Intraoral Scanners: Why We Use This Technology on Every Patient

Intraoral scanners are a crucial aspect of modern dental treatment that have the potential to completely change the way you see your dental treatment.

Today, we’re breaking down how (and why) we use this incredible technology on each and every patient in our Double Bay dental clinic; continue reading to learn more.

What is an Intraoral Scanner?

An intraoral scanner is a lightweight handheld device that is used to create detailed digital impressions of the teeth using intelligent three-dimensional imaging technology. The intraoral scanner itself consists of a handheld camera wand that is about the size of a toothbrush, a computer, and relevant software.

In order to capture these incredibly detailed 3D images, the scanner is directed all throughout the inside of the mouth. As it is moved inside the mouth, the scanner projects a light source onto the targeted areas. Next, thousands of images are captured by intelligent imaging sensors. These images are fully processed and used to create incredible digital three-dimensional models of the teeth and gums.

In just a matter of a few minutes, the scanner registers a map of your teeth and produces completely three dimensional models of the teeth and gums that can easily be thoroughly evaluated for optimal treatment planning and application. The use of these three dimensional models tends to have a massive positive effect on treatment from start to finish – both for dental professionals and patients alike.

Why Do We Use Intraoral Scanners?

Traditionally, other than taking two-dimensional photos and videos, the only way to get a detailed and hands-on look at the teeth outside of the mouth was to take analog (alginate) impressions and have stone models poured up. These models are used as a hands-on tool for dentists to evaluate the mouth and plan treatment, and serve as a strong visual aid for patients.

While this method is effective, the process of taking alginate impressions tends to be quite uncomfortable and unpleasant for the patient – not to mention messy. If you have had orthodontic or cosmetic dental treatment done in the past, odds are that you are well-accustomed to the messy goo that was traditionally used to take impressions of the mouth.

This process – while absolutely necessary for the creation of an accurate set of impressions – is quite uncomfortable and unpleasant. In many cases, the impression material may actually cause patients to gag. Of course, it is never your dentists’ intentions to make you uncomfortable while you are in the chair, but this was previously something that simply could not be helped.

Thankfully, digital dental impressions taken with an intraoral scanner make it possible to take extremely detailed impressions of the entirety of the mouth – even the teeth in the very back of the mouth that would previously pose a risk of gagging with traditional alginate impressions.

Some other drawbacks of analog impressions are that the process of pouring up and creating a physical model of the patient’s mouth can be a bit time-consuming, and the models must stay in one physical location. They can not be entered into the patient’s chart and saved indefinetely as digital impressions can.

Some benefits of intraoral dental scanners include:

• Images are available to view immediately chairside; no processing time (as compared with traditional alginate impressions)
• Magnified, high-resolution 3D images
• Images and scans can be directly uploaded into the patient’s chart for future reference during treatment; efficient record keeping
• A complete set of detailed images and scans can be taken and in just a matter of minutes
• No messy or uncomfortable physical alginate impressions necessary
• Less chair time for the patient
• Ideal for patients with a strong gag reflex
• Much more efficient when it comes to time and resources
• Increased accuracy; less room for error, as there is no risk of the impressions or models being damaged or destroyed
• More personalized treatment planning experience for the patient
• Completely safe for patient; no radiation emitted (like with x-rays)
• Eco-friendly dentistry; no need for wasteful plastic trays or impression materials which will eventually be thrown away. Also helps ensure that all aspects of treatment are maintained digitally
• Improved comfort for the patient
• Generally faster turnaround time for treatment as a whole

For us as your trusted dental professionals, one of the most notable benefits of using an intraoral scanner is the ability to examine the digital models chairside with our patients and directly involve them as an active partner in their treatment planning.

Thanks to intraoral scanners, patients now have the ability to view interactive and detailed digital models of their teeth and gums. Over the course of treatment, we can provide you with a clear representation of the changes that are being made inside the mouth.

For many people, having this incredible visual aid helps stress the importance of maintaining their oral health and pursuing the treatment they need.

