Importance Of Accurate Intra Oral Scanner In Designing Crowns & Bridges
In modern dentistry, technology is playing a transformative role in improving diagnosis, treatment planning, and restorative outcomes. One of the most significant innovations in recent years is the intraoral scanner. These compact, handheld devices have revolutionized how dentists capture impressions of a patient’s mouth, replacing traditional impression materials with digital precision. In prosthodontics— particularly when designing crowns, bridges, and other fixed dental prosthetics—accurate intraoral scanning is not just a convenience; it’s a critical component that directly impacts the success of the restoration.
Moving Beyond Traditional Impressions
Conventional impressions using materials like alginate or polyvinyl siloxane have long been the gold standard in restorative dentistry. However, these methods can be uncomfortable for patients, time-consuming for clinicians, and prone to human or material-related errors such as distortion, bubbles, or improper setting times. A minor inaccuracy in the impression can result in ill-fitting crowns or bridges, leading to discomfort, bite issues, or the need for rework.
Intraoral scanners solve many of these problems. By capturing detailed digital impressions of the dental arches and occlusal relationships, they provide a fast, patient-friendly, and highly precise alternative. The resulting 3D models can be immediately viewed, adjusted, and sent to a dental lab, making the entire workflow more efficient and accurate.
The Importance of Accuracy in Crown and Bridge Fabrication
When fabricating crowns and bridges, accuracy is everything. These restorations must fit precisely over the prepared teeth to restore function, comfort, and aesthetics. Any discrepancy between the scanned data and the actual anatomy can lead to a poor marginal fit, which increases the risk of plaque accumulation, secondary caries, gingival irritation, and restoration failure.
An accurate intraoral scan ensures that:
- The margin lines are captured clearly, allowing technicians to design restorations that seal precisely against the tooth surface.
- Occlusal relationships are maintained, preventing bite misalignments or the need for excessive chairside adjustments.
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Anatomical features are preserved, ensuring the restoration looks and feels natural.
Modern devices often use advanced optical technology, such as confocal microscopy or structured light scanning, to achieve micrometer-level precision. This high degree of accuracy significantly enhances the long-term success of crowns and bridges.
- Efficiency and Patient Comfort
Besides improving accuracy, intraoral scanners enhance patient comfort and practice efficiency. Scanning eliminates the need for impression trays and materials, which many patients find unpleasant or even intolerable due to gag reflex or anxiety. The digital process is faster and more engaging, often allowing patients to see their scans in real-time, which can boost confidence and understanding of the treatment.
From a clinical perspective, the ability to instantly verify scan quality helps reduce the likelihood of retakes. This improves workflow and saves valuable chair time, allowing clinicians to focus more on treatment planning and less on redo procedures.
- Integration with CAD/CAM Systems
Intraoral scanning is a key part of the digital dentistry ecosystem. Once a scan is captured, it can be directly integrated into CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) systems. This integration allows for seamless collaboration between dental clinics and labs, leading to quicker turnaround times and more predictable results.
For instance, a crown can be designed using specialized software and then milled or 3D printed with high precision using materials such as zirconia or lithium disilicate. Because the entire process is based on an accurate digital impression, the final product fits better and requires fewer adjustments during placement.
Why Do We Recommend the 3Shape Intraoral Scanners ?
Among the top choices for intraoral scanning, 3Shape is a leading innovator in digital dental technology, and its TRIOS series intraoral scanners are known for delivering high-precision, color-accurate, and fast 3D dental impressions. These scanners are widely used in general dentistry, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and implantology.
3Shape currently has 2 models: Trios 3 2024 and Trios 5
TRIOS 3 is our best-selling scanner—and for good reason. TRIOS 3 (2024) delivers high-speed, spray-free scanning with AI-driven technology, ensuring precise 3D impressions in realistic colors. It supports a wide range of dental indications, from implant-supported bridges to removable partial dentures. The scanner also includes patient engagement apps, enhancing communication and potentially increasing treatment acceptance.
The device uses 3Shape Unite platform to access a vast network of over 25,000 partners and maintain connectivity with Invisalign offering versatility in orthodontic treatments.
Clinical accuracy: TRIOS 3 is backed by numerous independent studies proving its reliability across crowns, bridges, implants, and more.
High-speed imaging: It ensures rapid scans without compromising detail.
Easy Connectivity: The scanner connects via USB-C simplifying the setup by drawing power directly from the laptop and eliminating the need for an external power source.
TRIOS 5 is an advanced intraoral scanner designed to enhance the digital dentistry experience through its excellent ergonomics and scan performance.
TRIOS 5 is 3Shape's smallest and lightest scanner to date, measuring 3.8 x 3.7 x 26.6 cm and weighing 299 grams, including the battery. Its balanced, pen-grip design ensures comfortable handling during procedures.
Trios 5 is fully wireless with a 25m range and can connect to any PC with Trios Share in the practice via Wi-Fi, enhancing flexibility and workflow efficiency. It comes with 3 batteries which are capable of taking 25 scans each on full charge and take 45 mins to charge up to 80%.
Trios 5 uses ScanAssist Engine which is an intelligent alignment technology that allows for flexible scanning strategies, enabling users to follow their preferred scan paths without compromising the quality of the 3D model. It continuously optimizes data alignment during scanning, minimizing stitching errors and ensuring precise digital impressions.
TRIOS 5 offers an LED ring indicating scanner status, and haptic feedback to guide users during scanning.
If you are looking to invest in high-precision intraoral scanning, 3Shape is the go-to recommendation. It’s a reliable, proven solution that enhances workflow, improves patient satisfaction, and delivers consistently accurate clinical outcomes.
Conclusion
Intraoral scanners are more than just a modern alternative to traditional impressions—they are essential tools in designing high-quality, well-fitting dental restorations. Their accuracy, efficiency, and integration with digital workflows make them indispensable for fabricating crowns, bridges, and other prosthetic solutions. As patient expectations rise and dentistry becomes increasingly digitized, the importance of precision in intraoral scanning cannot be overstated.
And when it comes to choosing the right scanner for your clinic, the 3Shape stands out as a top-tier investment. With its clinically proven accuracy, lightning-fast performance, and user-friendly design, it's the perfect choice for any dental professional committed to delivering exceptional, precise restorative care.
