Swapping the old fashioned approach to dental impressions for laser scanning, confocal imaging technology has increased precision. Patients can also be be more involved in their treatment journey and receive the best care.
Along with offering an accurate picture of your teeth and gums, software in the latest intraoral scanners allows comparison over time. Any wear, or other changes can be quickly spotted and treated with minimal intervention.
When impressions form part of your treatment, such as for crowns, implants, or orthodontics, timing is improved. No need to wait for a lab in all cases and where they are involved, perfect images can be sent instantly.
Dedicated Technology
Rather than adopting other types of scanner for dental use, iTero scanners are built for the purpose by Align Technology, the company who make Invisalign.
A high resolution, intraoral camera provides 3D digital impressions, with no harmful radiation. Real time and time lapse views are available, modern software can assist with caries detection and so much more.
Magnification capabilities help us to see beyond the human eye, changes can be simulated to give patients a view of the future. Few advances have brought a similar level of improved chairside communication and treatment.
A Dental Windfall
Research to date on the use of intraoral scanning has found few downsides. Adjustments are naturally needed to workflow in a digital environment but the intuitive nature of the approach allows for a more conscious choice.
No better way could be imagined to improve treatment than a dentist seeing the area they are working with, on a large, multi touch display. As a technical aid, nothing in history has offered similar access to enhance individual care.
Patient Comfort
Time in the chair is reduced and knowledge of their oral health is improved, key elements our patients wish to see. Where impressions are required, there is no need for the less than pleasant experience of conventional methods.
These practical benefits are a sound start, although the ability to map change and spot issues early is equally important. Timely preventive care is always preferable to restorative dentistry, even though this is also improved.
Diagnosis, or treatment are quite simply made easier and more efficient. Investing in intraoral scanning has proven to be one of the best decisions we have made for patients and for their long term health.
All forms of dental treatment can benefit, at all ages. Once you have tried the approach, you would not wish to go back in time.