Dentists use intraoral scanners to take digital impressions of the soft and hard tissues in the mouth. They then send these images to a computer, lab, or monitor for printing and analysis. If you have been to the dentist recently, you may have seen a small wand-like device. This device gives information about your teeth right away.
The field of dentistry has grown a lot. It has changed from using dental impressions to using advanced intraoral scanners. The latter has been around for a long time. It has seen many changes over the years.
These changes make it more advanced and able to perform more complex tasks. Some devices have become more portable, while others can detect dental infections by scanning the dentition.
The devices are not cheap. Because of constant innovation, dentists sometimes sell their intraoral scanners. They do this to buy new advanced devices for their clinics. Retail stores also put intraoral scanners for sale, mainly because of advancements in technology.
In the excerpt below, we will discuss some of the best intraoral scanners in dentistry and share tips on comparing them.
In digital dentistry, using digital impressions is shaping the way dentists work. Indeed, they are a way of delivering precise services to patients.
Intraoral scanners are vital in dentistry, making dental impressions. That’s why they are now indispensable to any prosthodontist. They make service delivery seamless.
But how well do you understand how intraoral scanners for dentists operate? How about their benefits or shortcomings?
Well, in this quick guide, we’ll provide you with an in-depth view of the use of these scanners in modern-day dentistry. Their superior quality is worth examining. Let’s get to it!
What Are Dental Impressions?
Dental impressions are 3-D intraoral scans. Here, the dentist makes a digital replica of the mouth.
It uses a scanner, a computer, and CAD/CAM software to generate a virtual model of the mouth. This model will show all the hard and soft tissues in and around the gums. Typical dental impressions cover surgical templates, custom devices, prosthetic restorations, and orthodontic aligners.
Accurate Dental Intraoral Scanners help prepare speedy and reliable bridges, dentures, retainers, and crowns. Then, the dentists use the models to provide an effective treatment plan for patients. Now, an efficient dental impression needs a reliable scanner. That’s why most dentists opt to use intraoral scanners.
What are Intraoral Scanners in Dentistry?
Intraoral scanners are tools used to produce direct optical impressions. They do this by scanning the region of the mouth in question using a laser projection.
The images from the scans go through scanning software to make point clouds. The software converts these images into 3D surface models, which replace the traditional plaster molds from analog impressions.
[irp posts=”2923″ name=”3shape trios scanner: Digital Solution For Dental Practice”]
How Do Intraoral Scanners Work?
A typical intraoral scanner uses a camera for the input. It also has a computer as the monitor for the output and software to process the output images. The scanner generates a 3-D record of the image and keeps it in either the open STL or the locked STL-like format.
Both formats have widespread industrial applications. Still, they only point out the model in a triangulated way.
Now, we have some of the latest formats, like the PLY files and the Polygon file formats. These formats capture the object’s texture, color, and transparency, which means that we now have more precise outputs.
Reasons to Integrate Dental Clinics with Intraoral Scanners
Accurate Input Data, Minimal Human Errors
Many studies show that intraoral scanning results in more accurate procedures. The primary source of error in any dental procedure comes from how the raw data or models extract. Hence, by letting science do the job, human error is no longer a factor to reckon with.
Improve Patient Comfort
Analog impressions require images of the patient’s mouth using conventional methods. Some of these techniques felt awkward for the patients. For example, the dentist would insert an impression tray in the patient’s mouth for a long time. Not all patients could endure an uneasy posture.
In the process, they had a gag reflex. Other discomforts with analog dental impressions include a bitter taste and breathing impairment. Some patients complained about tooth sensitivity, smell or voice, and TMJ discomfort. With time, other patients would avoid seeking the necessary vital treatments.
Intraoral scanners in dentistry eliminate conventional styles and their setbacks. In particular, IOS eliminates scans using CBCT and plaster models, reducing the chances of patients’ discomfort. Intraoral scanners in dentistry use optical prints to create scans and virtual models.
Time Efficiency
Intraoral scanners involve few, if any, physical tasks. So, they take a fraction of the working time needed for conventional impressions. For example, such scanners can achieve a full arch scan in less than 3 minutes.
After the scan is complete, there is no need to use stone casts or plaster models. Instead, the dentist sends the STL files to the laboratory via email. Hence, even the logistics of courier services are nonexistent.
Even so, what happens when a patient requires chair-side prosthetic restorations? Here, the dentist will import the optical impressions into CAD software.
He’ll come up with a suitable design for the restorations. Then, the data is again sent to CAM software, which goes into a milling machine. The final result is patient-ready restorations that are accurate and timely.
All in all, the real-time saving is after the scan. All the physical steps associated with analog dental impressions no longer exist.
