Overview: Learn the essential techniques for capturing high-quality digital impressions across all Dandy product lines to ensure case success.
Crown and Bridge Scanning
To optimize crown and bridge results, follow specific preparation and moisture control steps.
Preparation and Moisture Control
Retraction: Place cotton rolls in the vestibular region or use cheek pads to retract soft tissue.
Drying: Thoroughly dry the edentulous tissue before beginning the scan.
Cord Packing: For sub-gingival preparations, use a double-pack retraction cord.
Execution and Techniques
Starting Point: Activate the scanner over the occlusal surface of a molar or premolar.
Scanner Distance: Keep the scanner mirror tip nearly touching the teeth, as the device is distance-sensitive.
Speed: Move the scanner significantly slower over soft tissue or edentulous areas.
Implant Scanning
Implant cases require specific focus on the scan body and emergence profile.
Emergence Profile: Capture this scan without the healing cap in place.
Scan Body: Torque the scan body until it is hand-tight.
Bite Scans: Always remove the scan body before performing bite scans.
Clear Aligner and Retainer Scanning
Accurate posterior capture is vital for aligner and retainer fit.
Patient Positioning: Have the patient close their mouth halfway to create space for the scanner in the posterior areas.
Capture Area: Ensure the distal surface of the posterior-most teeth is captured in both arches.
Complete Denture Scanning
Denture workflows often combine digital scans with physical impressions.
Marking Wax Rims: Use an instrument to make markings on the posterior portion of the wax bite rim for visual reference.
Extraoral Scanning: Hold the denture or wax rim in your hand rather than placing it on a flat surface.
Moisture: Keep the patient's tissue as dry as possible during intraoral segments.
Partial Denture Scanning
Focus on abutment teeth and proper tissue extension for partial dentures.
Abutment Capture: Ensure teeth that will be clasped are completely and accurately captured.
Gum Tissue: Tilt the scanner on both sides of the arch to capture at least 5 mm of the lingual and buccal gum tissue.
Night Guard and Splint Scanning
Consistency and palate capture are the priorities for guards and splints.
Palate Capture: The scanner must capture the entire palate for these appliances.
Retromolar Pads: Ensure both retromolar pads are included in the final scan data.
Sleep Apnea Scanning
Sleep apnea cases require a specific protruding bite scan.
Required Scans: You must submit an upper arch, lower arch, and a protruding bite scan.
Stability: Keep the patient's jaw stable with no movement between each bite capture.
Quality Control Checklist
Before submitting any case, verify the following:
Are all posterior tooth surfaces captured?
Are both retromolar pads included?
Is the scan free of holes, voids, layering, or distortions?
Is the entire palate visible?