Ⅰ Why is it vital to know what kind of intraoral scanner it is and how it works?
The difference in experience with intraoral scanners is not only because of the brand, but also because of the distinct technological routes, which directly affects:
Accuracy and stability of scanning
Speed of scanning and how hard it is to use
Ability to adapt to the mouth's environment (saliva, reflection, metal)
Is it good for different kinds of work, like fixing things, putting in implants, or orthodontics?
Cost of equipment and money spent on upkeep after the fact
So, before you pick a brand, it's important to know what kind of technology it is.
Ⅱ Types of intraoral scanners based on how they are used
1. Handheld intraoral scanner (the most common type)
This category has the most market share and the most uses right now.
Important Features:
Like intraoral cameras, they are tiny and can be used in a variety of ways.
Scan and show, make 3D models in real time
Can be utilised for a number of procedures, including orthodontics, implantation, and repair.
Good for:
Full-service dental office
A clinic that aims for high efficiency and full coverage
Organisations that have already done or plan to do digital therapy
Most well-known brands now employ handheld scanners as their main offering.
2. Desktop scanning system (not a direct mouth scan)
Technically, these technologies are utilised more often for scanning models or in labs than for direct intraoral procedures.
Characteristics:
Need to first make or take a model
Very accurate scanning
The process of doing the operation is not very simple.
Better for:
Institute of Technology
Fix the machining center
Not very good for the clinical modelling demands of today's clinics
This page is about what intraoral scanners really mean.
Ⅲ Types of intraoral scanners based on "core imaging technology"
This is the most important portion of figuring out how intraoral scanners are different from each other.
1. Technology for Structured Light Scanning
The basic idea behind it is:
The three-dimensional shape can be figured out by shining certain structured light patterns onto the surface of teeth and using a camera to record how the light rays change shape.
Technical features:
really accurate
Stable pictures
A high level of technical maturity
Benefits:
Strong edge capture ability, good for fixing and treating
Better restoration of details
Has been thoroughly validated clinically
Limitations:
Sensitive to settings that are reflective and moist
You need to have good operating abilities while scanning.
Types of clinics that are good for you:
A clinic that mostly does restorative medicine
All ceramic crowns and veneer treatments that need very precise edges
A group of doctors who know how to use digital tools
2. Laser Scanning Technology Technical principle:
Using a laser beam to shine on the surface of teeth and measuring changes in the light spot to get three-dimensional data.
Technical features:
Quick scan speed
Can easily adapt to metal and reflective materials
Pros:
Very good at adapting to complicated oral situations
Stable performance of scanning plants
Used a lot in the early days of digital dentistry restrictions:
The cost of the equipment is rather high.
Some systems have strict rules for how they should work.
Types of clinics that work well:
Clinics that do a lot of dental implant work
Organisations with big finances and a need for stability
Situations where there is a lot of need for metal scanning
3. Scanning technique that uses video
Technical principle:
High-speed cameras are utilised to continuously record video, and software that stitches the data together in real time is used to make 3D models.
Technical features:
The procedure of scanning goes more smoothly.
Low cost of learning
The experience of operating is similar to "shooting videos."
Benefits:
Easy to start and good for beginners
Short time to scan
A good experience for the patient limits:
A lot of reliance on software and algorithms
In very complicated situations, it can be hard to be accurate.
Types of clinics that work:
New clinic for scanning within the mouth
The primary institutes are orthodontics and invisible correction.
Outpatient clinics that care about how well they work and how their patients feel
4. Technology for Optical Triangulation
Principle of technology:
Using triangulation, the spatial coordinates are found by sending out a light source and integrating the readings from several sensors.
Characteristics:
Very precise
Algorithm that is mature
Common uses:
The basic technique that most structured light or laser scanning systems use
Part of the "technical foundation" instead of a separate selling point
Clinics consider it more of an implicit parameter.
Ⅳ What kind of intraoral scanner technology is best for your clinic?
1. Clinics that focus on restoring and beautifying things
Suggested technical direction:
Scanning using structured light
Ability to recognise edges well
Algorithms for stable software
Reason: Repair treatment needs very high edge accuracy and fit, and stability is more important than speed.
2. Clinics that focus on dental implants as their main service
Suggested technical direction:
Scanning using lasers
A system that can easily recognise Scanbody
Reason: To restore planting, you need to be more precise when identifying metal structures and placing them in space.
3. The main focus of the clinics was on orthodontics and imperceptible repair.
Suggested technical direction:
Scanning for continuous video capture
Quick and simple to use
Reason: Orthodontics is more concerned with the overall shape of the teeth, how well they work, and how the patient feels.
4. Full-service dental office
Suggested answer:
Intraoral scanner that works with many scenes
A full software ecosystem and open interfaces
Reason: A full clinic needs "one device with multiple uses" to balance repair, implantation, and orthodontics.
