Looking for the best dental scanners of 2024? This guide compares top models like iTero Element 5D Plus, CEREC Primescan, Medit i700, and 3Shape TRIOS 5 Wireless. Discover their key features and benefits to find the perfect fit for your practice.
Key Takeaways
Understanding Intraoral Scanners
Intraoral scanners represent a significant leap forward in digital dentistry, capturing 3D digital dental impressions that transform traditional dental practices into modern, efficient, and patient-friendly environments. These devices, which capture images to create virtual 3D models of a patient’s mouth, are essential in providing reliable and effective digital impressions with a digital intraoral scanner.
Over the past decade, the shift to digital impressions has revolutionized dentistry, offering numerous benefits over traditional methods.
How Intraoral Scanners Work
Intraoral scanning relies on handheld devices that capture 3D images to create digital impressions. These images are processed by specialized software into point clouds, which are then analyzed to produce highly detailed 3D models. This method significantly enhances accuracy and precision, avoiding the pitfalls of traditional impression techniques, including intraoral scans.
Modern intraoral scanners boast high-speed capabilities, completing full arch scans much faster than traditional methods. The integration of artificial intelligence enhances these devices further, improving diagnostic accuracy and streamlining the scanning process. This advanced technology not only accelerates the scanning process but also ensures highly accurate data capture, revolutionizing digital dentistry.
Benefits of Using Intraoral Scanners
Before:
Switching to digital intraoral scanners offers several key benefits. Firstly, digital impressions provide superior accuracy, often resulting in better-fitting restorations due to their precise capture of intraoral details. This high level of detail reduces the chances of errors and enhances the fit of dental restorations.
After:
Switching to digital intraoral scanners offers several key benefits:
Additionally, intraoral scanners significantly improve patient comfort. Handheld devices eliminate the need for uncomfortable putty trays, making the process more pleasant for patients.
Real-time collaboration through digital scans also enhances communication between dental practices and labs, improving workflow efficiency and saving time and money on materials and labor. The continuous integration of AI further enhances the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of these devices.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dental Scanner
Choosing the right intraoral scanner for your practice requires careful consideration of several factors. Key criteria include ergonomics, accuracy, speed, software interface, and cost. Assessing the specific needs of your dental practice helps in finding the best fit.
Factors such as ease of use, imaging capabilities, and cost considerations play a crucial role in this decision-making process.
Ease of Use
Modern intraoral scanners focus on compact and ergonomic designs, enhancing user comfort and efficiency during procedures. Innovations like reducing the size and weight of scanners make them more user-friendly and portable, allowing for comfortable and intuitive handling.
Factors contributing to ease of use include a comfortable grip, weight, bulkiness, accessibility to mouth areas, and effective infection control. The iTero Element 5D Plus, for instance, is praised for its user-friendly software interface and touch screen.
The Medit i700 aims to ensure a comfortable scanning experience. This design consideration benefits both the dentist and the patient. Wireless scanners enhance maneuverability, although they might face connectivity issues.
Scanning Accuracy
Accuracy and precision are crucial in intraoral scanners, directly influencing the quality of dental restorations. A high-quality scan ensures that the work received from a dental lab is accurate and reliable.
Scanners must capture fine details for crowns, bridges, and dentures for accurate restorations. Capturing micro-details is a hallmark of high-quality scanners, ensuring that final restorations fit perfectly.
AI algorithms enhance the classification of dental images, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy. Metrics like Standard Deviation (SD), Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) are used to assess the consistency and accuracy of scans.
Speed of Scanning
Speed is another critical factor to consider when choosing an intraoral scanner. Efficient scanning speeds can boost patient throughput and overall practice revenue. Digital impression techniques significantly reduce the time needed for impression-taking, allowing for increased productivity in dental practices.
Digital impressions can shorten appointment times and potentially reduce dental visits, enhancing overall practice productivity. By eliminating the need to retake molds due to inaccuracies, digital impressions streamline the workflow and reduce appointment times.
Software Capabilities
Software capabilities significantly impact the overall functionality of intraoral scanners. The software should recognize areas needing additional scanning, ensuring that all necessary data is captured effectively. Ease of use is essential, with software that offers simple navigation and minimal lag time for a smoother user experience.
Modern scanners use advanced software to swiftly convert images into detailed 3D models, enhancing overall functionality. Additional software features can make the equipment more versatile and effective. For instance, the iTero Element 5D Plus captures not only 3D images but also intraoral color and near-infrared images, allowing for diverse diagnostic applications.
However, additional costs may include software subscriptions, training, auxiliary equipment, and customer support.
Cost and Value
Cost is a major factor when investing in an intraoral scanner. The CEREC Primescan, for example, costs $40,000, with prices ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 USD, making it a high upfront investment. Over time, the price of high-quality intraoral scanners has decreased, making them more accessible.
