The extraoral denture scan (360° Scan Technique) is a scanning technique used to scan a wax rim and/or an existing denture. It is completed in three phases centered around the various surfaces of the wax rim and/or existing denture:
- The entire cameo (wax-sided) side of the wax rim.
- Occlusal surface for an existing denture
- The entire border.
- The entire intaglio surface.
Denture Scanning Best Practices
Before moving forward, please ensure you review our Complete Denture Scanning Best Practices. Specific best practices that apply to this workflow are:
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Use an instrument to make markings on the posterior portion of the wax rim to create visual reference points by which the scanner can align images.
- We recommend generously marking up the surface with big Xs or the letters of the alphabet.
- Use scan spray to help with glossiness.
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Avoid completing extraoral scans under bright lights and, if needed, turn off the lights to prevent glares and reflections on the denture.
- The scanner has its own light and is designed to work in dark places (i.e., inside the mouth).
- Hold the denture or wax bite rim in your hand (rather than laying it on a flat surface.)
The video below will illustrate this technique on a wax rim, but the same technique can be used for an existing denture.
Cameo (wax-side) / Occlusal Scan
- Extraorally, turn on the scanner over the occlusal surface of the wax rim / existing denture. Glide the scanner across the entire occlusal surface.
- Proceed to scan the entire buccal surface of the wax rim / existing denture after scanning the occlusal surface.
- Proceed to scan the entire lingual surface of the wax rim / existing denture.
- Bring the scanner to sites #8 and #9 to scan the rest of the palatal region. Sweep the scanner back and forth, capturing the palatal region. Continue until reaching the posterior border of the appliance.
- Turn off the scanner. This allows the image to be processed.
Boarder Scan
- Turn on the scanner over the buccal surface. Slowly roll the scanner over the border towards the intaglio surface. Perform this rolling motion from the buccal-to-intaglio border to capture the entire circumference of the wax rim / existing denture's border.
Intaglio Scan
- Capture the entire region, including the flange, ridge, and palatal region (for maxillary appliances) of the intaglio surface.