What is Dental 3D Scanner Used For?

What is Dental 3D Scanner Used For?

Dental 3D scanners (also known as intraoral scanners) are a revolutionary technology in dentistry. They use optical technology to obtain three-dimensional data of oral tissues such as teeth and gums, replacing the traditional and uncomfortable process of taking impressions. Their applications are extremely diverse, covering nearly all areas of modern dentistry.

The following are the main uses of dental 3D scanners, which can be divided into the following categories:

1. Restorative Dentistry

This is the core application area of 3D scanners, used to create devices that replace or restore teeth.

· Crowns and Bridges: Accurately capture the morphology of prepared teeth and adjacent teeth for the design and fabrication of perfect crowns and bridges.

· Inlays and Onlays: Used to repair cavities and are more durable and precise than traditional fillings.

· Veneers: Precisely scan the labial surface of teeth for the design and fabrication of ultra-thin porcelain veneers, ensuring perfect aesthetics and a perfect marginal fit.

2. Orthodontics (Dental Correction)

3D scanning has revolutionized the way orthodontic treatment is planned and performed.

· Clear aligner design: This provides brands like Invisalign with precise digital models of the dental arch, which serve as the foundation for the design and production of every set of clear aligners.

· Traditional bracket positioning: Using digital models, optimal bracket placement can be pre-planned on a computer, allowing for the creation of customized positioning trays and improved placement accuracy.

· Pre-treatment evaluation and simulation: Doctors can simulate tooth movement on a computer, allowing them to intuitively communicate treatment plans and expected outcomes with patients.

· Retainer fabrication: After orthodontic treatment, precise fixed or removable retainers are fabricated.

3. Implant Dentistry

In the field of dental implants, 3D scanners are key to achieving precise, minimally invasive implant placement.

· Surgical Guide Design: By integrating dental data from intraoral scans with bone data from CBCT scans, optimal implant placement, angle, and depth can be pre-planned on a computer and a 3D-printed surgical 

guide can be created. During surgery, the surgeon uses the guide to achieve minimally invasive, precise placement.

· Prosthesis Fabrication: Scanning the scanbodies on implants allows for precise positioning, which is then used to design and fabricate the crown or bridge overlying the implant.

· All-on-4/6 Immediate Loading: In edentulous full-mouth implant restorations, this system is used for preoperative planning and fabrication of temporary restorations for immediate insertion.

4. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and General Dentistry

· Recording and Analysis: Recording oral conditions before and after surgery for comparison and evaluation of treatment effectiveness.

· Tooth Wear Monitoring: Regular scans can quantify and monitor the extent of tooth wear.

· Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment: Customized oral appliances are used to help patients alleviate snoring and sleep apnea.

5. Digital Diagnosis and Treatment Process and Patient Communication

· Improved Patient Experience: Say goodbye to the nauseating process of traditional impression taking. The scanning process is fast and comfortable, significantly improving patient satisfaction.

· Visual Communication: Displaying a 3D model of the patient's intraoral cavity directly on the screen makes doctor-patient communication more intuitive and efficient, helping patients understand their problems and treatment options.

· Digital Archives: Generate permanently stored digital models for easy access and comparison, without risk of damage or loss.