Overview: Learn how to capture hard-to-reach scan areas for crowns and bridges using scanning tools and Chairside controls.
Utilizing Clinical Scanning Tools
Clinicians can use specialized tools and mechanical techniques to manage highly reflective surface environments and capture hard-to-reach anatomy during an intraoral scan:
Scan Spray: Adds a matte finish to shiny surfaces such as partials, dentures, edentulous areas, scan bodies, metal restorations, and wax rims to prevent scanner reflections.
Articulating Paper: Clinicians can rub articulating paper on scan bodies, partial clasping, metal crowns, metal fillings, and wax rims to dull superficial shine.
Hemostatic Agents: Reduces active clinical bleeding to maintain a clean visual scanning field.
Mirror Tip Positioning: Position the scanner mirror tip close to the target tooth structure to ensure accurate data capture.
Mandible Adjustment: Instruct the dental patient to shift the patient's mandible to provide improved scanner access to posterior areas.
Executing the Twist Technique
Follow these step-by-step instructions to capture tight interproximal contact points cleanly:
Position the intraoral scanner flat along the occlusal surface of the teeth.
Rotate the intraoral scanner 90 degrees while the scanner remains completely outside of the patient’s mouth.
Twist the intraoral scanner in one direction and hold the scanner steady for two seconds.
Twist the intraoral scanner in the opposite direction and hold the scanner steady for two seconds.
Note on Performance: Twisting the intraoral scanner directs scanner light into difficult technical angles, and pausing gives the camera sufficient time to capture complete data.
Capturing Mesial and Distal Contacts
To capture contact points specifically, use the following steps:
Position the scanner flat along the occlusal surface.
Rotate the scanner 90 degrees while the scanner is outside of the patient’s mouth.
Twist the scanner in one direction and hold for two seconds.
Twist the scanner in the opposite direction and hold for two seconds.
Using a monitor during this process allows the practitioner to see missing data fill in as the scanner angles change.
Capturing the Mesial and Distal Contacts
Verifying Visual Quality Standards
Clinicians must evaluate the final digital model against visual quality standards before finalizing the case:
Manage Scanning and Review Tools in Chairside
Verify that all preparation margins are clearly visible and free of scanning artifacts.
Check the model structure for missing data, holes, overlaps, or stitching distortions.
Ensure adjacent teeth and corresponding occlusal anatomy are completely captured.
Evaluating Scans with Mouse Controls
Use a standard computer mouse to rotate, zoom, and place markings on digital models within the Chairside platform:
Rotate and Pivot Models: Right-click and hold the mouse button while moving the mouse to rotate the digital model.
Place Markers and Trim Models: Left-click the mouse button on the digital model to place tooth markers and bite alignment markers. When Trim and Lock modes are active, left-clicking trims the digital model or locks specific surfaces.
Zoom and Orient Views: Scroll the mouse wheel up to zoom in on the specific cursor location, or scroll the mouse wheel down to zoom out. Double-clicking a specific area zooms into that designated region.
Drag Static Models: Press and hold the mouse scroll wheel to drag the digital model to a new viewing area without rotating the model geometry.
Evaluating Scans with Trackpad Controls
Use laptop trackpad gestures and built-in trackpad buttons to navigate the digital model workflow:
Trackpad Rotation and Selection: Right-click and move one finger across the trackpad surface to rotate the digital model. Left-click the trackpad to place markers, trim models, or lock surfaces. Double-clicking the trackpad zooms into the selected location.
Trackpad Zoom Gestures: Apply a two-finger pinching motion on the trackpad to zoom in or zoom out. Alternatively, place two fingers on the trackpad surface and scroll up to zoom out or scroll down to zoom in.
Drag Models on Dell Laptops: Press the middle trackpad button located between the left and right clickers to drag the digital model while keeping the model completely static.