Intraoral scanners are incredibly powerful tools for dentists, dental technicians. Both dental clinics and patients all benefit from digital scanners. However, they’re not a magic wand. How can you do with the intraoral scanner? Here we prepare 6 scanning tips for you.
Before Scan
1.Practice with Plastic Model Scanning
If you’re new to a intraoral scanner system, it is probably going to take time to adjust to the device. Although there is a minimal learning curve on digital impression taking. If you do not practice using it and you wait to practice on your patients when they are in for dentistry. It can be very stressful. We recommend scanning plastic models before practicing on your patients.
2. Dry the Teeth
The scanner gathers data extremely easily if the teeth are very dry. Ask the patient to swallow will help you collect your image faster. Using cotton tips or rolls also works.
3.Warm up the tip before beginning to scan.
If you do not give the scanner enough time, the scan tip will start to fog and scanner will not be able to scan properly. The specific warm-up time depends on the weather and room temperature.
In Scan
1.Start the scanner when it is in the patient’s mouth.
2. The recommended scanning protocol consists of 3 sweeps: occlusal, lingual, and buccal to ensure good data.
The scanner camera is aligned with the occlusal surface. Swings the scanner from side to side during the scan, bringing over the lingual and buccal sides. Slowly wiggle the scanner when passing the centrals. Move your scanner smoothly without jumping around. Pay attention to areas where soft issue may interfere with scan when scan the buccal side.
3. Place scanner in patient’s mouth and have them close and bite. Then start to scan the bite.
Using these helpful tips can allow the scanning experience to be smooth and beneficial for both the clinician and patient.
