From scanning speed to software integration; patient comfort to ergonomic operator handling, there are many features and benefits that make up a good intraoral scanner. With them in mind, we thought it would be useful to bring you this list of the feature-rich intraoral scanners.

INTELLISCAN 3D

INTELLISCAN 3D is an artificial intelligence enabled intraoral scanner that adopts the technology of structured light to obtain full colour 3D data of teeth and soft tissue directly.

Designed to simplify intraoral scanning, this open-source device features a user-friendly interface, along with a powder-free system that provides realistic colour and clear margin lines.

Featuring a user-friendly interface, the intraoral scanner allows sterile scanning by a single technician or dentist employing the motion sensing function.

The unit comes with a proprietary dental 3D scanner software enabling data processing functions to easily obtain quality digital impressions.

Read more about INTELLISCAN 3D.

Weiyun AI Smile S4

The AI Smile Intraoral scanner S4 from Weiyun AI & Robotics Group has won the German Red Dot Design Award.

Utilizing independently developed software, hardware and optical modules, the AI Smile is able to generate an orthodontic AI simulation solution in 10 minutes, and access 1.2 million domestic cases online.

The Red Dot Award credited Weiyun’s win to the product’s “streamlined and simple design and accurate and efficient data collection”.

3D point cloud data and color texture information of the patients’ oral cavity with an accuracy of 10 microns. As a portable high-precision handheld instrument, AI Smile is designed to obtain

Using AI Smile, the dentist can display the 3D customized treatment plan to the patient in real time, and adjust the plan according to prevailing clinical needs.

Once confirmed, the AI-powered “Smart Factory” then organizes and delivers the customized dental product within 48 hours.

Read more about Weiyun AI Smile S4.

MEDIT i700 Wireless

The MEDIT i700 wireless intraoral scanner offers clinicians a cord-free scanning experience while retaining the same power and capabilities as standard plug-in intraoral scanners.

The cordless device enables comfortable scanning at any angle – scan proximal areas with minimal constraints in movement.

Just as important, the scanner is said to pack enough battery power needed for all-day scanning and treatment.

Empowered by MEDIT Link and MEDIT apps, i700 users can create and manage scan data matched with patient information in the electronic chart program and link them with treatment solutions of various workflows.

Read more about MEDIT i700 Wireless.

Carestream Dental CS 3800

The CS 3800 is a lightweight and compact wireless intraoral scanner from Carestream Dental.

Designed in collaboration with Studio F.A. Porsche, this slim and cordless intraoral scanner is easy to handle offering users a less cumbersome scanning experience.

Its enlarged field of view (16 mm x 14 mm) allows it to easily capture interproximal areas and subgingival margins. It is said to also improve soft tissue scanning.

Paired with the CS 3800 is the acquisition software CS ScanFlow. The software is designed to free the user from a fixed or pre-determined procedure.

You do not have to plan in advance how you wish to process the digital impression during the scanning stage. You simply scan first and decide later the best indication on which to apply the data set.

Read more about Carestream Dental CS 3800.

Neoss NeoScan 1000

Weighing in at 198 grams, NeoScan 1000 is lightweight enough for continuous extended handling minus the fatigue.

NeoScan 1000 offers a high-resolution 16 mm x 14 mm field of view, boasting vivid true-colour images.

Users are able to easily distinguish between tooth structure and soft tissues and clearly identify margin lines and undercut areas.

The handpiece features motion-capture capabilities and well-appointed buttons to allow fuss-free scanning, optimizing, and exporting – all without having to touch your computer.

To enable a smooth digital experience, the NeoPro software includes efficient features such as smart reminders, margin line tools, scan history management, inspection, and measurement.

Read more about Neoss NeoScan 1000.

Ivoclar VivaScan

Compact in size for a flexible scanning experience, the lightweight and compact intraoral scanner affords users more confidence, especially those taking their first steps into the world of digital dentistry.

Powered by a user-friendly and intuitive software, VivaScan users are able to send scans directly to their laboratory of choice in a fast and streamlined workflow. An integrated file sharing system also takes care of secure transfer of data, so you only have to upload your scans to the Ivoclar Cloud with one simple click.

At the technician’s end, it’s just as simple – all files are downloaded from the cloud in an open file format so your technician can choose to work in his or her preferred way.

The VivaScan package includes all software and cloud services – free from any subscription fees.

Read more about Ivoclar VivaScan.

3Shape TRIOS 5

The TRIOS 5 is the latest addition to 3Shape’s line of intraoral scanners. This scanner offers several significant improvements, including enhanced patient protection and infection control, a more compact design, and a more user-friendly interface.

