(Intraoral Scanner) in orthodontic treatment design

The evolution of digital technologies in dentistry, especially in the field of orthodontics, is like a progressive wave that has transformed all aspects of treatment. One of the brightest stars in this system is the intraoral digital scan; A tool that not only simplifies the process of evaluating and recording oral information, but also brings treatment design to a new stage with its stunning accuracy.

Goodbye to unpleasant memories of traditional molding

For many patients, the first encounter with orthodontics was a tense experience. Molding with pasty ingredients, even if the flavor was masked with mint or fruit essence, was still not pleasant for some people. Nausea, the need to sit still for a few minutes, and eventually a chalky or rubbery taste in the mouth were all part of the experience.

Today, however, the situation is different. Patients new to orthodontics are no longer faced with large metal or plastic trays, but a small, light and silent device moves over their teeth and a complete digital copy of their mouth is made in a few minutes.

What is an intraoral digital scan and how does it work?

An intraoral scanner is a device that looks like a small camera, but actually contains a complex set of technologies:

Advanced optical system: often uses laser or LED light to image the reflection of the surface of the teeth.
High resolution image sensor: This sensor is able to record data equivalent to millions of points per second.
Internal processor and 3D rendering algorithm: This part combines, aligns and transforms the data into an accurate 3D model.
Standard digital output: The final file is saved in formats such as STL, OBJ or PLY to be used in CAD/CAM or orthodontic software.

Unlike normal photography, instead of taking a two-dimensional image, here the device records a series of thousands of micro-images from different angles and connects them seamlessly.

History and path of evolution

1980s: supply of the first commercial samples, with limited quality and high price.
1990s: Improvements in processing speed, but still limitations in accuracy.
2010s: the arrival of modern versions with HD cameras, stable optical systems and software based on cloud processing.
1390s in Iran: the beginning of widespread use by advanced clinics and gradual replacement with traditional molding.

Why accuracy is vital in orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a millimeter game. It is enough to move one tooth only half a millimeter less or more to change the entire fit of the dental arch. In traditional molding, factors such as material stretch, patient movement, or temperature changes can cause errors. But digital scanning with micron accuracy almost eliminates this concern.

Complete steps of digital scanning

Patient preparation: drying the tissue, removing excess saliva and ensuring his comfort.
Step-by-step movement of the device head: starting from tooth number 1 and regular movement up to tooth number 8 in each jaw.
Live review of the image: the possibility of zooming and checking the details before the end of the scan.
Instant storage and transmission: transfer data to the laboratory via the secure Internet, even in the same patient chair.

Benefits for the patient and doctor

Patient: No molding material, no nausea, with a quick and visible experience on the monitor.
Physician: saving time, high accuracy, easy archiving, and the possibility of team work with remote specialists.

Comparison with traditional molding: practically a revolution

Patient satisfaction: in traditional molding there are usually complaints of taste and pressure, in digital scanning the experience is comfortable.
Data quality: The format may crack or deform, but digital data is stable and repeatable.

Applications beyond beauty

Preventive orthodontics in children: early detection of jaw growth problems.
Treatment of patients with mobility restrictions or disabilities: more convenience in data recording.
Implantation and jaw surgery: precise design of implant position.

Clear aligner and pattern without replacing digital scan

Manufacturing any hand aligner requires a complete digital drawing. A small error in this step may cause the plaques to not sit completely on the teeth. Digital scanning performs this critical step with confidence and accuracy.

Current challenges of digital scanning

high price
Requires good internet speed to send large files
Learning the correct techniques of scanning head movement

The Future of Technology: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Imagine that after scanning, the software will automatically analyze:

Exact location of dental anomalies
Suggestion of the direction of movement of each tooth
Calculation of the approximate treatment time

In some countries, the first examples of these systems are being tested and are expected to be made public in the next 5 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does digital scanning make the treatment result more accurate? Yes, due to higher accuracy and elimination of formatting errors.

Can all patients use digital scanning? Almost yes, except in certain cases where the patient does not cooperate enough.

Can the scanner be used for non-orthodontic treatments? Yes, it is also used in the design of veneers, bridges, implants and bite analysis.

Is the scan file reusable? Yes, it can be archived for a long time and used in the later stages of treatment.

What brands of digital scanners are famous? Companies like iTero, 3Shape, Carestream are among the leaders in this field.

Summary

Intraoral digital scanning is not only a modern alternative to traditional molding, but also a revolutionary tool for accurate and fast orthodontics. The more comfortable experience of patients, high accuracy, and the possibility of predicting the results have made this technology become the new standard of orthodontics. The future of this path will be the combination with artificial intelligence and fully personalized treatments.

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