Overview: This article provides step-by-step instructions for the scanning workflow to fabricate dentures on opposing arches using Chairside software.
Prepare for Intraoral Scanning
To ensure high-quality scan data, follow these environmental and patient preparation steps before starting the intraoral scan:
Manage Lighting: The intraoral scanner provides an internal light source. Turn off all overhead dental lights or loupe lights to prevent data interference.
Prepare the Oral Cavity: Rinse the oral cavity and use suction to remove excess moisture. Dry the teeth and tissues thoroughly immediately before scanning.
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Position the Patient:
For the lower arch, move the patient chair into a semi-supine position.
For the upper arch, move the patient chair into a supine position.
Position the Clinician: A right-handed clinician should sit between the 8 and 12 o’clock position with a clear view of the laptop screen.
Perform Intraoral Scanning Steps
Follow the specific sequence and path to capture the digital impressions for both arches:
Scan Sequence and Paths
The recommended scan sequence for both arches is Occlusal → Lingual → Buccal. Capture the patient’s lower and upper arches by following the Recommended Intraoral Scan Paths for Complete Dentures.
Address Edentulous and Partially Edentulous Scanning Challenges
If a direct intraoral scan is contraindicated or difficult for the patient, use these alternative physical impression methods:
For Edentulous Arches: Take a PVS impression of the edentulous arch. Use the intraoral scanner to scan the edentulous PVS impression directly into the Chairside software.
For Partially Edentulous Arches: Take an alginate impression and pour a stone model. Use the intraoral scanner to scan the partially edentulous stone model.
For Difficult Lower Arches: If scanning an edentulous lower arch is difficult, take a standard impression and scan either the physical impression or the resulting stone model into Chairside.
Review Scans for Accuracy
Before finishing the session, verify the digital data to ensure the designer has sufficient information for fabrication:
Review Tools and Annotations
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Evaluate Data: Use the Stone tool on the Review page to check for data distortion or missing information.
Add Designer Notes: Use the Annotate scans tool to edit screenshots of the digital scans. Send these annotated screenshots as notes to provide specific instructions to the designer.
Resolve Errors: If you identify data errors or distortion, click A scan looks bad? Re-scan it to capture new data.
Complete the Order: If the scan data is accurate, click Start Ordering to proceed.