Practices should weigh both upfront costs and ongoing expenses, such as software subscriptions and maintenance, when investing in dental scanners. Intraoral scanners reduce material costs by eliminating the need for traditional impression materials, leading to long-term savings.
Time saved by faster scanning directly contributes to increased revenue, as practices can see more patients.
Top Intraoral Scanners of 2024: Detailed Comparison
The top intraoral scanners of 2024 include the iTero Element 5D Plus, CEREC Primescan, Medit i700, and 3Shape TRIOS 5 Wireless. Each scanner offers unique features and benefits catering to different needs within dental practices.
This section provides a detailed intraoral scanner comparison to help you identify the best intraoral scanner for your specific requirements.
iTero Element 5D Plus
The iTero Element 5D Plus is widely recognized as the gold standard for 3D digital dental imaging. It boasts rapid scanning capabilities, completing a full arch scan in about 30 seconds. This scanner excels in orthodontic case presentations and supporting Invisalign treatments.
Its user-friendly software enhances the scanning experience, aiding in efficient dental case presentations.
CEREC Primescan
The CEREC Primescan, developed by Dentsply Sirona, is renowned for its speed and precision in same-day dentistry. It can perform a full arch scan in under 45 seconds, making it one of the fastest scanners on the market.
The Primescan features new hardware and a sleek design, although its bulkiness may pose ergonomic challenges.
Medit i700
The Medit i700, manufactured by the Korea-based company Medit, is known for its affordability and user-friendliness. It includes an app store, free CAD/CAM capabilities, and compatibility with milling devices and 3D printers.
Weighing just 245 grams, it enhances comfort for both the dentist and the patient.
3Shape TRIOS 5 Wireless
The 3Shape TRIOS 5 Wireless stands out for its smart power management, allowing up to 66 minutes of battery operation. It can be used for various types of dental work, including dentures, crowns, and bridges.
The scanner enhances the experience for both user and patient, utilizing confocal laser scanning technology for high imaging precision.
The TRIOS 5 Wireless is priced at $26,000 USD and comes with two service agreement options: TRIOS Only (free) and TRIOS Care ($199/month after the first year).
Advantages of Digital Impressions Over Traditional Methods
Digital impressions provide numerous advantages over traditional methods. They greatly enhance patient comfort by eliminating the discomfort and mess of traditional mold materials. Digital impressions also lead to quicker procedures and reduced invasiveness, improving the overall patient experience.
Furthermore, they enhance workflow efficiency by allowing seamless data transfer to dental laboratories.
Improved Patient Experience
Patients generally find digital impressions more comfortable, avoiding the discomfort of traditional impression materials like alginate. Digital impressions are quicker and more comfortable, helping patients feel relaxed during dental visits. This faster, less invasive process reduces anxiety and the gag reflex often triggered by traditional methods.
Patients often feel more at ease during digital impression sessions, contributing to a more positive experience. The elimination of unpleasant materials and the faster procedure times help patients remain comfortable and relaxed.
Greater Accuracy and Precision
One of the most significant advantages of digital impressions is their superior accuracy and precision. Digital impressions provide highly accurate data, which translates into better-fitting dental restorations. The ability to capture minute details ensures that restorations such as crowns and bridges fit perfectly, reducing the need for adjustments after placement.
AI technologies enhance real-time analysis during scans, identifying issues like caries and suggesting restoration designs. This collaboration fosters better communication between technicians and dentists, improving restoration accuracy and patient outcomes.
Enhanced Efficiency
Digital impressions greatly enhance the efficiency of dental practices. Faster scanning processes allow practitioners to see more patients in less time, increasing patient throughput and revenue. The combination of rapid scanning capabilities and intuitive software results in heightened productivity within dental practices.
User-friendly software is essential for smoothly integrating scanners into daily practice. Efficient software capabilities ensure that the scanning process is streamlined, minimizing lag time and reducing the likelihood of errors. This efficiency in patient throughput directly contributes to the overall growth and success of a dental practice.
Integration with Dental Laboratory Systems
Integrating digital impressions with dental laboratory systems is crucial for improving workflows and ensuring seamless data transfer. Digital impressions provide faster processing times, enabling dental professionals to quickly send data to labs and enhancing overall workflow.
Cloud technology facilitates remote access to scan data, allowing dental professionals to manage and analyze imaging data from any location.
STL Files and Data Transfer
STL files are a standard format for sharing 3D scan data between dental offices and laboratories. This format ensures digital dental records are easily transferable, fostering better collaboration between dentists and labs. Real-time data sharing via intraoral scanners allows for immediate feedback and adjustments during treatment planning.
Using STL files in data transfer ensures all necessary information is captured and shared accurately, enhancing the efficiency and precision of dental restorations. This seamless data transfer is a key advantage of digital impressions, enhancing the overall workflow and patient outcomes.
