HOW WORKING WITH INTRAORAL SCANNERS CHANGES

It is not simply a matter of replacing some traditional tools with more modern devices. The entire operational flow changes: from impression taking to design, up to the creation of the prosthetic product.

Intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM systems allow you to acquire, process and transfer information in digital format. To really take advantage of these technologies, however, it is not enough to purchase them: they must be correctly integrated into the daily activities of the practice.

From traditional impression to intraoral scanning

In the traditional procedure, the reproduction of the patient's mouth is generally obtained using impression materials, impression trays and subsequent physical models.

The intraoral scanner instead allows the surfaces of teeth and tissues to be optically acquired, generating a three-dimensional digital model. The collected data can be displayed on the screen, checked and used in subsequent design phases.

The possibility of completely replacing the traditional method depends on the treatment, the extent of the scan, the device used and the experience of the operator.

How the digital flow works

The digital dentistry flow can be summarized in three main phases.

The different phases can be managed within the same structure or divided between the dental practice and the dental laboratory.

A scientific review describes the digital prosthetic flow through three-dimensional acquisition, CAD design and manufacturing of the product.

A more direct connection with the laboratory

One of the most relevant changes concerns information management.

The digital model can be archived and, when systems are compatible, shared electronically with the laboratory. This can make data exchange more direct and facilitate discussion between dentist and dental technician.

However, digital does not eliminate the need to work carefully. Scan quality, field preparation, acquisition strategy and compatibility between scanners, software and production systems continue to play a crucial role.

What changes for the patient

The digital impression may be more pleasant for many patients because it avoids the use of traditional impression material in the mouth.

This aspect can be particularly appreciated by those who have an accentuated gag reflex or experience the traditional procedure with discomfort.

A systematic review found an overall patient preference for intraoral scanning and a better experience in terms of comfort. The results must however be evaluated in relation to the different prosthetic applications.

Digitalization also involves space

When a new technology arrives, we tend to focus attention on its performance. In daily practice, however, the way in which it is inserted into the work environment also matters.

An intraoral scanner should be:

If scanner, computer, mouse, keyboard, cables and accessories do not have a defined location, you risk creating an improvised and not very functional workstation.

A technology that follows the professional

Thanks to the wheels, K-IOS can be moved between the different workstations in the studio.

The scanner therefore does not have to remain tied to a single operational area: the station can follow the professional where needed, in relation to the organization of the environments and internal procedures.

A dedicated location also allows you to keep the technology and its accessories together, protect the scanner after use and have it available when it needs to be used.

The new dental practice starts from the organization

Intraoral scanners, CAD software and CAM systems are changing the way many dental artifacts are acquired, designed and produced.

This transformation isn't just about technology. It involves spaces, procedures and the organization of the people who work in the studio.

For a digital flow to be truly functional, each element must find its place.