Scanning your way to new efficiencies

Be honest. How many of your patients have ever said they enjoy the taste or feel of the goopy impression materials in their mouths? And if you’ve made the switch to digital impressions, have you ever had a patient in your chair say they missed the traditional impression materials and impression-taking methods that have been around for decades?

I’m guessing no, and no.

The benefits of today’s digital impression technologies are undeniable. Because of this, patients love digital impressions, and so do most labs. Since they’re easier for clinicians and staff to take, more and more of today’s practices are loving them as well.

Must read: Why it's time to embrace the digital workflow

Using today’s intraoral scanners and always evolving software allows clinicians to better communicate with labs, to submit much faster to labs, and also to use the data over and over again.

In recent years the industry has made great strides in the technology as more manufacturers have gotten involved and the pioneer companies have constantly improved their offerings. This roundup features six of the top systems available to you, but is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. New products and players are always joining in, including the Straumann CARES Intraoral Scanner by Dental Wings, which was featured on the cover of DPR this past May. Additionally, many international dental manufacturers are always working on technologies that will find their way to the states someday soon.

Take a close look at the systems on the following pages and make sure to look into finding a system that can help you and your patients take advantange of this great technology.

3M™ True Definition Scanner

Whether you want to add digital impressioning to your existing workflow or expand your digital footprint--the 3M™ True Definition Scanner reportedly provides unparalleled:
• Accuracy: Proven to be more accurate--and more consistently
accurate--than other leading intraoral scanners¹
• Ease of use: Innovative design for fast, easy and comfortable scanning
• Affordability: Low cost of entry into digital impressioning--unit price $15,995 plus a monthly data plan.
3M
800-634-2249  |  3M.com/TrueDef
1. For more information, see 3M.com/TrueDef.

CS 3600

The CS 3600 intraoral scanner is designed to integrate seamlessly into any practice environment with three task-specific workflows--restorative, orthodontic and implant-borne restorative. High-speed, continuous scanning aids in capturing accurate digital impressions while contributing to patient comfort. The Intelligent Matching System allows users to fill in missing information for any area in the data set and eliminates the need to manipulate buttons. Visually stunning HD 3D images enhance case review, analysis and communication between doctors, patients, referrals and labs. Plus, the open architecture of the CS 3600 makes sharing files with labs simple and straightforward. CS 3600 Intraoral Scanner--High-speed, intuitive and accurate digital impressions http://bit.ly/2acnmxu

Carestream Dental 800-944-6365  |  carestreamdental.com

Carestream Dental Testimonials

 “Since using the CS 3600, I’ve been impressed, not only with the speed, but with the accuracy of the scanner. We have made several appliances using the digital files from the CS 3600, and they tend to fit better than appliances made using our traditional impressions.” --Dr. Mark Causey, Causey Orthodontics, Cumming, Georgia

“The CS 3600 has allowed us to adjust our workflow to complete all of our initial records in 15-20 minutes. This includes photographs, panoramic images, cephalometric images and a digital impression that is both lab-ready and patient-presentation ready! The best way to summarize is this: Our staff now argues over who gets to scan--instead of who has to scan!”
--Paul G. Trotter, DMD, Trotter Orthodontics, Augusta, Georgia

“In our opinion, the CS 3600 intraoral scanner is superior. It’s faster and makes image capture quite easy. We’re totally blown away. The HD 3D imaging is fantastic since you can see the color of the tooth, gums and margins much clearer. I love it, and everybody in my office who uses it loves it.” --Dr. Richard Steinberg, North River Dental, Ellenton, Florida

TRIOS Intraoral scanner

TRIOS reportedly enables you to be more efficient, more precise and your patients more comfortable through fast, easy and documented-accurate digital color impressions. As an open system, you can combine a seamless digital workflow with labs, coupled with same day dentistry for one-stop visits with the TRIOS Practice Lab software. Supporting the market’s widest range of indications and materials, including 3Shape orthodontic and implant software modules, TRIOS is available in a selection of models and prices.
3Shape
908-867-0144 | 3shape.com

Planmeca FIT System

Planmeca FIT system is a CAD/CAM system for restorative dentistry. The powder-free Planmeca PlanScan captures and processes data almost as quickly as you move your hand, and the Planmeca PlanCAD™ software is integrated within the Planmeca Romexis software. Finally, the Planmeca PlanMill 40 provides accurate milling that makes same-day crowns a reality.

