The intraoral scanner is an advanced digital tool that we use in our clinic to obtain 3D images of our patients' oral cavity. This technology provides us with a detailed view of the state of the teeth, gums, implants and prostheses, which facilitates diagnosis and treatment planning. It is also essential for taking precise measurements for the manufacture of crowns, prostheses on implants, orthodontic splints and discharge splints.
Advantages of the intraoral scanner
- Increased comfortFor both patient and practitioner, the intraoral scanner avoids the use of traditional materials such as alginate or silicones, which can be uncomfortable and difficult to handle.
- SpeedIn less than five minutes, we can obtain an accurate recreation of the inside of the oral cavity, including tooth position and caries detection.
- AccuracyThe detailed information and accurate images provided by the scanner allow us to plan and design more effective treatments, assisting dental technicians in the fabrication of crowns, bridges and splints.
- Digital storageAll scanned cases are stored digitally, allowing reviews, comparisons and re-evaluations as needed.
Disadvantages of the intraoral scanner
- Physical limitationsIn patients with limited mouth opening or small mouths, it may be difficult to perform a correct and detailed scan.
- Sensitivity to salivaIt is necessary to dry the areas to be scanned thoroughly to obtain high quality images, as saliva can interfere with the accuracy of the scan.
- Edentulous patientsScanning accuracy is limited in patients without teeth, where scanning is more complex and does not always represent the mucosa at 100%.
Conventional printing: when and why?
Despite the advantages of the intraoral scanner, in some cases we resort to conventional impressions with trays, alginate and silicone.
Advantages of conventional printing
- Rapid hardeningThe materials used harden rapidly in the presence of saliva, which is useful in certain clinical situations.
- Measures for edentulous patientsConventional impressions better represent the buccal mucosa in patients without teeth.
- Fabrication of removable partial denturesThe materials of choice for this type of prosthesis.
Disadvantages of conventional printing
- Reduced accuracyThe actual dimensions of teeth and dental preparations are not always obtained.
- Use of multiple materialsUnlike the scanner, the prints require several different materials.
- Patient discomfortThe use of metal or plastic trays and the possible presence of bubbles in the impressions can be uncomfortable and lead to a repeat procedure, delaying treatment.
Conclusion
The intraoral scanner has revolutionised the way we approach diagnosis and treatment at Velez & Lozano, improving the comfort, speed and accuracy of our procedures. However, we recognise the importance of conventional impressions in specific situations. The combination of both techniques allows us to offer high quality dental care, tailored to the needs of each patient. For more information about our services and how we can help you, visit our blog and make an appointment with us.