One of the earliest uses for intraoral scanners was for orthodontic work, replacing the need for messy, uncomfortable, and inconvenient molds that were used to create stone models as part of required patient records. Now, Orthodontists use dental scanners to assess tooth alignment and positioning, design dental appliances, and digitize patient records, all of which are critical to effective treatment planning. Intraoral scans are also very popular for submitting cases for clear aligner treatment, including Invisalign.
Orthodontists utilize dental scanners in various ways to enhance their diagnostic capabilities, treatment planning, and overall patient care. Here are some common applications of intraoral scanners in orthodontics:
- Digital Impressions: Intraoral scanners: Replace the traditional method of taking physical impressions using messy impression materials. Orthodontists can capture accurate digital impressions of a patient’s teeth, gums, and bite relationship quickly and comfortably, and they’re fast. Leading dental 3D scanners on the market today, like the iTero Element, offer high scanning speeds and can take a full-arch scan in as little as a minute. This digital data is then used to create virtual models of the patient’s dentition.
- Treatment Planning: The digital models generated by dental scanners allow orthodontists to visualize and analyze the patient’s occlusion, tooth alignment, and jaw relationship in a three-dimensional space. This aids in precise treatment planning by identifying malocclusions, assessing the need for extractions, determining the optimal orthodontic appliance, and simulating treatment outcomes.
- Clear Aligner Therapy: Intraoral scanners play a significant role in clear aligner therapy, such as Invisalign. They capture digital impressions of the patient’s teeth at various stages of treatment, allowing orthodontists to design a series of aligners that gradually move the teeth into the desired position. Dental scanners ensure accurate fit and reduce the need for physical impressions during each aligner stage.
- Monitoring Treatment Progress: Orthodontists use intraoral scanners to track the progress of orthodontic treatment over time. They can capture digital scans during regular follow-up appointments to compare with the initial digital models and assess the movement of teeth, evaluate treatment efficacy, and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
- Communication and Patient Education: Dental scanners facilitate effective communication between orthodontists and patients. The digital models can be visualized on a computer screen or shared with the patient, enabling a better understanding of the treatment process and expected outcomes. Orthodontists can explain the treatment plan, demonstrate tooth movements, and address any concerns the patient may have.
- Appliance Fabrication: Intraoral scanners integrate seamlessly with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems. Orthodontists can use the digital models to design custom orthodontic appliances, such as orthodontic brackets, retainers, or expanders. These designs can be sent to a 3D printer or a dental laboratory for precise fabrication.
Save Up to 50% Off Leading Dental Scanners
If you’re ready to get started scanning, or just researching dental scanners available on the market today, give Renew Digital a call. They’ve helped thousands of doctors save on their dental imaging purchases – saving customers an average of up to 30-50% off new list prices.
Their sales reps have the industry knowledge and expertise to help you get the most value for your next system and can help you choose an intraoral scanner that’s perfect for your practice. And, with their brand-neutral approach, you can be sure they’re helping you choose the right equipment for your unique imaging needs and not just the brand they represent.
And, beyond their industry-low pricing, Renew Digital’s pricing includes a 3D-optimized laptop, 1-year warranty coverage, and remote support.
Contact Renew Digital at (888) 246-5611 or fill out an online form to get started.
