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Intraoral scanner
Also called: digital impression scanner, IOS, scanner
A wand that takes a 3D digital impression instead of a tray of impression material.
An intraoral scanner takes many pictures as it moves over the teeth, and software stitches them into a 3D model. It replaces many traditional impressions, so there is no tray of goopy material and less gagging. It still has trouble with deep margins under the gums and some full-arch cases.
How to spot it
- A thick wand with a flat tip, connected to a cart or laptop that shows a 3D model as you scan.
What it is used for
- Used for crowns, bridges, aligners, night guards and study models; scans are sent to the lab digitally.
Safety and care
- Tips are sterilized, high-level disinfected or single-use depending on the model; follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Wipe the wand body with an approved disinfectant between patients.
Related
Sources: Are Conventional Impressions Obsolete? A Narrative Review on the Applicability of Intraoral Scanners. PMC12747623, Iannucci JM, Howerton LJ. Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 6th ed. Elsevier, 2022, CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17)