Intraoral scanners

Digital dentistry has moved forward quickly in recent years, changing the way treatments are planned and carried out. One of the most patient-friendly innovations is the intraoral scanner. This modern device captures highly accurate images of your teeth and jaw—without touching and without the unpleasant impression material many people dislike. For patients, that means more comfort, less stress, and often a faster, more precise treatment process.

What is an intraoral scanner?

An intraoral scanner is a digital device that uses optical technology to capture your teeth and create a detailed 3D model of your mouth. A small scanning camera is guided gently along the teeth, recording the surfaces with high precision. Within moments, a virtual 3D model appears on screen, ready to be reviewed — and, if needed, used straight away for further planning.

Unlike traditional impressions with silicone or alginate—something that can trigger gagging or discomfort for many people—the scanning process is clean, comfortable, and almost entirely touch-free.

Advantages of intraoral scanners

• Comfort for the patient: No gag reflex, no unpleasant “full mouth” feeling. The scan is painless, hygienic, and low-stress—making it a great option for patients with dental anxiety and for children, too.

• High precision: Digital scans capture your teeth and jaw in great detail. They also reduce the risk of distortions that can sometimes happen with traditional impressions—whether from handling, movement, or changes in the material.

• Speed and efficiency: The scan data is available immediately and can be used straight away—often speeding up workflows from restorations to clear aligner treatment.

• More sustainable: By reducing the need for impression materials, plaster models, and shipping, a digital workflow can be more resource-friendly and environmentally considerate.

• Better communication: 3D models can be shared digitally with dental laboratories—quickly, securely, and without loss of detail.

How an intraoral scanner is used in dentistry

The scanner can be used in many different ways—and it supports almost every area of dentistry, including:

• Dental prosthesis: Whether it’s crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, veneers, or full dentures, digital scans help achieve a precise fit and can reduce the need for adjustments later on.

• Clear aligners: For clear aligner treatment, an accurate digital model is the foundation for a well-planned, effective treatment course.

• Implantology: For planning and placing dental implants, scan data can be used to create surgical guides, helping position the implant precisely and predictably.

What happens during a typical scanning appointment

1. Getting started: You’ll sit comfortably in the dental chair. In most cases, no special preparation is needed—the mouth simply needs to be clean.

2. The scan: Our trained team guides a small handpiece along your teeth. The camera captures thousands of images, which are combined in real time to create a 3D model.

3. Reviewing the scan: The model appears on screen straight away, so we can check it immediately. If anything is missing, we can simply rescan that area on the spot.

4. Using the data: The digital files are then used for treatment planning or for creating restorations, clear aligners, or implant components—depending on what you need.

Conclusion

The intraoral scanner is a great example of how far digital dentistry has come. It allows us to take fast, accurate impressions in a way that’s much more comfortable for patients—while also making workflows more efficient and treatment quality even better. Both dentists and patients benefit from the precision, speed, and hygienic advantages of this technology.