Overview: This guide explains how to prepare wax rims and complete 360-degree scans for implant-supported overdentures using Chairside scanning software.
- Refer to Scanning Best Practices for tips and techniques on achieving optimal scans.
Adjusting Wax Rim Dimensions
Clinicians must adjust the wax rims to achieve the correct Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO) before beginning the scanning process.
Evaluating Clinical Dimensions
Insert the wax rims into the patient's mouth.
Assess the patient at rest, with closed lips, and while smiling.
Evaluate the curve of Spee, curve of Wilson, and Sphere of Monson.
Measure the height of the wax rims to determine if adjustments are needed.
Performing Extraoral and Intraoral Adjustments
Add or remove wax until the occlusal plane and lip support are ideal.
Cut notches into the occlusal surface of the rim to accommodate bite registration material.
Mark the smile lines, canine lines, and midlines directly on the wax rim.
Take a light body wash impression to improve the fit of the wax rim.
Ensure the implant locations are clearly visible within the final impression.
Capturing Required Clinical Photographs
Capture the following four images to assist the lab with the design process. These photos must be uploaded to the case file after scanning is complete.
Natural Smile: One head-on photo of the patient smiling naturally.
Profile Views: Two profile pictures (one from each side) of the patient smiling naturally.
Retracted View: One head-on photo of the patient with cheek retractors in place.
Executing Extraoral Scanning Sequences
Follow the sequence: Intaglio → Borders → Occlusal → Cameo for both arches.
Scanning Lower Wax Rims
Intaglio: Start scanning on the intaglio surface of the lower wax rim.
Borders: Use a "rocking and rolling" motion to move from the intaglio toward the peripheral border.
Cameo: Rock the scanner from the buccal border toward the facial tooth surfaces.
Occlusal: Scan from the buccal tooth surface to the occlusal and then lingual surfaces.
Scanning Upper Wax Rims
Intaglio: Sweep the scanner wand from side to side to capture the majority of the palate.
Borders: Use the "rocking and rolling" motion to capture the entire peripheral border.
Cameo: Rock the scanner from the buccal border toward the facial tooth surfaces.
Occlusal: Capture the anatomical tooth surfaces by moving from buccal to occlusal to lingual.
Capturing Bite Registration Scans
Place the adjusted wax rims back into the patient's mouth.
Apply blue bite registration material to prevent the rims from shifting.
Starting on the posterior teeth, wave the scanner wand up and down to capture 2-3 millimeters of the vestibule.
Select Next Bite and repeat the scanning procedure for the opposite side.
Reviewing and Finalizing Scans
Confirm the occlusion is accurate in the digital model.
Check the stone view for any data distortion or missing areas.
Use the Annotate tool to send specific design notes to the laboratory.
If the scan data is accurate, select Start Ordering to submit the case.