One of the most notable improvements of the 3Shape TRIOS 5 is its smaller and lighter design. Compared to its predecessor, the TRIOS 4, the TRIOS 5 is approximately 30% smaller and 20% lighter. This purportedly makes it the smallest and lightest scanner on the market, and its balanced design ensures that it is comfortable to hold for extended periods.

The scanner’s TRIOS Share feature allows users to take their scanner from one room to another and scan from any PC. The device comes equipped with a user-friendly interface, making it easy to operate for both experienced and inexperienced users.

The ScanAssist function guides users as they scan, delivering precise scans with minimal effort. This allows for an effortless and efficient scanning experience, saving time and increasing productivity.

Read more about 3Shape Trios 5.

Not Forgetting these Popular Scanners…

Primescan Intraoral Scanner: Outstanding accuracy and precision

The 2019-launched Primescan intraoral scanner from Dentsply Sirona is designed to provide dental professionals with a seamless, efficient, and comfortable scanning experience, resulting in outstanding accuracy and precision. Whether you’re looking to streamline your practice’s workflow or improve your patients’ comfort during dental procedures, Primescan makes for a viable option that is unlikely to disappoint.

All-Around Satisfaction

Primescan is the ideal starting point for dentists looking to integrate digital dentistry into their practice.

The scanner’s flowing, contemporary design brings both value and superior performance to the table, and its innovative features are sure to impress. The Smart Pixel Sensor and dynamic depth scan technology work together to provide outstanding trueness and precision, even at depths of up to 20mm.

The scanner’s increased field of view visualizes larger areas with fewer sweeps, making it easier and more efficient to scan all dental materials and hard-to-access areas.

Plays well with the team

This versatile intraoral scanner is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of software configurations. The Primescan AC with Connect Software and CEREC Primescan AC with CEREC Software configurations are both highly effective and comfortable.

The Primescan’s connectivity is another standout feature, allowing for seamless, validated, and open data transfer options. Labs and other third parties can be supplied with high-resolution models in an instant, helping to accelerate workflows and streamline processes.

Additionally, Primescan’s easy-to-use touchscreen and touchpad make it incredibly intuitive to use, allowing dental professionals to work comfortably and efficiently for extended periods of time.

Impressive Accuracy

One of the most impressive features of Primescan is its accuracy. The scanner’s Smart Pixel Sensor processes over 1,000,000 3D points per second, producing photorealistic and highly accurate data.

In a recent in-vitro study comparing intraoral scanners, Primescan was viewed as the most accurate, showing the best median and mean values across complete arch, anterior, and posterior segments.

Its dynamic depth scan technology enables perfect sharpness and outstanding precision, making it an excellent choice for deeper-lying indications.

Instant Data Transfer and Usability

Primescan’s unique technology allows for easy capturing and quicker processing of more data in higher resolution, and its intelligent processing ensures optimal interaction with the software by transmitting exactly the data the software needs to proceed.

The result is that complete 3D-scan models are displayed immediately, no matter how fast you scan. Primescan also offers enhanced connectivity, allowing for seamless data transfer to external partners and laboratories.

Usability is another key feature of Primescan. The device’s continuously self-heating feature ensures fog-free scanning, and its increased field of view makes it easy to scan hard-to-reach areas and shiny materials.

Primescan’s touchpad and touchscreen make it incredibly easy and intuitive to use, allowing dental professionals to work comfortably for extended periods of time.

Click here for more information about the Primescan Intraoral Scanner from Dentsply Sirona.

AORALSCAN intraoral scanner offers powderless scanning

The AORALSCAN from Shining 3D Dental a cutting-edge dental scanner that promises to revolutionize digital dentistry. The scanner boasts several features that make it stand out in the market, including powderless scanning, intelligent scan, realistic colour, and safe use.

Powderless Scanning

Traditional dental scanners require a layer of powder to be applied to the patient’s teeth before scanning. This process is not only time-consuming but can also be uncomfortable for patients. AORALSCAN, on the other hand, is powder-free, which guarantees a simplified process and an improved patient experience in the clinic.

This feature also makes the scanner more hygienic, as it eliminates the risk of contamination from powder particles.

Intelligent Scan

One of the most impressive features of AORALSCAN is its self-developed scanning software, which integrates rich data processing functions to obtain high-quality digital impressions. The scanner’s intelligent scan function uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically identify and delete extraneous data and unwanted scanning artifacts to accomplish data optimization. This process not only saves time but also enhances accuracy, resulting in better-fitting restorations.