Collaboration with Dental Labs
The integration of digital scanners into dental workflows allows for seamless communication between practices and labs, improving overall efficiency. A digital scan can be transferred to dental labs in real-time, allowing immediate feedback and adjustments during treatment planning. This collaboration improves restoration accuracy, reduces turnaround times, and enhances patient satisfaction.
Real-time collaboration between practices and labs ensures prompt addressing of issues or adjustments, resulting in better-fitting restorations and smoother workflow. This level of collaboration is a significant advantage of using digital impressions in modern dentistry.
Impact on Restorative Dentistry
Digital impressions have revolutionized restorative dentistry by providing accurate and reliable data for creating dental restorations. The enhanced fit from digital impressions improves patient comfort and reduces the need for adjustments after placement. This precision leads to more precise fitting of crowns, bridges, and other restorations, ultimately improving patient satisfaction.
Streamlining the creation of crowns, bridges, and dentures, digital impressions improve practice efficiency and patient throughput. The ability to capture detailed and accurate impressions quickly ensures that dental practices can provide high-quality restorations in a timely manner, enhancing overall patient care and practice success.
Future Trends in Intraoral Scanning Technology
The future of intraoral scanning technology looks promising, with several emerging trends poised to further revolutionize digital dentistry. Recent advancements in chairside scanning technology have significantly influenced the increase in intraoral scanners, improving the quality of dental restorations and appliances without the need for impression material.
From AI integration to cloud-based solutions and innovative scanner designs, these trends are shaping the future of dental technology.
Artificial Intelligence in Scanning
Artificial intelligence is increasingly enhancing intraoral scanning technology. AI algorithms analyze scanning data in real-time, reducing human errors and improving precision. This integration improves consistency in impressions, leading to higher quality dental restorations.
Machine learning models optimize scanning parameters based on patient specifics, resulting in tailored and accurate scans. AI can automate the assessment of scanned images, enabling quicker diagnosis of dental conditions and more efficient workflows, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Cloud-Based Solutions
Cloud-based solutions are transforming how dental practices manage and share scan data. Cloud storage enhances efficiency by allowing quick access and sharing of scan data from any location. This remote access improves collaboration and speeds up clinical workflows, ensuring that patient care is not delayed.
Essential software should support cloud storage functionalities for seamless integration with users’ workflows. Cloud-based solutions facilitate real-time data transfer to dental labs, streamlining processes and reducing errors.
The integration of intraoral scanners with dental labs through cloud solutions significantly improves the restorative process.
Innovations in Scanner Design
Innovations in scanner design are focused on enhancing hardware capabilities, which improve both functionality and user experience. For example, the Condor intraoral scanner features advanced software algorithms that enhance speed and improve scan resolution and accuracy.
These innovations keep intraoral scanners at the cutting edge of dental technology, providing dental professionals with the tools needed for high-quality care. As scanner designs evolve, they will likely become more user-friendly, accurate, and efficient, solidifying their role in modern dental practices.
Summary
In conclusion, the evolution of intraoral scanners has significantly transformed digital dentistry, providing dental professionals with tools that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and patient comfort. The top intraoral scanners of 2024, including the iTero Element 5D Plus, CEREC Primescan, Medit i700, and 3Shape TRIOS 5 Wireless, each offer unique features that cater to different needs within dental practices.
By understanding the key factors to consider when choosing a dental scanner, such as ease of use, scanning accuracy, speed, software capabilities, and cost, dental professionals can make informed decisions that best suit their practice. The advantages of digital impressions over traditional methods, combined with the integration with dental laboratory systems and future trends in technology, ensure that intraoral scanners will continue to play a vital role in advancing dental care. Embrace these innovations to enhance your practice and provide the best possible care for your patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are intraoral scanners?
Intraoral scanners are advanced devices that capture 3D digital dental impressions, enhancing the efficiency and comfort of dental practices. They facilitate a more modern approach to patient care.
How do intraoral scanners work?
Intraoral scanners work by utilizing handheld devices to capture 3D images of the oral cavity, which are then processed by specialized software to produce detailed digital impressions. This technology streamlines the impression-taking process, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in dental practices.
What are the benefits of using intraoral scanners over traditional methods?
Intraoral scanners offer superior accuracy, increased patient comfort, enhanced workflow efficiency, and reduced costs for materials and labor. These benefits make them a preferable choice over traditional methods in dental practices.
What factors should be considered when choosing an intraoral scanner?
When choosing an intraoral scanner, it is essential to consider ease of use, scanning accuracy, speed, software capabilities, and cost. Each of these factors plays a critical role in ensuring optimal performance and satisfaction with the device.
What are some future trends in intraoral scanning technology?
Future trends in intraoral scanning technology indicate a strong focus on integrating artificial intelligence, cloud-based solutions, and advancements in scanner design to improve accuracy, efficiency, and user experience. These developments promise to revolutionize the dental practice landscape.