When dental scanners were first introduced in the late 1980s, there were clear signs this technology would be a significant upgrade to traditional impression taking. Taking a digital impression would be less invasive, more comfortable for patients without requiring physical storage space for impression molds. As technology fulfilled these promises and more, over the past few years dental scanners have dominated the orthodontic and restorative markets as affordable alternatives to traditional impression taking.
Leading intraoral scanner manufacturers have made major strides in innovating the intraoral scanning experience for both operator and patient. In a crowded space, manufacturers are looking to stand out from the other available devices by featuring open systems, integrated advanced diagnostic tools, improved speed, accuracy, and an improved overall scanning experience.
Emerging Trends
As more and more dental professionals adopt digital intraoral scanning over traditional impressions, the dental scanner market will continue to evolve and innovate to meet rising demand. Leading manufacturers such as Medit and 3Shape are closely listening to how dental practices are using their devices, and taking feedback. As a result, here are the emerging trends in dental scanning:
- Chairside visualization for treatment acceptance: Most intraoral scanners in the market today include a portable monitor, either through a cart-style or laptop configuration. Generating high-quality scans is critical to making the experience as realistic as possible to patients, allowing them to make their own decisions on treatments.Dental professionals using digital scans to their fullest capabilities can help patient visually understand:
- restorative/prosthodontic management
- worn dentition or a fracture
- gingival recession and deficiencies in attached gingiva
- ridge deficiencies in cases that required guided bone regeneration
- pathology documentation such as soft-tissue pigmented lesions that called for a biopsy
Merging with 3D CBCT imaging - A dental scanner can be used to complement the information provided by a CBCT image with surface detail of the patient’s teeth, which is necessary for orthodontic treatment and restoration planning.
Merging these two types of scans enables the surface detail of the surrounding teeth to be incorporated seamlessly into the treatment planning software. The enhanced detail of these “merged” scans enables a highly detailed assessment of planned implant receptor sites, allowing dental professionals to “lift away” levels of anatomical detail for more precise assessment.
Self-calibrating systems - a few of the dental scanners available today already have this desirable feature. Many dental scanners require manual calibration, which takes time and slows down workflow. The ability to pick up and scan quickly is becoming the industry standard, because it keeps operators free to scan at any time.Getting Started
If you’re just getting started with intraoral scanning, or looking to upgrade or add to your existing equipment, call the experts at Voxel.
We have a team of dental technology experts ready to help you find the right equipment for your practice. And, because we’re an authorized dealer of many top technology brands, including Medit, 3Shape and Allied Star, we’ll be able to help you find the best solutions for your practice at the best value.
Need something other than intraoral scanners? Voxel also has a wide inventory of 2D pan/ceph X-rays and 3D CBCT machines, as well as hand-held X-rays, 3D printers, intraoral sensors and more, all from the brands doctors choose most!
We’ve worked with thousands of dentists across the US. We know what it takes to get up and running quickly, especially with new technology. That’s why we back all of our products with a comprehensive warranty, 24/7 product support, installation, and perhaps, most importantly, online and on-site training to help get you and your staff started with your new technology as quickly as possible.
Ready to begin? Give us a call at (281) 789-7270 or fill out an online inquiry form here. We look forward to earning your business.