Real-time scan and realistic colour are two other features that set AORALSCAN apart from other scanners. The scanner captures the colour of the patient’s teeth and gums in real-time, providing a clear margin line that makes it easier for clinicians to identify where to stop scanning.

This feature also allows clinicians to show patients a realistic 3D model of their teeth, helping them to understand the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Safe Use

The safety of patients and clinicians is always a top priority in dental practice. AORALSCAN’s motion sensing function enables clinicians to perform sterile scanning without touching the PC, thus promoting infection control in a clinical setting. This feature increases ease of use, as users can operate the AORALSCAN software and complete the scanning process by moving the scanner to give commands.

The scanner’s interface is also easy to use, and its motion sensing function allows for hands-free operation. The scanner’s retracing function also allows users to revisit previously scanned sections to rescan missing areas, fill in holes, and smoothly align data.

 The clinical toolkit facilitates effective, time-saving communication on project details between clinics and dental labs to ensure high efficiency and quality designs and restorations.

Technical Specifications

AORALSCAN has impressive technical specifications, including a scanning speed of 15 fps (video-based), temperature range of 10°C – 40°C, and data output in STL and OBJ formats.

The scanner uses USB 3.0 interface and requires DC 12V 1.67A power supply. Shining 3D Dental recommends a PC configuration with Intel Core i7-8700 or higher CPU, 16GB or more RAM, 1 TB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM, 6.0 Gb/s) or higher, NVIDIA® RTX 2060 6GB DDR3 or higher graphic card (GPU), Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) or later versions of Windows operating systems, 1920×1080, 60 Hz or higher screen resolution, and more than 3 Type-A USB 3.0 (or higher) ports.

AORALSCAN is indicated for implant restoration and orthodontic use cases and provides a smooth user experience for chairside dentistry or in a dentist-laboratory partnership.

Click here for more information about the Aoralscan from Shining 3D Dental.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Intraoral Scanners

What are Intraoral Scanners in Dentistry?

Intraoral digital scanners are devices used by dental professionals to scan and capture the size, shape, and placement of a patient’s teeth and oral cavity accurately. These scanners provide digital data files that can be transmitted to laboratories for the fabrication of appliances such as crowns, veneers, bridgework, and implants.

How do Intraoral Scanners work?

Dental professionals use a toothbrush-sized scanning wand to scan the surfaces of a patient’s teeth, while the digital data is recorded and displayed on a TV screen or computer monitor in real-time.

The captured digital data is used to create digital models of the patient’s teeth and gums, which can be used to create dental appliances.

What are the benefits of Intraoral Scanners?

Intraoral digital scanners simplify and speed up the process of creating accurate dental models, making it faster, easier, better, and cheaper to fabricate prescription appliances. The technology also provides major improvements over traditional, time-consuming, and messy oral modeling technologies, offering better patient experiences.

What equipment is required to use Intraoral Scanners?

Intraoral digital scanners consist of a hand-held scanning wand that houses a miniature imaging system connected to a hardware module that powers the scanner and receives the digital imagery. The scanner-bearing wand is lightweight, unobtrusive, and designed for patient comfort.

What is the intraoral scanning process like for a patient?

Capturing a digital dental impression is not difficult, but it does take a bit of practice. The scanner is held flat against the surface of the teeth, gently moved around the patient’s mouth, capturing data from the occlusal surface, mesial and distal on the lingual surfaces. The scanner is manipulated slowly within the patient’s mouth, with the scanning surface flush with the lingual.

Are Intraoral Scanners accurate?

Yes, Intraoral digital scanners offer highly accurate dental measurements, which provide detailed digital data that is used to create digital models of the patient’s teeth and gums. The accuracy of the scanning system provides dental professionals with an opportunity to verify that the scan is both accurate and complete at the moment they are being captured.

How do Intraoral Scanners compare to traditional oral modeling technologies?

Intraoral digital scanners are a significant improvement over traditional, time-consuming, and messy oral modeling technologies. The digital data files can be quickly transmitted to suitably-equipped laboratories, which can utilize them to fabricate prescription appliances much faster, easier, better, and cheaper than ever before. The new generation of intraoral scanning devices also provides major improvements in ease and comfort for patients.

How long does it take to scan a patient’s teeth using Intraoral Scanners?

The scanning process is relatively quick, and most practitioners can quickly and easily complete accurate scans of a patient’s mouth after half a dozen or so practice passes on the mouths of cooperating assistants.