Intraoral scanners are at the forefront of the shift towards digital dentistry, enabling clinicians to capture highly accurate digital records of a patient’s oral anatomy. Modern scanners offer clinicians user-friendly interfaces, cloud-based record storage, and portability at a more affordable price than earlier models.
Although the first intraoral scanner (IOS) was developed in the 1980s, over the last decade, Watersedge Dental Lab has seen dental practices increasingly adopt digital impression scanners in response to the evolving expectations of patients who value enhanced comfort, improved accuracy, and greater efficiency in dental care.
Intraoral Scanner Guide:
- How Intraoral Scanners Work
- Traditional Impressions and Other Imaging Technologies
- The Pros and Cons of Digital Scanning
- Partnering with Watersedge Dental Lab
- Tips for Intraoral Scanning
How Intraoral Scanners Work
It’s important to understand the technology behind dental intraoral scanners and how they compare with other dental imaging modalities.
The Technology Behind Digital Scanners
An intraoral scanner, also called a digital impression scanner, functions by rapidly capturing a multitude of detailed images within the oral cavity. The device operates by taking tens of thousands of pictures every second. Crucially, the scanner is intelligent enough to understand its position relative to the images it has already acquired, allowing it to accurately place subsequent captured images within the developing digital model.
The process of creating a virtual replica of the dentition involves taking tens of thousands of tiny pictures and then stitching them together—like completing a complex jigsaw puzzle. The ultimate outcome is the construction of a virtual replica of the patient’s teeth. This highly accurate digital model serves as the foundation for the laboratory technicians at Watersedge to fabricate a wide array of custom dental appliances and restorations with precision.
Adoption of Intraoral Scanners
When Watersedge Dental Lab first opened in 2013, digital workflows accounted for only about 20% of crown and bridge dental cases, with the remaining 80% relying on traditional plaster models from impressions. More recently, those numbers flipped, thanks to key improvements that have enhanced the utility and accessibility of these devices. Digital cases comprise 80% of cases, traditional methods have fallen to around 20%, and this trend continues.
Traditional Impressions and Other Imaging Technologies
While dental practitioners are rapidly embracing digital intraoral scanners, there are clinical scenarios in modern dentistry where impressions and conventional methods continue to offer advantages.
Traditional Impressions
The traditional way of capturing a patient’s dental situation includes impression materials such as alginate or PVS (polyvinyl siloxane). The process involves placing a tray filled with impression material into a patient’s mouth and requiring them to bite down and wait, sometimes for several minutes, before the material sets. Unfortunately, this process can result in patient discomfort, a gag reflex, and movement, leading to inaccuracies in the record and, ultimately, a misfitting appliance.
Beyond these procedural challenges, there are also material costs and physical storage challenges associated with traditional impressions. While the initial investment in impression materials and trays might seem less substantial than the cost of an intraoral scanner, the need for constant resupply adds up over time. Additionally, the physical models created from these impressions require physical storage, which can become a significant issue as records accumulate over time.
Are Traditional Methods Still Relevant?
Conventional impressions remain the ideal choice for specific types of restorations and appliances.
Instances, such as post and core implant restorations, require impression material to capture necessary details. Due to the limited penetration of light and subsequent reflection required for intraoral scanners, it is challenging to accurately capture the intracanal detail necessary for a well-adapted post.
Another scenario where traditional impressions continue to play a critical role is in the fabrication of dentures and other removable appliances. When a traditional impression is taken for a denture, the process places the tissue under load—this pressure during the capture helps create the suction that holds the denture in place. While Watersedge provides fully digital dentures to partners in Ottawa and beyond, we recognize that digital scans may not capture soft tissue under functional load, which can lead to the need for a reline.
Comparing Imaging Technologies
Intraoral scanners differ from other imaging technologies commonly used in dentistry, such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiography (Panorex). Each serves distinct diagnostic and treatment planning purposes.
An intraoral scanner is specifically designed to capture the surface topography of the teeth and surrounding soft tissues, creating a precise three-dimensional (3D) digital model. In contrast, a CBCT scanner utilizes a cone-shaped X-ray beam to capture three-dimensional images of the patient’s bone structure, allowing for bone density assessments, the identification of anatomical landmarks, and implant placement planning. A Panorex is a two-dimensional X-ray that provides a broad, panoramic view of the entire mandible and maxilla, including the teeth. While valuable for overall dental assessment, it does not offer the three-dimensional detail of a CBCT or the surface accuracy of an intraoral scan.
While these technologies serve different functions, they are often used in conjunction with comprehensive treatment planning, such as, guided surgery cases involving dental implant restorations. In such scenarios, a CBCT scan is necessary to evaluate the density and location of bone and an intraoral scan is used to fabricate the crown that will attach to the implant.
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The Pros and Cons of Digital Scanning
Clinicians considering 3D dental scanners should weigh the technology’s advantages and limitations.
