Orthodontics is a part of dentistry that addresses the problems of mal-positioned and misaligned teeth and jaws with the help of devices such as braces and aligners. The treatment involves scanning and crafting braces and aligners according to the size of the affected teeth. Hence, taking accurate measurements is a vital part of this treatment process, for without proper fit the braces and aligners are of no use. In the traditional impression taking method, the buccal cavity of the patient is scanned using wax-up models. Thereafter, the aligners and braces are crafted from these impressions. The process is long, tedious and comes with high chances of committing an error. Today, with the advent of dental intraoral scanners, the use of the wax-up model has been eliminated and the treatment has become faster and easier. To understand how dental intraoral scanners help orthodontics, read this blog further.
Enhanced indirect bonding process
Under traditional dentistry, the braces are placed on stone models to create transfer jigs that would then be placed directly on the patients’ teeth. The process is time-consuming and complex. However, with the help of a dental digital impression system, the indirect bonding process has become quicker and more convenient. This is because, today, the patients are scanned with intraoral scanners, and the fabricated 3-dimensional models of their teeth and gums are sent to the lab virtually. Thereafter, the transfer jigs are made by referring to these models.
Effective communication with labs
Scanning with intraoral scanners allows dentists to send the impressions directly to the lab virtually. Thus, the materials don’t get distorted due to physical handling and the treatment can be resumed immediately. Also, if there are any doubts and problems confronted by the parties involved, they can be easily resolved. Moreover, with the help of a digital scanner, the turnover time is considerably reduced to make the appliances.
Increased patients’ comfort level
In comparison to the traditional impression procedure, the digital impression system offers a considerable amount of convenience and comfort. Patients are not required to endure the unpleasant process of holding the wax-up models in their mouths and run the risk of gagging and choking. Moreover, the digital impression system is completely non-invasive, and patients can even view the entire process in real-time on the side monitor.
Easy diagnosis and treatment
From accurate diagnosis to perfect treatment, everything can be easily achieved with the help of digital scanners. Since the intraoral scanner can capture the complete buccal cavity of a patient, the areas out of sight and inaccessible with the traditional impression system also becomes accessible. Thus, the dentist can correctly diagnose the ailments and plan the treatments in advance. Similarly, accurate measurements can also be obtained using a digital scanner leading the braces and aligners to be custom fit.
Less storage space required
Under the digital impression system, the patients’ buccal cavities are scanned thereby eliminating the need for plaster models, alginates or PVS to fabricate 3-dimensional models of their intraoral cavity. Since there are no physical impressions, storage spaces are not required as images are obtained and stored digitally.
Conclusion
Dental digital impression system has completely revolutionized orthodontic dentistry and has helped the branch to reach out to more patients with easy treatment options. Thus, today, more number of orthodontists are investing in dental intraoral scanners to improve their treatment pipeline and increase the footfall of patients.
