What Is
Digital Intraoral Scanning?
Digital intraoral scanning is a procedure that
uses a specialized optical device to record the visible surfaces of teeth and
surrounding oral tissues.
The scanner collects information that is
processed into a three-dimensional digital model.
These models are used in various clinical and
laboratory applications, including crowns, bridges, indirect restorations and
certain orthodontic appliances.
Intraoral scanning differs from radiographic
imaging because it primarily records visible surfaces rather than the roots,
jawbone or internal anatomical structures.
How Does
an Intraoral Scanner Work?
Intraoral scanners use specialized optical
imaging technologies to capture information about dental surfaces.
The dentist moves the scanner tip around the
teeth while the device collects a sequence of images or measurements.
Software processes the collected data to
generate a three-dimensional model.
The operator can review the scan during the
procedure and capture additional information from areas that were not recorded
adequately.
Different devices may use structured light or
other optical imaging methods.
Main
Components of an Intraoral Scanning System
Scanner
Handpiece
The handheld scanner is positioned inside the mouth
to record dental and oral surfaces.
Processing
Unit
The processing system converts the captured
information into digital data and a three-dimensional model.
Imaging
Software
The software displays the model and allows the
operator to evaluate the completeness and quality of the scan.
Data
Storage and Transfer System
Digital files can be stored and transferred to
compatible software or dental laboratories, subject to appropriate patient data
protection measures.
Digital
Versus Conventional Dental Impressions
Conventional impressions use physical materials
placed inside the mouth to capture dental anatomy.
Digital impressions use an optical device to
record surfaces and generate an electronic model.
Digital scanning may be more comfortable for
some patients, especially those who find traditional impression materials
difficult to tolerate.
It also allows clinicians to review the scan
and recapture selected areas without necessarily repeating the entire
impression.
However, conventional impressions remain
appropriate in certain situations and may be needed when adequate digital data
cannot be obtained.
Applications
of Digital Intraoral Scanning
Dental
Crowns
Digital scans can record the prepared tooth and
adjacent teeth to support crown design.
Dental
Bridges
Digital information may be used to design
selected fixed dental bridges.
Dental
Veneers
Scanning can support the planning and
manufacturing of certain aesthetic restorations.
Inlays,
Onlays and Overlays
Digital impressions may be used in the design
of indirect restorations for damaged teeth.
Orthodontic
Treatment
Digital dental models can support diagnosis and
planning for selected orthodontic appliances, including clear aligners.
Implant
Dentistry
Intraoral scanning may be used to record
implant positions or surrounding tissues during certain implant restorative
procedures.
Dentures
Digital scanning may support selected stages of
denture fabrication, although fully edentulous cases may require additional
recording methods.
Step-by-Step
Digital Intraoral Scanning Procedure
Step 1:
Clinical Examination
The dentist examines the teeth and gums and
determines the purpose of the scan.
Step 2:
Oral Preparation
The operator may clean certain surfaces and
control saliva or moisture to improve scan quality.
Step 3:
Scanning the Teeth
The scanner is moved across the required dental
surfaces in a suitable sequence.
Step 4:
Scanning the Opposing Arch
If the treatment requires bite assessment, the
opposing teeth are also scanned.
Step 5:
Recording the Bite
The patient closes their mouth in an
appropriate position while the relationship between the dental arches is
recorded.
Step 6:
Reviewing the Digital Model
The dentist checks the completeness and quality
of the scan, particularly in areas important for restoration design.
Step 7:
Saving and Transferring the Data
The digital files are saved for treatment
planning or transferred to a dental laboratory when necessary.
Digital
Intraoral Scanning for Dental Crowns and Bridges
After tooth preparation, digital scanning may
be used to record preparation margins, adjacent teeth and bite relationships.
The resulting data can be incorporated into
restorative design software.
However, successful scanning requires clear
preparation margins, appropriate moisture control and sufficient data quality.
Margins located deep beneath the gums may be
difficult to capture and can require additional clinical measures or
conventional impressions.
Intraoral
Scanning in Implant Dentistry
Digital scanning is used in certain stages of
implant restorative treatment.
A specialized component known as a scan body
may be attached to the implant to help record its position and orientation
within the digital model.
Digital scan data may also be combined with
CBCT imaging in selected guided implant planning workflows.
However, intraoral scanning does not replace
radiographic assessment when evaluation of bone, nerves or other anatomical
structures is required.
Digital
Intraoral Scanning in Orthodontics
Digital models may be used to evaluate tooth
arrangement, spacing and certain bite relationships.
The information can support the design of clear
aligners and other orthodontic appliances.
