An important technology that is gradually replacing traditional methods in digital oral therapy is the intraoral scanner, also known as an electronic impression scanner. Known for its convenience, precision and comfortable experience, the mouth scanner has become an integral part of digital dentistry. However, for those who have never experienced a mouth scan, there may be some questions about what exactly a mouth scan is. Today, we will discuss the benefits and usefulness of intraoral scanners.

Intraoral scanners use a small probing optical scanning head to obtain three-dimensional morphology and colour texture information on the surface of teeth, gums, mucous membranes and other tissues directly in the patient's mouth. Compared with the traditional plaster impression, the intraoral scanner greatly simplifies the clinical operation process and becomes the basic equipment for digital dental diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, the intraoral scanner can also effectively carry out doctor-patient communication, according to the characteristics of the patient's oral cavity for the design of treatment programmes.

Oral scanners play a crucial role in the dental implant process, especially in the extraction of moulds. Conventional modelling is time-consuming, complex and can be uncomfortable for the patient. Instead of taking impressions and making plaster casts, the oral scanner can scan the patient's mouth to obtain highly accurate 3D information, thus reducing discomfort. This collected 3D information can be sent directly to the information centre for the next step of treatment planning.

The advantages of intraoral scanning are accurate data and high definition images. The accuracy of oral scanning can reach 8-12 microns, which is much higher than the error of traditional mould taking. After the mouth scan is completed, the doctor can immediately view all the data on the computer, including the position of the teeth, the edge of the gums, the intraoral situation, the compliance of the prepared teeth, and even observe the condition of dental calculus. At the same time, the mouth scan can also visualise the occlusal situation, such as whether there is enough space for occlusal space and prepared teeth. The high-frequency scanning method enables the mouth scan to generate image reports quickly, saving time and improving efficiency. The patient's cooperation and comfort during intraoral scanning is high, avoiding the inconvenience and discomfort of the traditional mould taking process.