Overview: Establish a consistent and repeatable scan path for complete denture cases to reduce chair time and ensure a precise fit for the final appliance.
Lower Edentulous Scan Path
Begin the Occlusal Scan: Start on the occlusal surface of the second molar area and scan the occlusion.
Scan the Anterior Area: Rock the scanner back and forth (labial/lingual) when the scanner reaches the anterior teeth/area.
Complete the Arch: Continue the scan until the second molar on the opposite side of the denture is reached.
Capture the Lingual Base: Roll the scanner lingual to capture the base of the denture down to the lingual vestibule.
Overlap Scanned Data: Ensure the scanner overlaps with previously scanned data as the process proceeds.
Scan the Buccal Area: Wrap the scan around to the buccal and capture from the occlusal surface to the bottom of the vestibule.
Render the Initial Scan: Turn off the scanner and allow the software to render the initial data.
Analyze the Buccal Border: Restart the scanner on the original second molar area and slowly roll the scanner to the bottom of the buccal vestibule.
Scan the Buccal Border: Position the scanner to look straight down at the buccal surface and rock the scanner back and forth to capture the entire area.
Capture the Alveolar Ridge: Scan the alveolar ridge by using a twisting motion to capture undercuts on both sides.
Scan the Lingual Border: Scan the lingual border by rocking the scanner back and forth to capture the anatomy in this area.
Final Lower Render: Turn off the scanner and allow the lower denture scan to render.
Inspect for Missing Data: Review the lower scan for missing data and touch up any gaps before proceeding to the next step.
Upper Edentulous Scan Path
Begin the Occlusal Scan: Start on the occlusal surface of the second molar area and scan the occlusion.
Scan the Anterior Area: Rock the scanner back and forth (labial/lingual) when the scanner reaches the anterior teeth/area.
Complete the Arch: Continue the scan until the second molar on the opposite side is reached.
Scan the Palate: Roll the scanner lingually and follow the arch to the midline.
Sweep the Distal Border: Use a back-and-forth sweeping motion to scan toward the distal border while capturing the palate.
Scan the Buccal Flange: Wrap the scan around to the buccal flange and capture from the occlusal surface to the edge of the appliance.
Render the Initial Scan: Turn off the scanner and allow the upper scan data to render.
Analyze the Buccal Border: Restart the scanner on the original second molar and slowly roll the scanner to the border of the buccal vestibule.
Scan the Buccal Border: Position the scanner to look straight down at the buccal surface and rock the scanner back and forth to capture this area.
Capture Alveolar Undercuts: Scan the alveolar ridge by following it, and use a twisting motion to capture the undercuts present in this area.
Connect Palate Data: Move the scanner back toward the midline and capture the palate with a sweeping motion toward the distal edge to connect new data to the previous scan.
Final Upper Render: Turn off the scanner and allow the upper denture scan to render.
Inspect for Missing Data: Review the upper scan for missing data and touch up those areas as needed.