Intraoral scanner

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An intraoral scanner is a device used in dentistry to capture digital images of the inside of the mouth. These images are an alternative to traditional dental impressions.

Intraoral scanner inside a patients mouth

Introduction

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Intraoral scanners are devices used in dentistry which create digital scans of the teeth and soft tissue anatomy.[1] These devices replace the use of dental putty impressions by using a light source and image sensors to record the tissues inside the mouth accurately and create a virtual alternative to traditional impression plaster models[1]

Background

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Dental impressions are the first step for creating a dental prosthesis. The most common material used for traditional impressions is polyvinyl siloxane, however this material has a poor smell and odour which makes it not favourable for patient or dentist alike.[2] Intraoral scanners have been introduced into dentistry to make the impression process less uncomfortable to the patient.[2]

Function

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Intraoral scanners are placed into the mouth and emit a laser or light source which hits the teeth and surrounding tissues, this light is then captured by image sensors and using point clouds, a 3D digital model is made.[1]

Intraoral scanners are of high use in CAD/CAM dental use. This is where a computer system can design and mill dental prosthetic framework, such as a crown or bridge, from a digital model.[3][4]

As these scanners record images of the teeth, they can be used to identify the correct shade for a dental crown.[5]

Benefits and limitations

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These devices improve time-management as they show the image in real time.[1][3] They are also quicker than plaster impressions and more comfortable to the dental patient.[1][2]

Intraoral scanners have shown to be beneficial to patients suffering from a large gap-reflex which prevents traditional plaster impressions from being taken.[3]

Due to the ‘impressions’ being digital, it means there is no risk of them breaking in transit in comparison with traditional models where they frequently break.[3]

The scanners create a 3D digital scan replicating the intraoral cavity.[4][2]

They can detect dental caries, erosion and issues with the periodontium.[4]

Some research has found that digital impressions using intraoral scanners may not be as accurate as traditional plaster impressions.[6][7]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Mangano, Francesco; Gandolfi, Andrea; Luongo, Giuseppe; Logozzo, Silvia (2017-12-12). "Intraoral scanners in dentistry: a review of the current literature". BMC Oral Health. 17 (1): 149. doi:10.1186/s12903-017-0442-x. ISSN 1472-6831. PMC 5727697. PMID 29233132.
  2. ^ a b c d Siqueira, Rafael; Galli, Matthew; Chen, Zhaozhao; Mendonça, Gustavo; Meirelles, Luiz; Wang, Hom-Lay; Chan, Hsun-Liang (2021-12-01). "Intraoral scanning reduces procedure time and improves patient comfort in fixed prosthodontics and implant dentistry: a systematic review". Clinical Oral Investigations. 25 (12): 6517–6531. doi:10.1007/s00784-021-04157-3. ISSN 1436-3771. PMC 8475874. PMID 34568955.
  3. ^ a b c d Kihara, Hidemichi; Hatakeyama, Wataru; Komine, Futoshi; Takafuji, Kyoko; Takahashi, Toshiyuki; Yokota, Jun; Oriso, Kenta; Kondo, Hisatomo (2020-04-01). "Accuracy and practicality of intraoral scanner in dentistry: A literature review". Journal of Prosthodontic Research. 64 (2): 109–113. doi:10.1016/j.jpor.2019.07.010. ISSN 1883-1958. PMID 31474576.
  4. ^ a b c Angelone, Francesca; Ponsiglione, Alfonso Maria; Ricciardi, Carlo; Cesarelli, Giuseppe; Sansone, Mario; Amato, Francesco (2023-07-03). "Diagnostic Applications of Intraoral Scanners: A Systematic Review". Journal of Imaging. 9 (7): 134. doi:10.3390/jimaging9070134. ISSN 2313-433X. PMC 10381333. PMID 37504811.
  5. ^ Akl, Mohammed A.; Mansour, Dina E.; Zheng, Fengyuan (March 2023). "The Role of Intraoral Scanners in the Shade Matching Process: A Systematic Review". Journal of Prosthodontics. 32 (3): 196–203. doi:10.1111/jopr.13576. ISSN 1059-941X. PMID 35919949.
  6. ^ Giachetti, Luca; Sarti, Chiara; Cinelli, Francesca; Russo, Daniele (March 2020). "Accuracy of Digital Impressions in Fixed Prosthodontics: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies". The International Journal of Prosthodontics. 33 (2): 192–201. doi:10.11607/ijp.6468. PMID 32069344.
  7. ^ Rasaie, Vanya; Abduo, Jaafar; Hashemi, Saloumeh (July 2021). "Accuracy of Intraoral Scanners for Recording the Denture Bearing Areas: A Systematic Review". Journal of Prosthodontics. 30 (6): 520–539. doi:10.1111/jopr.13345. hdl:11343/298575. ISSN 1059-941X. PMID 33554361.