None of us are strangers to intraoral scanners, around the world, intraoral scanners have become a part of the everyday dentistry. Intraoral scanners capture direct optical impressions in dentistry. a light source is projected onto the dental arch, teeth and/ or scan bodies. The imaging sensors capture the images of the dentogingival tissues, which are processed by the scanning software to create a 3-D surface model. These models are the result of the optical impression and are the virtual alternative to traditional plaster models.
The use of intra-oral scanners has increased both at the public and private level dental practices in India.
Intra oral scanners are known for the following advantages, including more patient comfort, more time efficient, simplified clinical procedure, less use of material as impression material and plaster are not required, and better communication with the technician since real time communication is possible, however, there are some disadvantages including the need of maintaining a dry field, it is learning curve, and recording preparation margins may be difficult, also there is a high set up fee involved.
The most important factor, that affects the choice of going towards digital impressions is the accuracy of the same. Accuracy is how close the replication is achieved to the actual surface, it is the sum of trueness and precision. Different models of different companies offer varying trueness and precision. and this governs the choice of IOS model.
Literature suggests that accuracy of most optical impressions to be clinically satisfactory and similar to conventional impression techniques for single restorations or short span bridges, however, for long span bridges or full mouth reconstructions conventional impressions are still the choice.
The latest generation of intra oral scanners have a higher accuracy and can be used for more complex cases.
Intraoral scanners are used in prosthodontics for achieving casts for designing temporary restorations, dentures, crowns, bridges, restorations, inlay, onlay, for implant crowns and restorations, for guided implant surgeries and for casts for aligners
Some well- known intra oral scanners are Medit i700, itero Element, Helios 600, Cerec Primescan etc..
What has been your experience with intraoral scanners?
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