORAL SCANNER VERSUS IMPRESSION

Intraoral scanners and traditional impressions (typically using impression materials like alginate or silicone) are two methods used by dentists to obtain impressions of a patient's teeth and oral structures. Here are some key differences between the two:

Intraoral Scanner:

  1. Digital Technology:
    • Intraoral scanners use advanced digital technology to capture detailed 3D images of the patient's teeth and oral structures.
  2. Comfort:
    • Patients often find intraoral scanning more comfortable than traditional impressions, as it eliminates the need for messy impression materials and trays.
  3. Speed:
    • Intraoral scanning is generally faster than traditional impressions, providing quick and efficient results.
  4. Real-time Visualization:
    • Dentists can instantly visualize the digital impressions on a computer screen, allowing for immediate assessment and discussion with the patient.
  5. Accuracy:
    • Intraoral scanners provide highly accurate digital impressions, reducing the chances of errors and the need for retakes.
  6. Digital Workflow:
    • Digital impressions seamlessly integrate into digital workflows, allowing for precise treatment planning and the fabrication of custom dental restorations.
  7. Archiving:
    • Digital impressions can be easily archived in electronic records for future reference, making it convenient for ongoing treatment planning and follow-up care.
  8. Patient Engagement:
    • Some intraoral scanners offer patient engagement features, such as visual treatment simulations, which help patients better understand their oral health conditions and treatment options.

Traditional Impressions:

  1. Materials:
    • Traditional impressions involve the use of impression materials like alginate or silicone, which are placed in trays and then inserted into the patient's mouth to create a mold.
  2. Experience:
    • Some patients may find traditional impressions uncomfortable, and the materials may induce a gag reflex in certain individuals.
  3. Setting Time:
    • Traditional impression materials require a setting time before they can be removed, extending the time the patient needs to keep the tray in their mouth.
  4. Handling and Shipping:
    • Physical impressions need to be handled carefully and may need to be shipped to a dental laboratory for the fabrication of dental restorations.
  5. Accuracy:
    • While traditional impressions can be accurate, they may be more prone to errors, such as distortions, if not handled properly.
  6. Messy Process:
    • The process of taking traditional impressions can be messy due to the use of impression materials, which may not be well-tolerated by some patients.

The choice between intraoral scanners and traditional impressions often depends on the specific needs of the dental procedure, the patient's comfort, and the preferences of the dental practitioner. In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward the adoption of intraoral scanners due to their advantages in terms of comfort, speed, and digital integration. However, traditional impressions are still used in certain situations where digital scanning may not be suitable or available.

INTRAORAL SCANNER IN ORTHODONTICS

Intraoral scanners have become valuable tools in orthodontics, providing orthodontists with digital impressions and enhanced treatment planning capabilities. Here are several ways in which intraoral scanners are utilized in orthodontics:

  1. Digital Impressions:
    • Intraoral scanners replace traditional impressions, offering a more comfortable experience for patients. The scanner captures detailed 3D images of the teeth, allowing orthodontists to create accurate digital models for treatment planning.
  2. Treatment Planning:
    • Digital impressions obtained from intraoral scanners contribute to precise treatment planning. Orthodontists can analyze the digital models, assess malocclusions, and plan the movement of teeth more effectively.
  3. Clear Aligner Therapy:
    • Intraoral scanners play a crucial role in the design and fabrication of clear aligners. Digital impressions are used to create virtual setups, enabling orthodontists to visualize and plan the step-by-step movement of teeth throughout the treatment process.
  4. Monitoring Treatment Progress:
    • Intraoral scanners allow orthodontists to monitor the progress of orthodontic treatments more efficiently. Digital scans can be taken at various stages to assess tooth movement and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
  5. Custom Appliances:
    • In addition to clear aligners, intraoral scanners assist in the creation of various custom orthodontic appliances, such as retainers and expanders. Digital impressions enable precise fabrication for better-fitting appliances.
  6. Patient Education:
    • Digital impressions from intraoral scanners are often used for patient education. Orthodontists can show patients virtual models of their teeth, explaining treatment plans and helping patients better understand the expected outcomes.
  7. Efficient Communication:
    • Intraoral scanners facilitate efficient communication between orthodontists and dental laboratories. Digital impressions can be sent electronically, reducing the time required for traditional shipping of physical impressions.
  8. Reduced Need for Impressions:
    • Many patients find traditional impressions uncomfortable. Intraoral scanners eliminate the need for impression materials, trays, and the associated discomfort, making the orthodontic experience more pleasant for patients.
  9. Digital Records:
    • Digital scans are easily archived in electronic records, providing a comprehensive digital history of a patient's orthodontic treatment. This simplifies record-keeping and facilitates collaboration between orthodontic specialists and other dental professionals.
  10. Improved Workflow:
    • The integration of intraoral scanners into the digital workflow streamlines orthodontic processes. Orthodontists can efficiently share digital data with colleagues, dental labs, and other members of the dental team.

Intraoral scanners have revolutionized orthodontics by offering a more patient-friendly and efficient alternative to traditional impressions. The digital capabilities of intraoral scanners enhance treatment planning, monitoring, and communication, contributing to improved outcomes in orthodontic care.

TRIOS 5 WIRELESS SCANNERS IN KANATA SOUTH DENTAL CLINIC

We are aware that as a dental clinic in Kanata, it's essential to stay updated with the latest advancements in dental technology, as the field is dynamic and continually evolving. Dr. Taner Cakmak often attends conferences and training programs to stay informed about new technologies and techniques.

Trios 5 Wireless system new technology in dentistry and we are happy to serve our patients with top-notch wireless system 3Shape TRIOS 5 – The hygienic and easy-to-use intraoral scanner

If you would like to get detailed information and treatment you can reach out 613-519-1400. Dr.Taner and his professional team would be happy to help you.


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