Study of 3D scanning technologies and scanners in orthodontics

Abstract

Digital dental scanners are devices which are used to capture optical impression of intra and extra oral structures of the patient’s mouth. The basic principle of digital scanning is based upon optical phenomena like optical triangulation, coherence tomography, parallel confocal imaging and three-dimensional motion videos capturing technique. In orthodontic practice, digital scanners can be successfully used in efficient treatment planning, custom appliance fabrication, clear aligner technology and orthognathic surgical simulation. From digital record keeping, digital cast models, occlusogram, extra oral and intra oral scanners to software for cephalometric analysis, etc. have taken the orthodontic practice to newer heights. Intraoral digital scanner that utilizes the parallel-confocal imaging technology and point and stitch reconstruction to generate digital impressions which are accurate and powder free. Digitization has revolutionized the conventional orthodontics completely. In modern day orthodontic dental practice digital extra-oral and intra-oral scans are used to fabricate working and study cast models that facilitates construction of fixed orthodontic appliances, retainers and custom trays for lingual orthodontic procedures. Digital scanners are the new face of impression making and digital cast fabrication in dentistry. This review aims to identify advantages of utilising digitally scanned impressions over the conventional impression making techniques and application of digital scanning technology pertaining to the speciality of orthodontics in dental practice.