Easier Work Processes for Clinicians
Like any other digital tool, intraoral scanners in dentistry make clinicians’ work easier, for they can handle even the most complex cases straightforwardly. So, what happens when the clinician needs to generate many implants? Or could you perform a tough undercut? He can identify each implant of the undercut with precision.
Such procedures would otherwise prove difficult when dealing with conventional impressions. What if the clinician wants to revise the scans? He can delete them and start over without asking the client to undergo another scan. Indeed, the procedures become simple for both the patient and the doctor.
Gets Rid Of Plaster Casts
As noted, digital impressions ensure that most, if not all, of the physical procedures after the scan. The clinician does not need to prepare any plaster casting after the scan.
Now, this change is time-saving and cheap. Intraoral scanners eliminate the costs of dental consumables to make the casting, making digital impressions an affordable option for the patient.
Real-Time Analysis, Easier Communication for Clinicians
Digital impressions can run on the current hospital software management system. In effect, clinicians can send and receive real-time feedback, which flows smoothly to the laboratory, nurses, and patients.
The patient gets real-time updates about his treatment. He’ll know what to expect in the next appointment. The clinician may show the patient a 3D view of what he should expect at the end of the procedure.
The patient may suggest what he wants to change or revise. Again, the patient does not have to return and repeat the scans. This better communication builds trust between the clinician, his team, and patients.
Better Marketing for The Dentist’s Practice
Better patient-dentist communication creates an avenue for the dentist to market his services. The patient knows that the dentist is caring and reliable. Hence, he will recommend these services to friends and family who need the treatment.
If a procedure is impossible, the patient may request referrals at the dentist’s clinic. Here, the dentist cross-sells the services of other practitioners to perform the treatment. So, IOS is an indispensable marketing tool whose results speak for them.
Increased Patient Numbers, Cut on Related Costs
Intraoral dental scanners reduce the working times before and after the scan, meaning the dentist can see more patients daily. This increase in visits will convert to better turnover without compromising service delivery.
The removal of expensive consumables will also improve sales margins. The dentist sends the files to the laboratory via email, so there is no need for courier and storage services.
Finally, orthodontists can keep the virtual models for eternity. Here, they’ll refer to them for as long as they want. This improvement is a plus. For conventional impressions, generate models that last up to five years.
Challenges of Using Intraoral Scanners for Dentists
Deep Marginal Lines Are Impossible to Detect on Prepared Teeth
Intraoral Scanners can’t detect deep-set marginal lines on the prepared teeth. More so if the patient has bleeding gums. Unless there are prosthetic margins, the light will not find the finishing line. Even so, the prosthetic margins can’t work on bleeding gums.
Intraoral Scanners in dentistry are visible for quite a short time before the blood from the bleeding gums obscures them. So, when the retraction cord is out, the gingival sulcus will close up. If an area is invisible to the eye, even if it exists on the physical, it will not show on the scans. This weakness does not exist in conventional impressions.
To counter this setback, practitioners need strategies to highlight the preparation line. These include using more than one approach.
For example, they may insert a double retraction cord. At the same time, they support oral hygiene techniques that control too much bleeding. If need be, the dentist may have to use digital and analog impressions to counteract the setback.
Note that so much goes into preparing the digital impressions. It involves checking all these limits to gauge its suitability for the issue at hand. Hence, the dentist ought to be prudent in making the right choice for the patient’s interests.
A Significant Learning Curve
Dental practitioners need time to learn how IOS works. Then, they’ll be able to reap their full benefits.
Still, the learning curve is rather fast for today’s dentists, especially if they enjoy working with the latest innovations.
Again, manufacturers make intraoral scanners with a variety of scanning strategies, and each brand is different. Hence, choosing the ideal intraoral scanner for your practice is critical.
Significant Long Term Investment
High-end intraoral scanners retail at a rather hefty price. Plus, the relevant management systems to tap into the scanner’s full potential are a must. The dentist will recoup this initial cost during the equipment’s lifespan.
Also, manufacturers ask for monthly or annual fees for support services. Hence, only a well-established dentist practice can withstand such an investment. Other clinics may struggle with extreme cash flow problems after the buy.
Current Clinical Applications of IOS
Below is a list of today’s clinical applications of intraoral scanners: –
1. Diagnostic Purposes
Intraoral scanners are useful for identifying and making restorations. They also help create custom units needed for surgery, prostheses, and orthodontics.
2. Dentist-Patient Communications
HMIS works with IOS skills to let patients know about their treatment in real-time.
3. Making Prostheses
Intraoral scanners help in coming up with prosthetic restorations. Other applications include zirconia copings, resin in-lays or on-lays, dentures, crowns, and ceramics.
4. Dental Implants
IOS generates optical impressions useful in making dental implants. These implants help develop implant-supported bridges, bars, and crowns.