Intraoral Scanner Applications

Intraoral scanners can be used in both restorative and preventative dentistry to improve treatment as a whole. Below are some examples of treatment applications for intraoral scanners:

• Detailed digital impressions can be taken to create three dimensional models of the patient’s mouth; this is especially useful in traditional orthodontics, Invisalign treatment, and general treatment planning
• The images and scans captured can be used chairside to display oral health and to delegate proper oral care
• Dental professionals can use the images and scans to detect and diagnose decay, damage, or indications of oral cancer and other dental diseases
• Provides accurate and detailed treatment planning for dental implants
• Dentists are able to effectively record patients’ progress throughout course of treatment; you have the ability to actually see your progress and understand the importance of your treatment
• Digital impressions can be taken and immediately sent to the lab for the fabrication of prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, and dentures
• Working off of the initial three dimensional models that are taken, projections for the final outcome of treatment can be designed and presented to the patient for approval

Why Do We Use Intraoral Scanners on Every Patient?

Now that you are aware of the wide range of benefits and treatment applications that come along with the use of an intraoral scanner, you can see that it is certainly no secret that they can be incredibly valuable for all forms of dental treatment.

However, you may find yourself wondering: why does the FY Smile team use intraoral scanners on every patient in our Sydney dental office?

One notable reason is that the use of an intraoral scanner drastically improves efficiency and treatment outcome. When we are able to thoroughly examine the teeth and gums in great detail, we are able to provide a more thorough and precise treatment plan and application for each of our patients.

We strive to provide the very best dental treatment in the Double Bay area. Our clinical knowledge and the use of industry-leading products such as the intraoral scanner – combined with our fierce dedication for our patients as a whole – allows us to do so.

Above all, it truly comes down to patient experience. Simply put, we strive to ensure that each of our patients have access to top-tier dental care, whether they are visiting our office for a routine cleaning, seeking professional teeth whitening services, or they are looking to undergo a complete smile makeover.

By beginning your treatment with a set of digital dental impressions, we are able to take a detailed look at the current state of your teeth and gums. This will provide us with the ability to make a personalized (and optimized) treatment plan. We work hard to ensure that no small detail goes unnoticed.

We also understand that clinical dental jargon can get a bit confusing for patients, and the process of developing a treatment plan can be a bit overwhelming when you aren’t exactly sure what is being examined, discussed, or planned. No matter what sort of treatment you are pursuing, we strive to ensure that you fully understand what is being recommended and presented to you.

Taking these digital impressions also provides you with a clear visual representation of what your teeth currently look like, the health of your teeth and gums, and what you can expect from your prospective treatment.

Having that strong visual representation is often absolutely key for many people in truly understanding the treatment they want or need, and is a great way to get patients directly involved in their treatment planning from start to finish.

Here at FY Smile, you will never feel “out of the loop” while working with our team. We believe that you should always be an active and directly involved partner in the development of your treatment plan and all throughout your treatment as a whole; after all, it is your beautiful smile that we are working hard to improve and maintain!

FY Smile: Best Dentist in Sydney

Intraoral scanners are just one example of the intelligent modern technology that we use to provide our patients with the best treatment possible.

Here at FY Smile, we strive to provide our patients with an unparalleled level of dental care; that is why we are proud to offer comprehensive dental and orthodontic treatment in beautiful Sydney.

Whether you are interested in dental veneers, Invisalign, traditional braces, a complete smile makeover, or a routine dental cleaning, you are in good hands. Our team of caring dental professionals is here to provide the treatment you need to create the beautiful and healthy smile that you have always dreamt of.

Your journey towards optimal dental health begins here. In addition to offering braces and Invisalign in Sydney, FY Smile is proud to offer a wide range of dental services. From basic tooth fillings to dental implants to deep cleanings and more, we’ve got you covered.

For more information about how we use intraoral scanners to provide comprehensive treatment or to get scheduled in our Double Bay dental clinic, feel free to give us a call anytime at 02 8319 5557.

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