As in other disciplines, in dentistry it is essential to incorporate new technologies into daily practice. This brings with it important advantages for both the patient and the dentist.
Technological advances facilitate diagnosis, make treatments more predictable and improve the effectiveness of the results.
Given their importance, at the DrAW Dental Clinic we have always been committed to adopting the latest advances in the specialties in which we work.
Thus, in our center we have two 3D intraoral scanners (one for Orthodontics and the other for Implantology), digital radiography, CT, surgical microscope, smile design software, etc.
Of all the technology mentioned, today we are going to focus on the 3D intraoral scanner used in the specialty of Orthodontics.
This is one of the devices we have been using for the longest time, so we have been able to see the benefits it brings to both patients and orthodontists.
In the following section, we will explain exactly what a three-dimensional intraoral scanner is.
What is a 3D intraoral scanner?
A 3D intraoral scanner is a device that allows us to make 3D digital impressions of a person’s mouth.
This device is used when the patient is going to undergo orthodontic treatment, at which time we need to take records of your mouth to establish the starting point of the procedure.
If you have ever had orthodontics, you will know that before treatment begins, a complete study must be carried out, consisting of taking photographs, x-rays and impressions of the mouth.
Traditionally, the way to make these impressions consisted of introducing a tray with a paste into the patient’s mouth. Currently, in our clinic we no longer use this mold, but have replaced it with the scanner.
Mold of the patient’s mouth
Conventional impressions
Which scanner do we use in our clinic?
To scan our patients, at DrAW Clínic we use the 3M True Definition Scanner model.
This device is based, roughly speaking, on a monitor that recreates the patient’s mouth and a pen with a built-in camera.
Below is an image of the scanner we use in our clinic:
Intraoral scanner for Orthodontics.
Intraoral scanner in three dimensions
Before starting orthodontic treatment, it is essential to carry out a study that includes photographs, X-rays and impressions of the mouth.
How is this scanner used?
To carry out the scan, the professional passes the pencil with the built-in camera over the patient’s entire mouth. At the same time, the camera sends a 3D recreation to the monitor.
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In this way, all the imperfections and corrections that need to be made in both the alignment and the bite of the teeth can be seen in real time.
Once the professional has finished passing the pencil over all the faces of the patient’s teeth, the system creates a complete recreation of the mouth.
Choose a clinic with a scanner
Digital impressions offer a number of advantages over conventional impressions, so we recommend that you undergo orthodontic treatment in a clinic that has a 3D intraoral scanner.
What is the purpose of the 3D intraoral scanner?
As mentioned above, the use of the 3M True Definition Scanner has important benefits for both the patient and the orthodontist.
Firstly, its use is very beneficial for the patient as it avoids having to take the classic impressions, which for many people is very uncomfortable or unpleasant as it produces nausea and a feeling of suffocation.
Secondly, the role of the 3D intraoral scanner is fundamental in orthodontic treatments with Incognito lingual brackets or Invisalign aligners, as it allows digital impressions to be sent to the manufacturers.
By sending them telematically, the manufacturing and treatment set-up process is faster.
This is because the molds are not sent physically to Germany -in the case of Incognito- or to the United States -in the case of Invisalign-. In this way, the manufacturers receive the records immediately.
Thirdly, the accuracy and control offered by this scanner is remarkable, since it has its own evaluation tools that prevent the scan from being terminated until it is 100% complete.
Being such an accurate method, it avoids having to carry out new prints, retouching or adjustments.
Below, we invite you to watch the video in which our orthodontist, Dr. Daniel Hernández, gives a detailed explanation of the use and benefits of the scanner:
For all the reasons mentioned in this article, we can assure you that the 3D intraoral scanner is a fundamental aid when carrying out orthodontic treatment.
This device not only offers greater comfort and gives the patient the possibility of starting orthodontics as soon as possible.
At the same time, it is a powerful tool to improve the predictability, precision and effectiveness of treatments.
