How the TRIOS 3 intraoral scanner serves as a practice builder

Dr. Daniel Brunner incorporated the 3Shape TRIOS 3 intraoral scanner into his practice about six months ago, in early 2016. He wanted a machine that could do full-arch impressions in a short amount of time without any powders or materials.

After researching other options, Dr. Brunner, of East Cobb Oral Surgery in Marietta, Georgia, decided the TRIOS 3 was the best fit. Here, he tells us why, while Michael Gaisinsky, MCenter USA Chief Operating Manager and one of Dr. Brunner’s lab contacts, talks about the benefits from the lab perspective.

Related reading: How to scan with ease and simplicity

What Dr. Brunner says about the 3Shape TRIOS 3

It’s very simple to operate the TRIOS 3 and to acquire images. I like the color and being able to visualize the teeth and soft tissue. It gives me the ability to take shade guides and high-definition, high-resolution pictures that I can send to the lab. There really are a lot of advantages for my practice.

This technology is also great for my patients. Most patients don’t like to have impression material in their mouth because it causes them to gag. It can even make some patients feel claustrophobic. And, of course, if you don’t capture a good impression on the first try, you have to redo it. Taking a digital impression is much more convenient for my patients and it also gives the practice a more modern feel. Everyone knows about digital technology today, so whenever you can incorporate that into your practice it gives you a different level of expertise.

After I take a scan, a lot of patients tell me it’s the best impression they’ve ever had. I get a lot of comments about the cleanliness and the simplicity. Patients also like it when we show them the impression on the screen. They can see what their teeth look like and we can point out other problems like staining or decay. It’s a good teaching tool.

The scanner also simplifies lab communication. It’s instantaneous, so I get feedback from my labs right away if I have questions about a case, and I can make notes right in the software.

The 3Shape TRIOS 3 has been a really great practice builder. Once you switch to digital impressions, it’s going to seem more antiquated to take PVS (polyvinyl siloxanes) or alginate impressions. Obviously there’s an expense up front but you don’t have the recurring material costs and it saves on storage space.
I also use the [scanner] in conjunction with my CT scanner. I can virtually plan an entire case with my patients so they can see what the restoration is going to look like before we even start the procedure.

Related reading: Monitoring patient oral health with TRIOS

What Michael Gaisinsky says about the TRIOS 3

The main benefit is speed. There is almost no waiting time between when the doctor sends the digital impression and when I receive it [and can start designing the case]. I immediately receive it on my computer.