Advantages of Intraoral Scanners
Enhanced patient experience: One of the primary benefits of intraoral scanners is patient comfort—they offer a more pleasant, less invasive experience by eliminating the impression materials used in traditional methods.
User-Friendly Interfaces: Most modern 3D dental scanning systems have a friendly, simple intuitive design that, with minimal training, clinicians and their teams find easy to use.
Increased Speed and Accuracy: Intraoral scanners use a digital process that minimizes the risk of physical errors. Conversely, traditional impressions are susceptible to inaccuracies if the patient moves, or if the material is bumped before setting. Once a clinician is proficient with an intraoral scanner, the process becomes quicker than taking a traditional impression. This efficiency carries through to delivery: digital scans are transmitted directly to our lab, eliminating the need for courier transport of models and allowing Watersedge Lab to begin the case without delay.
Improved Collaboration: If one of our dental partners is unsure whether they have captured all the necessary information, they can contact Watersedge Laboratory while the patient is still in the chair, and our team can look at the scan in real-time and provide immediate feedback. With a traditional workflow, it may take a day for a lab to receive the physical impression and identify any issues, leading to delays in requesting a new impression.
Compact and Portable: Practitioners no longer need to accommodate bulky 3D scanning “mini fridges” in their offices; new intraoral scanners are sleeker and smaller than their predecessors. Some systems can even run off a laptop, offering very travel-friendly options for clinicians.
Patient Education: Intraoral scanners provide visual tools for patient education. Clinicians can use digital models to show changes in dentition over time by comparing scans. This enhanced visualization improves patient communication, understanding and acceptance of proposed treatment plans.
Affordability: In recent years, the financial investment required for adopting intraoral scanning technology has become more manageable. The cost is more affordable compared to just five years ago, and some manufacturers now have buyback programs available to mitigate concerns about technological obsolescence. Additionally, practices no longer need to constantly supply themselves with impression trays and impression materials, which adds up over time.
Record Storage: 3D dental scanners provide a secure digital cloud storage solution to house patient information. Digital records also offer easily accessible historical details and eliminate the need for physical models that pose storage challenges and are prone to damage.
Challenges of Intraoral Scanners
While intraoral scanners offer numerous advantages, there are also some things to consider.
Bleeding and Saliva Management: Managing bleeding and saliva is critical for traditional impressions and digital scans. Excess moisture or bleeding can compromise accuracy regardless of the method. In these cases, the standard protocol is to freeze the surrounding tissue, which helps control bleeding and provides time to capture an accurate record.
Edentulous Patients: Scanning fully edentulous (toothless) arches presents unique challenges because 3D scanners rely on teeth and other anatomical landmarks for orientation and accurate topographical mapping. Without those landmarks, it becomes difficult to capture soft tissue contours precisely, often resulting in stitching errors and image distortion. Although scanner technology has improved, digital scans are not ideal for edentulous cases. Traditional impressions, which place the tissue under load, remain the preferred approach—particularly when fabricating dentures.
Existing Restorations: Digitally scanning crowns, bridges, and metal frameworks was once challenging due to surface reflectivity. However, today’s digital impression scanners capture these materials with a high degree of accuracy. If reflection does interfere, a light dusting of scan spray can help reduce scatter. As a result, the presence of existing dental work is no longer a significant barrier to effective digital impressions.
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Partnering with Watersedge Dental Lab
Watersedge Dental Lab adopted digital dentistry early. Our extensive experience with digital workflows translates to consistent accuracy, predictability, fit, and function in the restorations and appliances we fabricate. Using the detailed information captured by intraoral scanners, we create high-fidelity digital models, and these precise digital representations form the foundation for our CAD/CAM processes.
Every digital case at Watersedge undergoes scan review by trained technicians. Unlike some laboratories where administrative staff may initially handle scans, our CAD/CAM technicians are the first to review the digital impressions. This proactive approach allows for the early and efficient identification of potential issues, minimizing delays, ensuring a smoother workflow and improving treatment outcomes. When we identify concerns, we provide real-time feedback to our dental partners—sometimes while the patient is still in the chair—allowing for immediate corrections if necessary.
Also, because Watersedge supports every major intraoral scanning platform, we’re well-positioned to offer clinicians neutral, experience-based recommendations when choosing or upgrading their scanner. Watersedge Dental Lab even offers on-site intraoral scanning services at our state-of-the-art facility to provide added value.
On-Site Intraoral Scanning Services at Watersedge Lab
Recognizing that not all dental practices have readily available intraoral scanning technology, we provide an in-lab clinical environment equipped for scanning. The intraoral scanner is located within our well-lit shade room, which includes an exam chair, offering patients a seamless extension of their clinical experience.
This service is ideal for clinicians without in-office scanners who wish to take advantage of intraoral scanner accuracy or seek a digital solution for challenging cases, such as patients who suffer from a severe gag reflex when traditional impressions are taken.
