2022 Equipment Buyers' Guide - Vol. 1 - 4

FEATURE ARTICLE
Which Intraoral Scanner
is Best for Your Practice?
Here's a Look at the Latest Technology
(Continued from page 1)
To help identify the right scanner to use, Matt Kunzler, a technology
advisor with Henry Schein, has taken the time to compare and contrast
four of the market's leading products that have been optimized for full
arch scanning.
A 15-year dental industry veteran, digital workflow specialist and
certified trainer for a wide range of intraoral and extraoral imaging
technology, Mr. Kunzler has helped more than 100 dental practices
transition to using intraoral scanners.
There are a variety of scanners to choose from, each with its own
pros and cons. All four of these discussed here will perform well for
everything from orthodontics to crown and bridge work.
The Planmeca Emerald™ S scanner integrates directly with
Henry Schein's ortho aligner, Reveal®, and works with most all aligner
companies. One aspect that makes this system unique is that the
design software, scanner and the mill are all produced by the same
manufacturer. Its Romexis® Cloud software is used for scanning and
tracking each case. This all-in-one software captures 2D and 3D images,
as well as smile design images.
Another unique feature of the scanner is that it comes with two scanning
tips in different sizes, which is helpful if you have a younger patient or a
patient who can't open their mouth wide enough. The scanning tips are
" smart, " and can actually count how long they've been in use. Another
nice feature is that it comes with a replaceable cord, so if the cord
breaks, it can be replaced in the field in seconds.
The KaVo X 700™ scanner has one scanning tip, which can be
positioned either down for the bottom arch or up for the upper arch.
This way, you can keep the button in the same grip; you don't have to
turn the tip over to scan the maxillary arch.
Ortho simulation software is already included, so you can manipulate
the teeth, put them in the most esthetic location and show the patient
what their teeth might look like before and after orthodontics. It can also
be combined with DTX Studio™ for those who have a KaVo product for
their cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) unit.
The scanner can plug directly into your computer, without any hub or
docking station, as long as you have a USB connection. It also comes
with a removable cord.
The Dentsply Sirona Primescan scanner has a large focal distance,
which is a real advantage because it enables you to capture an
incredible amount of information at one time. Ortho simulation is
already included with the scanner. This product comes with a steel
scanning tip, which can be removed for disinfection. There is also the
option to have a disposable tip, which can be an easier and faster option.
The scanner is battery-powered and you can scan without having it
plugged into the wall.
Each of these four scanners has audible feedback, so you don't need to
look behind yourself when trying to take the scan. This is one way to
set up the operatory for proper scanning, helping to avoid twisting and
turning that can cause neck and back strain.
All four scanners also have a feature called active delete, which makes it
possible to remove images of the cheek and tongue as you scan. Given
the right protocols, this is easy to do with a little help during retraction.
Setting yourself up for success
Once you've decided on an intraoral scanner, it's essential to take the
time to properly set yourself up for success - each time you scan a
patient. Make sure the scanning tips, mirrors and camera lenses are
clean. Be sure all of the tools you use are dry, clean, disinfected and
ready to go. Another key to success is related to the scan path itself,
whether it's occlusal, buccal or lingual. It's critical to ensure the scan is
as accurate as possible, and this requires following the manufacturer's
specific scan path.
When scanning for crowns and bridges or orthodontics, the main goal
is to have a complete scan with as little vacant territory as possible.
Spending time on training is the best way to optimize your scanning
technique. There are a number of YouTube videos that will demonstrate
how to capture a full arch using the proper scan path.
You can also take advantage of the training provided by each scanner's
manufacturer. This will not only demonstrate how to use the scanner but
also how to evaluate if you've taken a good quality scan. This involves
articulating the models and moving them from left to right to make sure
the distal substance of the molars, as well as all of the inner proximal,
have been captured in the scans.
Conclusion
Each of these intraoral scanners offers powerful capabilities to enhance
your practice, helping increase patient comfort by eliminating physical
impressioning, as well as speed up the time it takes to complete
treatment. These scanners also provide opportunities for better patient
education when preparing for restorative treatment like crowns and
bridges or orthodontic appliances like clear aligners. Instead of merely
showing a patient an X-ray, you can visualize the entire upper and lower
teeth, as well as the bite, so they can see exactly what's going on and
the treatment path. That is very impactful - not only for the overall
patient experience, but for case acceptance as well.
Not sure which intraoral scanner is right for
your practice?
Scan the QR code to book a virtual demo
of top scanner brands.
4
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2022 Equipment Buyers' Guide - Vol. 1

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2022 Equipment Buyers' Guide - Vol. 1
