Dental Encyclopedia · Diagnostics
Intraoral Scanner
Intraoral Scanner
An intraoral scanner is a device that optically scans the inside of the mouth to capture a three-dimensional digital model of the teeth and gums. It is known to be used for designing restorations and orthodontic appliances from digital data, without impression material.
In plain terms
Put simply, it is a device that sweeps over the inside of the mouth with a small camera to take a “digital impression.” Without biting on impression material as in the past, the shape of the teeth is transferred precisely to a computer.
An intraoral scanner scans the tooth surfaces to create a 3D digital model, and this data is used directly in designing restorations (crowns, laminate veneers) and orthodontic appliances. It is known to cause less gagging than impression material and to make storing and reproducing the data comparatively easy.
Digital design is known to help with fabrication accuracy and with simulation (checking the expected result in advance). That said, it does not completely replace conventional impressions in every case, and the method is chosen according to the situation.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
- Q. Is an impression taken with an intraoral scanner more accurate?
- An intraoral scanner captures the model as digital data and is known to help with fabrication accuracy and with simulating the result, and it tends to cause less gagging than impression material. However, depending on the case there are situations where a conventional impression is more suitable, so the method is chosen to fit the circumstances.
This entry is for general information. Diagnosis and treatment depend on individual conditions.