Intra-oral Scanners: A New Eye in Dentistry

Today, intra-oral mapping technology is one of the most exciting new areas in dentistry since three-dimensional scanning of the mouth is required in a large number of procedures in dentistry such as orthodontics and restorative dentistry. Since the introduction of the first dental impressioning digital scanner in the 1980's, development engineers at a number of companies have enhanced the technologies and created in-office scanners that are increasingly user-friendly. It offers the clinician the ability to offer patients different appliances and fixed restorations of all types. The new technology has become easier to use for the clinician as well as more precise, and offers technological advances over earlier versions. These systems are capable of capturing 3D virtual images of tooth which can be used to create accurate master models on which the restorations can be made in a dental laboratory (dedicated impression scanning systems). The use of these products is rapidly increasing around the world and presents a paradigm shift in the way in which dental impressions are made. Several of the leading 3D dental digital scanning systems are presented and discussed in this article.