Overview: Learn how to use the Clearance Tool to verify sufficient space between a prepared tooth and the opposing arch for restorative materials.
Configure the Clearance Tool
The Clearance Tool does not automatically select requirements based on the material; the user must set the value manually.
Locate the slider at the bottom of the Clearance Tool.
Slide the scale to match the minimum required clearance for the chosen restorative material (e.g., 0.6 mm).
Interpret Heat Map Colors
After setting the scale, examine the prepared surfaces on the digital scan to evaluate the clearance levels.
No Red Visible: The preparation meets the minimum requirement and has at least the amount of clearance set on the scale.
Red Visible: The preparation is too shallow in these areas. Red indicates that the clearance is less than the value set on the scale.
Other Colors: Green and yellow indicate increasing levels of clearance beyond the minimum requirement.
Evaluate the Preparation
Focus only on the prepared tooth surfaces where the restoration will be placed.
Ignore colors shown on soft tissue or unprepared teeth, as these areas do not affect the restoration fit.
If red is present on the preparation, adjust the prepared tooth in the highlighted areas.
Continue adjustments until the red disappears to ensure the preparation meets the minimum thickness for the material.
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.