- Making digital smile design techniques
- Fabricating obturators
- Planning orthodontic diagnosis and treatment
The use of intraoral scanning and digital impressions in guided dental surgery is still in its infancy.
Tips and Tricks for Using Intraoral Scanners
1. Preparation Is Key
As noted, the dentist can avoid most of the setbacks in digital impressions by prior planning. Prepare the patient for the procedure. Let them know what they should expect. Address any fears they may have.
2. Aim For a Dry Mouth Before The Scan is Conducted
Ask the patient to spit or swallow any saliva in the mouth. Or, blow some air onto the teeth. The dry teeth will help in capturing precise images.
3. Maintain a Clear Screen
Digital scanners are not immune to delays. More so, when relaying the captured scans to the computer. To prevent such mishaps, wipe the scanner’s screen when you finish scanning the image.
4. Educate Your Future Patients Using Past Samples
One easy way for new patients to accept IOS is by proving to them that they work. And, there is no better proof than your past successes. Use your past triumphs to show the IOS prowess. Show your patients how efficient the intraoral scanners are in the dentistry profession.
Intraoral Scanners – Compare The Products
The above discussion provides an in-depth appreciation of intraoral scanners and helps you see their relevance in modern dentistry. So, what is the best intraoral scanner in 2025?
Here is a list of the top 10 intraoral scanners for a dentist you may want to try for practice:
1. CEREC Omnicam from Dentsply Sirona ($6,666.00)
Nothing compares to the pain of a toothache in the middle of the night when you have little or no access to help. However, a dentist visit will reveal the problem’s source and how far it has spread in your dentition. A digital dental clinic will thus give you a clear picture of what is happening to your oral cavity.
And this will be achieved by using the Cerec Omicam. The latter is the newest oral scanning technology.
It gives doctors and patients 3D dental images in natural color and includes full arch scans. The scanner is light on the doctor’s hand and comfortable when inserted in the patient’s mouth, a feature facilitated by its slim design.
The images provided by the intraoral scanner enable the dentist to make a reliable diagnosis and conclusive report on the problem areas, thus offers a comprehensive treatment solution.
2. Carestream CS 3700 ($11,999.00)
The Carestream CS 3700 costs more than the Cerec Omnicam, but it has many similar features. It has an ergonomic design and fits comfortably in the patient’s mouth. A key feature of this intraoral scanner (Carestream CS) is the wrist wrap, which keeps the device safe in the doctor’s hand.
Another important feature is the Carestream Intra Oral scanner. It lets the doctor gather all necessary information from a single scan. Practitioners can also access clear mesh details. Managing the collected data has been simplified because the scanners can send digital models to a lab or a third party with one click.
Users can also use an easy interface, which lets them navigate the software smoothly with a touch screen. While utilizing the Carestream intraoral scanner, users will also be treated to the latest software updates. The company’s support ensures that users can access ongoing software and equipment support.
3. CEREC Primescan from Dentsply Sirona ($19,999.00)
Cerec is determined to cater to all its user, both high and low end from all indications. If you are a top practitioner looking to earn more, the Cerec Primescan from Dentsply Sirona is for you. Money aside, the primesan has some pretty cool features that speak of professionalism.
The smart pixel sensor can process over 1,000,000 3D points every second, giving doctors clear and accurate data that can help them make better treatment decisions.
Dentists using Primescan can work with depth scan technology, which gives them sharpness and precision. The above also covers a measuring depth of 20mm, thus providing a clear vision for the deeper-lying indications.
Dentists do not need to check an area for clarity constantly. They have a wider view that allows for high precision with fewer sweeps. The primes’ working speed is quite impressive, as they can consolidate over 50,000 images per second and process the exact data that the software needs.
Primescan turns out to be one of the best intraoral scanners. If you don’t have one for your practice, consider selling your current intraoral scanners. Switch to the Cerec prime scan. It is time-efficient, accurate, and effective.
4. Medit i500 ($10,345.00)
Anytime you interact with the intraoral scanning devices, the price point always has a story to tell, and for the medit i500, it is a sweet, professional one. For starters, the scanner can create the perfect margin lines if you need a prosthesis.
Dentists can use the scanner to take clear pictures of teeth, which helps them see their real condition.
With this information, they can better understand a patient’s problem. In the long run, they can give the patient a clear view of their situation. This helps the patient understand why the upcoming procedure is necessary.
Medit i500 allows dentists to do pre-operational scans of their patients’ teeth. This technology is not found in other intraoral scanners we reviewed, including the high-end Cerec prime scan. The preoperational scan helps make the post-operation easy and quick. Dentists can use the data as a guide to create natural prostheses.
5. iTero element 5d ($24,000.00)
The iTero element intraoral scanner is expensive for a good reason. It can scan the inside of a tooth and provide feedback right away.
