Overview: This article explains how to use Chairside software tools to capture, edit, and analyze intraoral scans to ensure high-quality digital impressions.
Edit and trim scan data
Use the following tools to remove unwanted data or restart a scan within Chairside.
Reset scan data
Select Reset to delete the entire current scan. Use the Reset tool when you need to restart the scanning process from the beginning.
Trim selected areas
Select Trim to remove specific portions of a scan. The Trim tool allows for precise removal of excess data without deleting the entire scan.
Use the Brush tool
The Brush tool removes the surface area directly selected. This tool is ideal for 360° wax rim scans.
Choose a trim diameter of 1, 2, or 4mm.
Select the Undo button below the diameter list if you need to reverse a change.
Select Done on the left to exit the Brush tool.
Use the Scalpel tool
The Scalpel tool cuts through both front and back surfaces based on your current viewing angle.
Choose a trim diameter of 1, 2, or 4mm.
Select the Undo button below the diameter list to reverse an action.
Select Done on the left to exit the Scalpel tool.
Manage scan viewing and orientation
Use these features to stabilize data or change how the scan is displayed on the screen.
Lock scan areas
The Lock tool protects selected areas from being modified during active scanning. Use the Lock tool to stabilize retracted gingiva immediately after scanning to prevent tissue collapse.
Select a diameter of 1, 2, or 4mm, or use larger sizing options at the bottom of the screen.
Apply the Lock tool to the desired region.
Select Done on the left to save the locked areas.
Center the scan view
Select Center to reorient the scan to the default occlusal view. The Center tool quickly returns the scan to a standard viewing angle regardless of its previous orientation.
Toggle Stone view
Select Stone to convert the scan to a monochromatic stone appearance. This view helps in identifying prep margins or surface details without color distractions. Click Stone again to toggle the color view back on.
Swap scan arches
The Swap tool allows you to reassign completed scans if they were captured in the incorrect arch position.
View the specific arch you wish to move.
Select Swap.
Select the destination arch to exchange the upper and lower scan data.
Capture intraoral media
Use the scanner to record photos and videos for diagnostic records.
Take intraoral photos
The Photo tool captures high-quality images.
Select the Photo tool and ensure the scanner box on the screen is green.
Tap the scanner button once to activate the tool.
Tap the scanner button a second time to capture the image.
Select Done to exit.
Capture HD video
The Capture HD Video tool records intraoral footage up to 10 seconds long.
Select the video tool and ensure the scanner box is green.
Tap the scanner button to start recording.
Tap the scanner button again to stop, or allow the tool to end automatically after 10 seconds.
Download captured media
You can download photos and videos after the case reaches the Review page.
Select Save and Close in the upper left corner.
Select Patients and enter the patient's name to open their profile.
Hover over the specific case and select the three dots menu.
Select Download Photos and Videos.
Manage Review Page Tools in Chairside
Viewing options in Chairside
Review page tools become available once the user completes all scans and moves to the Review tab. Availability of specific options depends on the case type being scanned.
Single view: Displays both the upper and lower arches in occlusion.
Side by Side view: Displays the upper and lower arches individually and simultaneously.
Complete view: Displays a combination of Single and Side by Side views.
Compare view: Displays the current scans next to a previous set of completed scans. Use the drop-down menu above each scan to select available cases by date.
Present view: Displays the scans in full screen. Press Esc or click Present again to exit full screen.
Display and diagnostic tools
Use these tools to adjust the visual appearance of the scans and perform clinical evaluations.
General display settings
Upper and Lower: Toggles the visibility of each individual arch scan on or off.
HD Scans: Converts the scans to high definition. Load times vary based on the scan size.
Stone: Converts the scan to a monochromatic stone appearance for easier visual inspection. Click Stone again to toggle the effect off.
Clinical diagnostic tools
Margin tool: Allows users to draw prep edges to ensure proper fit and aesthetics. Users should utilize the HD Scans and Stone tools while defining margins. Click the margin to drop annotations until the entire margin is outlined. Select Done to exit the tool.
Undercut tool: Highlights potential undercut areas based on the path of insertion. Users must manipulate the scan to find the insertion path, then click Set POI (Path of Insertion) to trigger the tool. Select Done to exit.
Clearance tool: Displays a heat map of the occlusal clearance. After clicking Clearance, the user may need to click Heatmap on the left side of the screen to activate the visual. Select a range between 0.0mm and 2.9mm to evaluate clearance. Select Done to exit.
Scan annotations
Users can draw, circle, or add text directly onto the scan image using the Annotate Scans feature.
Position the scan in the desired orientation.
Select a tool from the top of the screen to capture a screenshot for annotation.
View: Toggle between Single, Complete, Side by Side, and Compare views.
Brush: Draw freehand on the image. Color and size options appear on the right when the Brush is active.
Shapes (Arrow, Rectangle, Ellipse): Add specific shapes to the image. Color options appear on the right when a shape is selected.
Text: Add and position written notes anywhere on the image.
Select the X in the upper right-hand corner to exit the annotation tool.
Post-review actions
Once the review is complete, choose one of the following next steps.
Start Ordering: Select this to proceed with the order placement.
Re-scan: If a scan appears insufficient, click A Scan Looks Bad? Re-scan It and select the Pencil icon next to the specific scan to retake it.
Share Scans With Patient: Generate a link, printout, or QR code to share the scans. First-time users must confirm practice information. Add a message or context before clicking Share.