Advancements in dental technology have brought intraoral scanning devices, like the to the forefront of digital impression-making in clinical applications. This device represents a significant shift from traditional impression-making methods using silicone rubber or alginate, streamlining many processes while presenting new challenges. Below is an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of using the AlliedStar AS100 for intraoral scanning.

Advantages of the Intraoral Scanner:

1. Time-Saving and Effortless with Enhanced Patient Experience

The AlliedStar AS100 scanner eliminates the need for traditional impression materials, simplifying the preparation work, such as mixing and waiting for materials to set, and significantly reducing the modeling time. Patients experience less discomfort without the prolonged presence of foreign materials in their mouths, thus improving the overall clinical experience.

2. High Precision, Easier Storage, and Transfer

The AS100 can produce highly accurate three-dimensional dental models in a digital format. These data are not only easier to store and transmit remotely but also serve as an exact reference for subsequent tooth design and manufacturing processes, enhancing the fit and comfort of dental restorations.

3. Environmentally Friendly with Reduced Material Usage

In contrast to traditional methods, the scanner avoids using large amounts of disposable materials, thereby reducing the environmental footprint.

Disadvantages of the Intraoral Scanner:

1. High Equipment Investment and Technical Proficiency Required

Intraoral scanners like the AlliedStar AS100 come with a higher initial investment cost, and there are additional expenses for maintenance and upgrades. Operators must also undergo professional training to ensure that the data captured is accurate and reliable.

2. Dependence on Oral Condition

The accuracy of the AS100 scanner may be compromised if the patient has an excessive amount of dental calculus or plaque. Moreover, challenges such as excessive gag reflexes can make scanning more difficult.

3. Fast-Paced Technological Evolution

With the rapid advancement in digital technology, devices like the AS100 are continuously updated. Dentists must keep up-to-date with the latest developments and be willing to adapt to new technologies.

Difference Between Intraoral Scanning with the AS100 and Traditional Methods:

Traditional impression-making is a tactile process that involves using physical materials to create a mold in the patient's mouth. The AlliedStar AS100, on the other hand, is part of a digital workflow that captures the mouth's interior using advanced scanning technology to generate a digital model. This leads to notable differences in efficiency, accuracy, and patient comfort levels, positioning the AS100 as a cutting-edge tool in the evolution of dental digitization.

As a potent and precise tool for dental digital technology, the AlliedStar AS100 intraoral scanner offers substantial benefits for dental treatment. It reduces patient discomfort, conserves materials, and increases the precision of dental production. Nevertheless, the high cost of the equipment, the need for technical expertise, and the reliance on the patient's oral condition are considerations that may limit its widespread adoption. Looking ahead, with further technological advancements and cost reductions, the AlliedStar AS100 has the potential to become a preferred choice in dental modeling.