Intra-oral scanner
Predictable printing in a simple way
Our practice has invested in an intra-oral mouth scanner this year (2021). This makes restorations possible using Cad/Cam. This digital process has many advantages. In particular, the high degree of predictability and optimal fit ensure very accurate restorations. There is also no need to take unappetizing, conventional bite marks.
What is an intraoral scanner?
In order to make a crown or bridge, the dentist must first have all the details of the teeth. This is done by taking impressions. For some time now, taking impressions for crowns or bridges has also been possible with an intra-oral scanner. Thanks to this innovation, the oral contents can be measured very accurately in no time. The digital scanning technique comes from the United States and hundreds of thousands of restorations have now been carried out with it. The scanner is able to make a digital impression of the teeth and molars in a fairly simple and smooth manner. The calculations of the mouth contents are very accurate due to the high-quality computer technology.
How does it work?
Digital impressions of all kinds of restorations are made using an intra-oral scanner. During scanning, all kinds of images are created that are then digitally processed into a precision model.
Step-by-step:
- The dentist uses an intra-oral (oral) scanner, without impression trays, to make a digital impression of the upper and lower jaw, including preparation (= the ground tooth or molar) and bite proportions.
- The dentist sends the digital data online to the dental laboratory.
- The digital data is checked and virtual models are made of it. Any uncertainties can be discussed with the dentist.
- Models are then made from this digital data in an external production center. These models are digitally manufactured by subtractive milling from gypsum-filled polyurethane.
- In the meantime, the lab can possibly produce the substructure of the restoration using Cad/Cam techniques.
- When the models arrive at the lab, we can completely fabricate the crown or bridge.
In our practice we work with the intra-oral scanner Virtuo Vivo from Dental Wings. This video shows how this works: https://youtu.be/7nZpU2wpgZ8