Nevertheless, intraoral scanning alone is not
sufficient for comprehensive orthodontic diagnosis, which may require
radiographs and additional clinical assessments.
Digital
Intraoral Scanning and Smile Design
Intraoral scans can be combined with
photographs and videos when planning selected aesthetic dental treatments.
Three-dimensional models help assess tooth
shape and dimensions and may support visualization of proposed restorations.
However, virtual designs do not guarantee the
final clinical result.
The
Relationship Between Intraoral Scanning and CAD/CAM Dentistry
Intraoral scanning is one method of obtaining
digital information for computer-aided dental workflows.
After scanning, CAD software may be used to
design a restoration, while CAM equipment may manufacture it.
This workflow is used for selected crowns,
bridges, ceramic restorations and implant-related prosthetic components.
Not every CAD/CAM restoration requires direct
intraoral scanning, because conventional impressions and physical models can
also be digitized.
Potential
Benefits of Digital Intraoral Scanning
Potential advantages include:
·
Reduced
need for conventional impression materials in suitable cases.
·
Three-dimensional
visualization of dental surfaces.
·
Ability
to review data during scanning.
·
Possibility
of rescanning selected areas.
·
Digital
communication with dental laboratories.
·
Support
for digital treatment planning and manufacturing.
·
Improved
comfort for some patients compared with conventional impressions.
These benefits depend on the scanner, operator
experience and clinical circumstances.
How
Accurate Are Digital Dental Impressions?
Digital scanning can provide clinically
suitable accuracy for many dental applications, particularly certain
limited-span restorations.
However, accuracy varies according to the
device, scan extent, moisture conditions, scanning technique and
characteristics of the teeth and tissues.
Full-arch scanning and certain multiple-implant
cases can be more challenging than scanning a single tooth.
The recording method should therefore be
selected according to the requirements of each case.
Is
Digital Intraoral Scanning Painful?
Intraoral scanning is a non-surgical procedure
and generally does not require anesthesia.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort
from the scanner tip or from keeping their mouth open.
It may be more comfortable for individuals who
experience gagging during conventional impressions.
How Long
Does Digital Intraoral Scanning Take?
Scanning time depends on the number of teeth
being recorded, the scanner and the accessibility of different areas.
A limited scan may take only a few minutes,
while full-arch and bite recording may take longer.
Additional scanning may be needed to improve
the quality of certain areas.
Limitations
and Challenges of Intraoral Scanning
Potential challenges include:
·
Saliva
accumulation or bleeding.
·
Limited
access to posterior teeth.
·
Deep
subgingival preparation margins.
·
Patient
movement during scanning.
·
Difficulty
recording mobile soft tissues.
·
Challenges
associated with full-arch scans.
·
Compatibility
differences between digital systems.
These limitations do not necessarily prevent
scanning but may influence the choice of impression technique.
Who May
Be Suitable for Digital Intraoral Scanning?
Digital scanning can be used in many dental
situations, but it is not automatically the best method for every procedure.
Suitability depends on the type of treatment,
clinical conditions, visibility of the required surfaces and available
equipment.
In some cases, dentists may combine digital and
conventional techniques to obtain the necessary information.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Is
digital intraoral scanning safe?
Intraoral scanners use optical imaging
technologies and do not rely on X-rays to capture dental surfaces.
Does
intraoral scanning require anesthesia?
Usually not, because scanning itself is
non-invasive.
Can
digital scanning replace conventional dental impressions?
Yes, in many suitable cases, although
conventional impressions may still be required for certain treatments.
Can an
intraoral scanner detect cavities?
Some surface changes may be visible, and
certain devices offer additional imaging features, but scanning does not
replace a comprehensive dental examination or other diagnostic methods for
detecting decay.
Can
digital scanning be used for dental implants?
Yes. It is used in selected implant planning
and restorative workflows.
Can
children undergo intraoral scanning?
Yes, in appropriate cases, depending on age,
cooperation and the purpose of the procedure.
Can
digital scans be stored for future use?
Digital files can be stored according to clinic
systems and patient data protection policies and may be used for future
planning or follow-up when appropriate.
Conclusion
Digital intraoral scanning is a technology used
to capture the shape of teeth and oral surfaces and generate three-dimensional
dental models.
Its applications include restorative dentistry,
orthodontics, selected implant procedures and digital treatment planning.
However, the choice of scanning or impression
method should be based on clinical assessment and the specific requirements of
treatment.
Medical disclaimer: Results of surgical and
interventional procedures may vary from person to person. A detailed
consultation with a qualified dental professional is recommended before
deciding on treatment.