Using an intraoral scanner means changing the traditional workflows. When it comes to workflows, it’s easy to fall into comfort zones. Some may think with years of experience and techniques, it is not so hard to make a perfect restoration. And they already have regular customers and a good reputation. However, this mindset is making you lose out on all the benefits that come with smarter, more efficient, and predictable work processes. You likely won’t even know anything’s wrong until your patients start leaving you for a practice that utilizes more up-to-date digital dental technologies.

Studies suggest that digital impressions reduce patient discomfort, are time-efficient and simplify clinical procedures for the dentist by eliminating plaster models and allowing for better communication with the dental technician and with patients. A good intraoral scanner can capture accurate impressions for fabricating a whole series of prosthetic restorations on both natural teeth and implants. Some scanners can be integrated in implant dentistry for guided surgery and in orthodontics for fabricating aligners and custom-made devices.

Digital scanners never degrade, can be reused, are easily stored with your digital patient files and sometimes are accessible anywhere you have an internet connection, making the work of a dentist easier. ⠀

Cost?

If cost is a concern, it’s worth the investment in the long run. While it might seem pricey, an intraoral scanner will improve efficiency (particularly by reducing turnaround times) as well as accuracy, which reduces remakes and frees up valuable chair time. This means more satisfied patients, which means more referrals and more new patients. What’s more, there are a lot of scanners available in the market now, you can make a thorough assessment and choose the best scanner that fits your budget.

Change?

Perhaps you think your staff won’t get on board with workplace changes? You might feel you’re too busy to make any big changes to your practice? Although it looks overwhelming to start, it is definitely worth it. Involving your staff in the process and showing them how new equipment will make their jobs so much easier is a start! Don’t forget to include a training program to facilitate the transition. Remember, whatever time and money you spend upgrading to new systems now will be more than repaid in enhanced productivity and profitability in the long run.