This article provides troubleshooting guidance for stitching errors and scanning challenges when capturing 360° scans, soft tissue, and edentulous areas for full or partial dentures.
360 Denture Scan Tips
- It can be difficult for the scanner to capture these areas. This usually results in double scanning. Try to use a scan spray. If you don't have any, it might be worth investing in some. Sometimes, rubbing articulating paper on very shiny areas can help capture them and slightly dull the shine.
- For 360 scans, ensure the wash impression doesn't cover the teeth; if it does, please trim it with a scalpel.
- Here's a great article explaining 360 scans in detail. Manage 360° Scanning for Complete Dentures and Wax Rims
Common concerns with denture scans are distortions and stitching errors
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What causes these errors:
- Moving too fast while scanning
- Not being close enough to what's being scanned
- Too high an image count
- Extra light when scanning
Moving too fast while scanning:
- When moving the scanner too quickly, it doesn't allow ample time for the scanner to pick up data needed and can skip over some areas. This results in distortions because the scanner doesn't recognise the data it is picking up.
Not being close enough to what's being scanned:
- When the scanner is too far from what's being scanned, it won't capture all the data and will only see data it doesn't recognise, which can cause distortions. Be sure to stay as close to what you're scanning as possible. Even lightly touching what you're scanning is okay.
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When scanning a hard-to-reach area, try entering it from different angles with the scanner to get closer to the area.
Too high an image count:
- Ideally, the image count shouldn't be over 5,000. You'll see this image count in the top right corner of the scan step you're on.
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When the image count goes over 5,000 it's likely that scan data will be taken from other areas of your scan and may have a harder time post-processing as well. Be sure to keep an eye on this as you're scanning. If you're close to the max image count and still have a lot of scanning left, it may be best to reset that scan.
Extra light when scanning
- Turning the overhead light off when scanning can help reduce extra shine on the denture
- There's a light built into the scanner, and it'll be enough when scanning
Stitching Issues with Dandy Vision Scanner
When post-processing scans, some scan data may disappear or may not stitch well. Here are some troubleshooting steps to address these areas of concern:
- In the scan step of the affected arch, are there any light blue/teal areas?
- Having areas of light blue/teal scan data is a result of low quality; once the scan post-processes, this can result in 'missing' areas of scan data
- In the affected scan step, if there are blue dots, this area also needs more scan data
- Areas composed of multiple small blue dots represent missing scan data. Once the scan post-processes, this can result in 'missing' areas of scan data
- Be sure to always post-process scans by clicking "HD" on the review page
- Reviewing scans in HD will show exactly what scans the lab will receive. Taking a few extra minutes to check in HD can help ensure the patient won't need to return for a rescan and that all crucial areas are fully captured without scan disparities.