Learn more about the Planmeca FIT Open CAD/CAM System
http://bit.ly/2aMIQRC

Planmeca USA
630-529-2300  |  planmeca.com

Planmeca Testimonial

“The Planmeca FIT system has revolutionized CAD/CAM for dental offices. Simplicity, accuracy and esthetics all rolled into one machine.”
--Edmond Suh, DDS,Wake Forest, North Carolina

CEREC Omnicam or the CEREC Bluecam

Scanning designed to be easy--with one of the two camera systems from Dentsply Sirona. Digital scanning with CEREC is easy: acquire an image of the preparation and opposing jaw with the CEREC Omnicam or the CEREC Bluecam. Just a few clicks are needed to draw the preparation margin. The software assists you with marking and supports you with a pivoting 3D view. CEREC Omnicam: Scanning simplicity, excellent handling, powder-free scanning and precise 3D images in natural color. The CEREC Omnicam is reportedly a unique multi-talent in the CAD/CAM camera market. The CEREC Omnicam is designed to feel natural to hold: Taking digital impressions is said to have never been so easy, intuitive and ergonomic. 
Dentsply Sirona
800-659-5977  |  sirona.com

iTero Element™ Intraoral Scanner

The iTero Intraoral Scanner is synonymous with high precision. Now, the iTero Element™ scanner is engineered to deliver everything that doctors love about iTero scanners in a compact footprint with even bigger capabilities. The iTero Element scanner is designed to put the latest technology at your fingertips and make intraoral scanning fun. The iTero Element Intraoral Scanner represents the next generation of iTero intraoral scanning design capabilities.
Align Technology
800-577-8767  |  itero.com

Q&A with Chad C. Duplantis, DDS

1. What is the most frequent question you hear about the intraoral scanner category, and how does the 3M True Definition Scanner answer that question?
The most frequent question that I hear is “How do I choose one scanner above the rest?” The answer is not as easy as it seems, but I think there are two key factors with so many good scanners out there. The two factors that should weigh heavily in decision making are accuracy and price. The True Definition Scanner excels in both these areas. The system has been the most accurate scanner on the market for many years, according to several studies. The scanner is also the most accurate for multiple restorations. Secondly, the True Definition Scanner is very affordable. The scanner is priced for the average clinician. With repeated use, the scanner will also save you money over traditional impressioning techniques.

2. What about these systems help dentists practice better dentistry?
There are so many things about digital impression systems that help dentists practice better dentistry. The first thing that comes to mind is improved workflow. The speed of capture reduces impression times. Following the reduced impression time, the impression is then sent to the laboratory in an expedited manner via the cloud. The restoration is then received back in the office in a matter of days, not weeks.
Secondly, the quality of the restorations: There are many studies that have shown the digitally manufactured restorations are as good, if not better, than most conventionally manufactured restorations. In my practice, I have found the restorations to be superior to those previously received. The restorations fit better and require minimal adjustments. The restorations also require less chair time to seat.
Finally, the detail at which the scanner captures and the size to which it can be magnified. The resolution captured is so amazing that you can visualize your prep so much better than with the naked eye. This forces us to be very critical of our work. We may realize some of the difficulties the lab may have had with our previous impressions.
Taking the aforementioned attributes into consideration, this really helps dentists practice better dentistry.

3. What can dental practitioners do to get the most from these devices, particularly in terms of ROI?
I believe in order to get the most of the device, a dental practitioner needs to use it. I know this may sound silly, but many people don’t consider the vast capabilities of digital scanners. There are also many practitioners that are afraid to try some new things. In my office, I use my scanner for everything. I haven’t taken a traditional impression for restorative work in over three years. If there is a procedure that requires a restoration, I always think about the digital workflow. In most instances, except for dentures and the occasional bleaching tray, the digital scanner makes most sense. I have saved thousands by using my scanner in both impression materials and laboratory bills.

4. What are some upcoming trends for intraoral scanners that you see?
I think there are three trends that we will see. The first trend is an increase in diagnostic capabilities of the scanner. As practitioners, we can learn a lot from comparing impressions of patients at various points in time. The second trend that I think we will see is more clear aligner and orthodontic therapies emerging with the increased use of intraoral scanners, therefore increasing our orthodontic treatment choices. The third trend that I think we will see is increased treatment planning and restorative workflows for dental implants. The digital scanner is such an invaluable tool for implants that this may even drive more dentists to purchase scanners.

5. Can you offer insight into the advantages of using powder with this system?
Powder improves accuracy; that’s it. Many clinicians are turned off by the use of powder. Having used it for years, I can tell you that it’s not a big deal. It’s such a light dusting, takes little time and improves accuracy. If you think about it, all traditional and digital impressions require a relatively dry field. If you can maintain the field to take an adequate impression, the powder should not be a deterrent.