The Clearance Tool allows you to check if there is enough space (clearance) between the prepared tooth and the opposing arch for your selected material. This is essential for ensuring your restoration will fit and function properly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Set the Clearance Value
Use the slider at the bottom of the tool to set the minimum required clearance for the restorative material you are using.
Example: If your material requires 0.6 mm of clearance, slide the bottom scale value to 0.6 mm.
2. Interpret the Colors
Once the scale is set, examine the prepared surfaces on the digital scan.
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No blue visible: You have at least the amount of clearance you've set. The prep meets the minimum requirement.
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Blue visible: The blue areas have less clearance than the value set on the scale. This means the prep is too shallow in those areas and will likely need reduction.
Note: The heat map colors indicate thickness based on the value you set. The blue represents areas that fall short of the required thickness. Other colors (green, yellow, red) show increasing levels of clearance.
3. Focus on the Prep
Only assess the prepared tooth surfaces where the restoration will be placed. Other areas (like soft tissue or unprepped teeth) may show colors but are not relevant to the restoration's fit.
4. Adjust as Needed
If blue is present, adjust the prep in the highlighted areas until blue disappears. This ensures you’ve met or exceeded the minimum thickness required for the chosen material.
5. Remember
The system does not auto-select the correct clearance requirement based on the material. You must know and manually set the correct minimum value.
Tips
- If you’re unsure of the minimum thickness needed, refer to the material guidelines or consult with an expert.
- Using a test model? Keep in mind that clearance values are only meaningful when evaluating actual preps.
- If you continue to see unexpected results, double-check your scale settings or consider contacting our live scan review team.