Important Notes:
- Due to regulations surrounding intraoral scanning and record-taking, Watersedge Dental Lab is only permitted to take digital impressions independently when there is no need to introduce or remove items such as implant scan bodies or temporary crowns from a patient, unless supervised during that process by a qualified physician. Therefore, should the scan require the introduction or removal of any such item, the clinician must accompany their patient to our facility.
- Watersedge is not equipped for restorative work. Therefore, clinicians may not perform any restorative procedures, such as preparing teeth with drills, during scanning appointments at our lab.
Support For Your Transition to Digital Dentistry
Watersedge Dental Lab is committed to supporting your practice every step of the way as you transition to digital dentistry. We understand that adopting new technology can feel like a significant change, and we offer several forms of support to ensure a smooth and confident integration of intraoral scanning into your workflow.
Phased Adoption of Technology: For clinicians new to intraoral scanners or unsure about the accuracy of their initial scans, Watersedge will perform a side-by-side evaluation of digital scans and traditional impressions. We use this opportunity to contrast and compare the submitted records, provide valuable feedback on scan quality, and help familiarize our dental partners with the technology.
In some instances, we have joined doctors chairside to offer guidance and ensure they are comfortable with the process. We aim to be a valuable resource to our dental partners, helping to integrate a digital scanning process seamlessly into daily practice.
CAD/CAM Expertise: Our trained CAD/CAM technicians are dedicated to ensuring the quality of digital submissions. We proactively review incoming scans, and if additional information is needed, we will promptly communicate with your office. This real-time feedback loop helps clinicians refine their scanning techniques and consistently capture accurate digital records.
Advice and Guidance: Choosing the right intraoral scanner for your practice is a significant decision. If you’re currently vetting systems and would like our input, feel free to call us to discuss your options. We’re happy to share our experience with a range of available scanners and help you find a solution that aligns with your clinical needs and budget.
How to Submit Intraoral Scans to Watersedge Dental Lab
Submitting your intraoral scans to Watersedge Dental Lab is a streamlined process designed for efficiency and ease.
File Formats: We accept a variety of digital file formats, including STL and other scanner-specific formats such as those generated by 3Shape and other major systems. Regardless of the file type your dental digital scanner produces, our CAD/CAM team has the technology and expertise to integrate your digital impressions seamlessly into our fabrication workflows.
Dedicated email: To directly submit your digital scan files, you can use our dedicated email address: cadcam@watersedgedentallab.com. Our CAD/CAM team monitors this email address to ensure your digital records are received promptly and securely.
Easy Onboarding: We encourage you to reach out to us directly for personalized assistance. The onboarding process can vary depending on the specific intraoral scanning system you are using. To ensure a smooth first submission and proper integration with our laboratory, please contact us so we can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date instructions tailored to your system.
Digital Submission Guide: We offer step-by-step instructions for submitting cases from various intraoral scanning systems. Download our Digital Submission Guide to discover the specific protocols associated with your chosen scanner.
Tips for Intraoral Scanning
Having worked with a wide range of intraoral scanning systems, we recommend the following scanning best practices:
Avoid over-scanning: Our best advice is to focus on quality over quantity. One of the most common pitfalls for those new to intraoral scanning is the tendency to try and capture every single detail, leading to over-scanning. While it might seem like more data is better, spending excessive time trying to capture every micron of information on a patient’s arch can introduce the possibility of stitching errors, artifacts, and distortion in the final digital model.
Prioritize Key Anatomical Areas: Additionally, it’s important to focus on specific teeth and surrounding tissues that are relevant to the case, the intended restoration, or the appliance. For example, when fabricating a maxillary (upper) night guard, capturing the free gingival margin of the mandibular (lower) molars in great detail is not necessarily essential. Instead, aim the scanner where the work is being done, concentrating your efforts on the areas that will directly influence the fit and function of the final restoration or appliance.
Following Scanner-Specific Guidelines: While intraoral scanning technology has become more user-friendly with simple user interfaces in most systems, it is still important to familiarize yourself with the guidelines for your intraoral imaging system. The manufacturer typically offers training, and when you begin submitting scans to Watersedge Dental Lab, we’re happy to provide personalized scanner-specific assistance.
Get Started with Watersedge
Embracing intraoral scanners offers a multitude of advantages, ranging from enhanced accuracy and improved patient satisfaction to streamlined practice workflows and efficient digital record-keeping.
Watersedge Dental Lab is committed to supporting clinicians in this digital transition, offering trusted expertise and hands-on support for processing digital impressions from all intraoral scanning systems.
Are you interested in sending your first digital scan to Watersedge? Please reach out to our skilled CAD/CAM technicians for personalized onboarding assistance. Contact Watersedge today or email us directly at cadcam@watersedgedentallab.com.