The makers of the iTero element have added NIRI technology. This feature helps it stand out among top intraoral scanners. It can find interproximal caries in their early stages.
Remember, the above patients are not at risk of suffering from radiation. The iTero element 5D scanner is known for its dental imaging system, which allows users to compare images over time using the iTero time-lapse feature.
A full arch scan with the iTero element 5D gives dentists 3D impressions, which are important for orthodontic and restorative work. The iTero element uses time-lapse technology, which allows doctors to compare a patient’s current scan with past 3D scans.
Information collected in the above comparison enables dentists to measure tooth wear, orthodontic movement, and gingival recession. The company has now justified the high price point of the iTero element. However, we haven’t covered all of the significant features.
6. Dental Wings Virtuo Vivo ($19,999.00)
Dental Wings Virtual Vivo has not incorporated sophisticated features. Still, for the above price, you will benefit from voice and gesture control and access a preconfigured system.
The device provides basic digital dental services. It captures images quickly and accurately, then gives dentists realistic images.
Other important integrations include a smoother workflow and new features added by the company through software updates. This helps provide users with a better experience.
The Dental Wings camera uses advanced technology in its scanner. It has 4 small cameras and one projector at the tip of the handpiece. This design makes it easier to scan hard-to-reach areas with less effort.
So in comparison with the above-reviewed scanners, dental wings stand out because of the cart solution, voice, and gesture control. But the scanning capabilities are still wanting given that some intraoral scanners can scan up to 20mm deep.
7. 3Shape TRIOS 4 ($8,888.00)
When we discuss innovation in dentistry, then the 3 shape Trios 4 is exactly what we are discussing. The price point is very manageable for dentists who want to take their practice to the next level with affordable but equally effective intraoral scanners.
The 3 shape Trios 4 scanner is made to find surface and interproximal cavities. It does this without using radiation, keeping patients safe. The instant heat smart tips help save power. This way, you can use the scanner on more patients without the battery dying.
This intraoral scanner’s special feature is that it can work without a power cable. You can choose between wired and wireless options. You may notice a difference in weight, especially when using batteries.
If you need more advanced features, you might consider selling your 3shape trios scanner. You could then buy one of the top intraoral scanners mentioned above, like the Cerec Prime scan. It offers advanced and effective functions.
8. 3M True Definition Scanner ($4,900.00)
This product is not very expensive. It only offers basic services for taking digital optical images. The unit is comfortable and easy to handle.
To attract clients, use the best dental imaging technology. Consider one of the high-end options listed above.
The expensive intraoral scanners are not just costly. They allow dentists to charge more for their extra services. In short, there is no reason for not digitizing your practice, failure to which you fail to attract the big bucks.
9. CondorScan ($9,500.00)
The condor scanner aims to explain what going digital means practically. It can easily be used with a laptop, making it a handy tool for dental clinics moving from analog to digital.
Dental practitioners will do the most important and needed procedures. However, don’t expect their speeds to match the scanners mentioned above.
If you love and want to stay with the Condor brand, you can invest in the new 3.2 Condor version. It works faster and produces nearly accurate images. What’s more, it can help dentists create excellent restorations. The fair price of the condor includes some interesting and valuable features. Its compact size makes it easy to use.
The intraoral device doesn’t utilize powder to achieve digital impressions. It, however, comes with free, ever-updated software and will provide you with an ROI in less time. If you want the best price, take your time. Compare intraoral scanners and choose the one with the highest ROI.
10. Planmeca Emerald S ($11,999.00)
If you are all about diagnostics and usability, then the Planmeca Emerald will suffice for intraoral scanning. The high price can be explained by how fast the Planmeca intraoral scanner works. It also gives clear arch coverage.
The scanner’s slim design makes it convenient for the doctors to hold and easily use it on a patient’s mouth without fatigue. When users purchase the Planmeca Emerald, the company will provide two extra tips. The planmeca allows you to share the patient’s data, utilizing both the PLY and STL file formats.
The Planmeca Emerald intraoral scanner costs a lot for its basic features. However, by spending a little more, you can get a better scanner, which will help digitize your clinic effectively.
Conclusion
Digital impressions and the use of intraoral scanners are revolutionizing the dental profession. This is a plus for the patient who wants the best treatment and the practitioner who wants to maximize his skills. Hence, it’s a welcome approach for any dental clinic. We hope you can use this in-depth guide as an eye-opener to limitless opportunities.
The intraoral scanners we discussed have unique features that give them an edge. We offer some of the best scanners, which can be expensive.
However, we also have pretty priced options. These scanners can help you upgrade to more digital choices that promise a good return on investment. However, they are all the best intraoral scanners that will suffice the various needs of different dental practitioners.
One reply on “Top 10 Best Intraoral Scanners in Dentistry“