Which Intraoral Scanners Work Better for 3D Printed Digital Dentures?

François Duret first introduced the concept of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in dentistry in 1973. Since then, CAD/CAM technology has rapidly developed and transformed prosthodontics. Intraoral scanners, in particular, have gained popularity due to their ability to capture digital impressions of the oral cavity and facilitate the design and fabrication of various dental restorations. One application of this technology is in the production of 3D Printed Digital Dentures.

3D Printed Digital Dentures are removable dental prostheses designed and fabricated using digital technology. They offer several advantages over traditional acrylic dentures, including increased precision and accuracy, better fit and comfort for patients, and streamlined workflow for dentists.

With the increasing demand for digital solutions in modern dentistry, dentists now face the choice of which intraoral scanner to invest in for their practice. Below, we compare and contrast some of the popular intraoral scanners available on the market and discuss which ones may work better for 3D Printed Digital Dentures.

Overview of Intraoral Scanners

Intraoral scanners are small, hand-held devices that use optical scanning technology to capture digital impressions of the teeth and surrounding oral structures. They remove the need for traditional impression materials like alginate or polyvinyl siloxane, which can be messy and uncomfortable for patients. These scanners offer a more efficient and accurate method of obtaining digital impressions.

With intraoral scanners, dentists can capture precise digital impressions of the patient's oral cavity, which they can then use to design and fabricate 3D Printed Digital Dentures. The process of creating 3D Printed Digital Dentures starts with the dentist taking digital impressions using an intraoral scanner. The dentist then sends the scans to a digital dental lab. The lab uses software to design the denture based on the digital impressions. The 3D Printed Digital Design is sent to a specialized printer that prints the denture out of resin. The resulting denture is highly precise and offers an excellent fit for the patient.

Key Features To Consider

When considering an intraoral scanner for 3D Printed Digital Dentures, remember that not all intraoral scanner technologies, platforms, and interfaces are created equal. Dentists should look for scanners that have specific design features for restorative work. The following criteria are a good place to start.

1. Accuracy and Precision

Dentists need an intraoral scanner that can capture accurate and precise digital impressions. Scanners with high-resolution cameras and advanced scanning technology can capture highly accurate digital impressions, resulting in a better fit for the final denture. It’s important to note that some scanners may be more accurate for specific scans of the mouth, such as in edentulous areas or full-arch scans.

2. Speed of the Scanning Process

Time is of the essence in a busy dental practice, and dentists need an intraoral scanner that can capture digital impressions quickly. Faster scanning speeds mean less time spent on each patient, which translates to increased productivity and workflow efficiency.

3. Ease of Use and Learning Curve

Intraoral scanners come with different user interfaces, and some may be more intuitive and easier to use than others. Dentists should consider the learning curve associated with each scanner before making a decision.

4. Cost

Like any other technology, intraoral scanners come at different price points. Dentists should consider their budget and the features of each scanner before making a decision. Higher-priced scanners may offer more advanced features and better accuracy, but this may not always be necessary, depending on the needs of the practice.

5. Patient Comfort and Experience

Last but not least, dentists should consider their patients' comfort and experience when choosing an intraoral scanner for digital dentures. Some scanners may be bulkier or have a longer scanning process, which can be uncomfortable for patients. Choosing a scanner that’s lightweight and offers a quick and comfortable scan can lead to better patient satisfaction.

Comparison of Leading Intraoral Scanners

Dentists have several options when it comes to choosing an intraoral scanner for digital dentures. However, as mentioned previously, some intraoral scanner technologies, platforms, and interfaces are more suited to restorative work than others. Four brands of scanners that meet the criteria mentioned above include the iTero, Dexis, Trios by 3Shape, and CEREC by Dentsply Sirona scanners.

1. iTero

The iTero scanner has established itself as a leader in the dental scanning industry due to its high accuracy and reliable scans. It offers fast scanning capabilities and integrates seamlessly with various dental workflows, making it a preferred choice for orthodontists.

But the higher cost compared to some competitors might be a consideration for new practices. Additionally, iTero's interface isn't optimized for restorative work, which might limit its use in some dental practices. New users may also face a learning curve when adopting this technology.

2. Dexis

Dexis has established itself in the dental imaging industry with its digital scanning technology. Their scanner offers a user-friendly interface that facilitates easy adoption by dental staff, making it a popular choice for practices. It boasts good accuracy for creating digital dentures and is affordably priced, making it particularly appealing to smaller dental practices.

However, it does have some limitations, such as a slightly slower scanning speed compared to competitors like iTero and limited software integration options.

3. Trios by 3Shape

The Trios by 3Shape is a dental scanner that delivers exceptional accuracy and high-resolution capabilities. Introduced to the market as a cutting-edge solution for dental practices, it quickly gained popularity due to its fast scanning times and advanced features, including shade matching.

Despite its impressive performance, the scanner's higher price point may be a barrier for some practices. Furthermore, to maximize its utility, users need a certain level of technical expertise.

4. CEREC by Dentsply Sirona

CEREC by Dentsply Sirona is a dental system that revolutionized chairside dentistry with its introduction in the 1980s. It allows dentists to provide crowns and dentures quickly thanks to its integrated system. One of its main advantages is the complete solution it offers, which includes milling capabilities.

But setting up and maintaining the system can be complex and often requires a heavy initial investment. And to use CEREC effectively, practices need skilled staff members who know how to use the technology.

Choosing the Right Scanner for Your Practice

When selecting the right system for your practice, consider factors like practice size, budget, patient volume, and technological adaptability. If you have a large practice with many patients, investing in an advanced scanner may be worthwhile. Smaller practices with fewer patients might prefer a more cost-effective solution. Before making a purchase decision, you should go through a trial period or demonstrations of the products to get a feel for their features and use.

With intraoral scanners, dentists can seamlessly capture digital impressions to design and fabricate highly precise 3D Printed Digital Dentures. But choosing the right scanner for digital dentures requires careful consideration of factors such as accuracy, speed, ease of use, cost, and patient comfort.

Intraoral scanners do have a learning curve. For support with using an intraoral scanner, dental professionals can turn to DDS Lab. We're a leading digital denture lab, and no lab is more experienced in digital dentistry. We create high-quality prostheses using digital files and help offices perfect their digital workflows. If you need to submit a case with us and are new to using an intraoral scanner, please contact our team for guidance and support. We can assist with scanning tips and any troubleshooting questions you may have.