What Is A 3D Dental Scanner?
The 3D dental scanner is a digital device that uses optical imaging technology to record the surface of the teeth and gums. While the dentist moves the scanner inside the mouth, images are captured and the 3D imaging software processes the footage into a complete 3D model.
The resulting digital technology can then be used in clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and the manufacturing of appliances. The digital file may also be transmitted via the internet to dental laboratories, thus exempting the dental practice from having to send regular impressions.
This resource by Mayfield Ranch Dental, best dentist in Round Rock explains how a 3D dental scanner helps you and how it is better than the traditional ways.
Reasons How 3D Dental Scanners Are Changing Modern Dentistry
Reason #1. More Comfortable Than Traditional Impressions
One of the biggest advantages of 3D dental scanning is improved patient comfort. Traditional impressions require patients to bite into trays filled with impression material, which can sometimes cause gagging, discomfort, or an unpleasant taste.
With an intraoral scanner, the dentist uses a small scanning wand to capture the teeth digitally. A systematic review found that digital scanning offers improved patient comfort compared with conventional impression techniques.
Reason #2. Improved Digital Treatment Planning
3D scans allow dentists to view a patient’s teeth from different angles on a computer screen. This provides a detailed digital representation that can support treatment planning.
Dentists can evaluate tooth positions, bite relationships, spacing, and other characteristics before beginning treatment. For orthodontic patients, digital scans can support treatment planning and the fabrication of clear aligners, retainers, and other customized appliances.
Example: If a patient has crowded teeth, the dentist can use the 3D scan to show the current position of the teeth.
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Reason #3. Greater Efficiency
The use of digital scanning can ease some of the processes in traditional workflows that require the production of impressions. The need for impression materials, making impressions, or creating a plaster mold will not be required in most instances.
After obtaining the digital image, it can be sent electronically to the dental lab for further processing or to a CAD/CAM process. Consequently, the amount of transportation and handling can be reduced as well as communication between the dentist and the dental technician can be improved.
Example: After scanning a patient’s teeth for a crown, the dentist can immediately send the digital file to the dental laboratory instead of taking a physical impression and arranging for it to be transported.
Reason #4. Better Communication With Patients
In addition, people looking for treatment will appreciate that they may actually see their teeth in 3D format during their visit. This means that the treatment will involve not just words but also a dentist’s model showing the patient what should be treated and possible solutions.
Reason #5. Applications in Restorative Dentistry
3D dental scanners are increasingly used for procedures involving dental crowns, dental bridges, dental veneers, inlays, onlays, and other restorations. Digital impressions can provide the information required to design restorations using CAD/CAM technology.
Research has found that intraoral scanners can be sufficiently accurate for several restorative applications, including single crowns, fixed partial dentures, and dental implant related workflows.
Reason #6. Supporting Orthodontic Treatment
Another field where the use of 3D scanners has had an important effect is orthodontics. With digital scans, one can assess tooth alignment and plan an orthodontic procedure as well as design custom-made aligners and retainers.
With digital scans, patient information can be easily stored, while also comparing tooth positions during various stages of the procedure.
Reason #7. Role In Implant Dentistry
3D scanning can also contribute to dental implant treatment planning. Digital impressions can capture the shape of teeth and soft-tissue contours, while other imaging technologies, such as CBCT, provide information about underlying bone and anatomical structures.
These digital records can be combined in appropriate workflows to help dentists plan implant placement and design customized restorations. However, 3D intraoral scanning does not replace CBCT Imaging because the two technologies provide different types of information.
Reason #8. Easier Digital Record Keeping
While conventional impressions may need to be physically stored, digital impressions can be stored electronically. This is beneficial since this would make the process easier for future cases where the patient will need further restorations or dental appliances.
About Mayfield Ranch Dental
Mayfield Ranch Dental is your trusted advanced and emergency dentist in Round Rock, Texas. From routine checkups for the entire family to specialized treatments like dental implants, teeth whitening, advanced cosmetic dentistry, smile design, Invisalign, and oral surgery, we offer comprehensive dental care under one roof.
We are experienced and affordable dentists in Round Rock with flexible scheduling and personalized care. Contact us today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are 3D dental scans more comfortable than traditional impressions?
For many patients, yes. Digital scanning eliminates the need for impression trays and setting materials, which can reduce discomfort and gagging.
2. How accurate are 3D dental scanners?
Modern intraoral scanners can provide clinically acceptable accuracy for many applications, although accuracy varies by scanner, technique, and the type of dental procedure being performed.
3. Do 3D dental scanners replace dental X-rays?
No. A 3D intraoral scanner captures the visible surfaces of teeth and oral tissues, while dental X-rays and CBCT provide information about internal structures such as roots and bone. They serve different purposes.