Intra-oral scanners are the future of the dental industry infiltrating practices today, not tomorrow. With any new technology we understand that there will always be a learning curve. With that in mind DTS has asked Morten Ryde Holm-Hansen, Training and Application Specialist at 3Shape, to share the most common Q&As about digital impression scanning.

As Morten attends at least 20 dental industry events a year, and fields hundreds of questions from dental professionals, he is expertly equipped to clarify any queries our customers have shared with us when it comes to digital impression scanning.

We have found that many dental practices have yet to embrace digital impression taking for various reasons. Primarily due to a lack of knowledge about what the system is capable of;followed by ROI fears or a general impression that they are ‘just not ready yet.’ DTS, alongside our digital partner Core3dcentres, believe that the advantages of using an Intra-oral scanner and a full digital workflow outweigh any initial fears or doubts, and that digital impression scanning is revolutionizing the industry.

Why should I use an intraoral scanner?

Speed and accuracy.  It takes 5 minutes to scan a patient, that’s it! There is no impression material used, there is no sitting around waiting for the PVS to dry, no gagging, no mess. The patients love it. No retakes. In TRIOS^® case, there’s no need for powder and the scans are in color too. Plus the accuracy is superior to traditional impressions. I don’t even need to go into the workflow and communications benefits between dental labs and technicians because you’re working digital.

Can I do implants?

By combining TRIOS^® digital impressions with CBCT scans, you can truly evaluate the clinical situation including bone density and nerve positions for prosthetic implant planning and surgical guide design. 3Shape has created a software solution specifically designed for this called Implant Studio™. It’s also good to know that TRIOS^® supports a wide range of implant systems.

Is it worth the investment?

No more impressions, no more material storage or sending, less chair-time, more and happier patients. Many dentists are claiming that their practice has grown due to digital impressioning; or more likely because they dropped taking traditional impressions. Again, the workflow benefits between dental labs and technicians are huge.

Are intraoral scanners accurate?

Studies have documented that digital impressions improve clinical results and reduce the need for restoration adjustments and remakes. So TRIOS^® accuracy and its unique features like shade measurement and HD photos not only improve your performance but make you much more efficient as well.

Does it speed up case handling?

Depending on your workflow set-up, you can have a crown back in hours. The time-savings are undeniable.

Can I scan a full mouth?

Yes, in 2 minutes or less. I usually show conference attendees the video of a 14-year old scanning my quad in 22 seconds with TRIOS^® 

TRIOS^® also has a unique feature that lets you start and stop the scan at any point. 

How easy is it to work with orthodontics?

For orthodontics, digital impressioning is a game changer. Besides the obvious, like eliminating the need for storage space because you’re not using gypsum models any longer and cutting down on your environmental impact, TRIOS^® and 3Shape orthodontic software enables you to plan, simulate and manage patient care as well as create orthodontic appliances using CAM equipment. You can show the patient (and his parents) on a TV screen what his treatment will look like and what the final result will be - while he is still in the chair and in 3d color!

What is the learning curve?

When I get this question, I usually hand the dentist a TRIOS^® scanner and let them go to work. TRIOS^® is just like any gadget. Like your smartphone, you need to get to know it, but it goes fast.

We have found that the more a TRIOS^® owner uses the system; the more likely they are to end up using it all the time.  It’s similar to when you start watching videos on your smartphone and reading mails, once you begin doing that, you forget about the laptop. Once you start using TRIOS^®, it becomes part of your routine. You cannot imagine ever not having it.

What kind of support do I get?

3Shape bundles customer support services under its CLINIcare™ umbrella. The services include on-site assistance to install and connect the system. Training by 3Shape certified experts, educational seminars and training courses, online training webinars and built-directly in the TRIOS^® system, a training center with guides, videos and manuals.

3Shape also has a global support network featuring certified 3Shape representatives, multi-language second line support by 3Shape’s experts for special cases, and 3Shape support and service centers around the world.

Why is an open system important?

As a dentist and/or business owner, if you purchase a closed system it not only limits your potential today and tomorrow, but for always. It should be up to you to decide what hardware you want to use. TRIOS^® is open and because of that, future-proof. Your system literally gets better with age instead of outdated.

For more information on the extensive support and education on Intra-oral scanners that DTS & Core3dcentres provide first hand read here. 

To find out more about the TRIOS system, or to arrange a demo in your practice, please send us a message.