Overview: This article provides instructions for capturing and reviewing orthodontic data using the Chairside retainer scanning workflow to ensure accurate appliance fabrication.
Capture Retainer Scan Data
Follow the recommended scan path in the specified order to ensure the Chairside software processes data correctly.
Digital Removal of Dental Attachments
Attachments: The software allows for the digital removal of attachments. The dental professional does not need to remove physical attachments before scanning, but must note the removal requirement before fabrication.
Brackets: Digital bracket removal is limited to 2-3 brackets due to potential distortion. If the patient has a full arch of brackets, the dental professional should remove the brackets physically and perform a rescan.
Perform Arch Scans
To ensure high-quality data, capture both the upper and lower arches using the occlusal, buccal, and lingual scan path.
Lower Arch: Scan following an occlusal, buccal, then lingual path. Select Next once complete.
Upper Arch: Scan following an occlusal, buccal, then lingual path. Select Next once complete.
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Bites: Capture at least four teeth and 2-3mm of gingiva to register the bite accurately.
Review and Align Scans
Select Review Scans to check for missing or distorted data. If the software does not automatically align the bite scans, you must align the bite scans manually to ensure proper occlusion.
Use Chairside Scanning Tools
The tools located at the bottom of the scan pages allow you to modify the Chairside retainer scan.
Reset: Deletes the entire scan data to begin the process again.
Trim: Removes only the specific area of the scan you select with the tool.
Lock: Fixes the selected area of the scan in place to prevent further changes.
Center: Aligns the scan view to a standard occlusal perspective.
Stone: Converts the scan appearance to a monochromatic stone texture for better detail visibility.
Swap: Exchanges the current scan data with a different selected arch scan.
Evaluate Scan Review Modes
Choose from the following viewing options to evaluate the quality of the captured arches and occlusion.
Single: Displays both the upper and lower arches together in occlusion.
Side by Side: Displays the upper and lower arches individually on the screen at the same time.
Complete: Displays a combination of the Single and Side by Side viewing modes.
Compare: Displays the current scans next to a previously completed set of scans.
Present: Expands the scan view to fill the entire screen for a detailed presentation.
Upper and Lower Buttons: Use these buttons to toggle the visibility of specific arches on or off.
- Click “HD Scans” to view the scans in High Definition
- Click “Clearance” to view a heat map of the occlusal clearance
- “Stone” converts the scan to a monochromatic stone appearance
- Click “Annotate Scans” to draw, circle, or add text directly onto the scan
- Choose one of the following options:
- Click “Start Ordering” to continue placing the order
- Click “A Scan Looks Bad? Re-scan It” then click the pencil icon next to the scan you’d like to retake
- Click “Share Scans With Patient”
- Confirm the practice information if this is your first time sharing scans
- Write a short message to your patient explaining the situation
- Add any additional context
- Choose to send via link, printout, or QR code
- Click “Share”