In orthodontics, digital scanning technology has revolutionized the way we gather information about a patient’s teeth and jaws, replacing traditional dental impressions with a faster, more comfortable, and precise alternative.
What is Digital Intraoral Scanning?
Digital scanning uses advanced imaging technology to create a 3D model of the teeth and mouth without the need for messy, uncomfortable impression materials. The orthodontist uses a small wand-shaped scanner that glides over the teeth, capturing a detailed, colour-accurate digital image of the mouth in real time. In just minutes, the scan produces a complete 3D model of the patient’s bite, providing a foundation for personalized treatment planning.
Benefits for Patients:
1. Comfortable Experience: Traditional impressions use sticky, thick, gooey material that can be messy as well as uncomfortable for patients, especially those with sensitive gag reflexes. Digital scanning is quick and doesn’t require putting any foreign material in the mouth, making it much more comfortable.
2. Convenience and Speed: Digital scans are completed in a matter of minutes, reducing the time patients spend in the chair. The scan is immediately available on the screen, allowing patients to see a clear 3D representation of their teeth. This visualisation allows for efficient patient communication and enhances their understanding of their dental problems.
3. Precision and Accuracy: Digital scans offer a highly accurate model, eliminating the margin of error that can occur with traditional impressions while recording and converting into plaster casts. This precision allows orthodontists to create a better-fitting appliance, whether it’s braces, aligners, or retainers, ensuring that patients get the most effective treatment possible.
Widening the Scope of Orthodontic Treatment
Digital scanning in orthodontics opens up new possibilities for creating highly customized and effective treatment plans, streamlining workflows, and enhancing patient outcomes. Here’s an overview:
1. Enhanced Planning and Simulation: Digital scans allow orthodontists to simulate treatment on specialized software, helping patients visualize outcomes, which in turn boosts confidence and understanding. It also enables orthodontists to make precise, individualized treatment plans.
2. Better-Fitting Appliances: High accuracy in digital scans results in accurate models of a patient’s teeth, gums, and bite, which translates into well-fitted aligners, braces, and retainers, enhancing comfort and effectiveness. The precision also reduces the need for frequent adjustments, cutting down on patient visits and enhancing the overall treatment experience.
3. Reduced Treatment Times: Streamlined data collection and faster appliance production mean shorter overall treatment timelines. This technology-driven efficiency can lead to faster treatment completion, providing both patient satisfaction and practical benefits.
4. Support for Complex Cases: Digital scanning makes it easier to manage challenging cases with complex malocclusions and jaw/bite situations. These scans are uploaded to special software that helps provide customized solutions, sometimes avoiding surgery as well.
5. Remote Monitoring and Tele-Orthodontics: Digital scans enable remote check-ins and reduce in-office visits, adding convenience for patients with busy schedules. Digital scans are also easy to store and share, making virtual consultations and second opinions more accessible.
6. Efficient Workflows: Scans can be instantly shared with labs and specialists, which improves turnaround times for manufacturing appliances, thus increasing overall treatment efficiency.
Conclusion
Incorporating digital scanning into orthodontics not only modernizes the patient experience but also raises the standards for precision, speed, and comfort in orthodontic care. As technology advances, the scope of orthodontic treatment will continue to grow, offering patients an experience that is as efficient and comfortable as it is transformative.
At Cosmocare Medical Center, we truly believe in this philosophy and so, we have incorporated digital intraoral scanning in a majority of our treatment protocols. Come visit us for a truly digital orthodontic experience.
