Traditional dental impressions are not always the most comfortable part of a dental visit. An intraoral scanner gives our team a digital way to capture detailed information about your teeth without relying on conventional impression material for many procedures.
At Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics, our dentist, Dr. LeJon Carreon, uses an intraoral scanner in Littleton, CO, to create detailed digital images and models that can support diagnosis, treatment planning and the design of certain restorations and oral appliances. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule your appointment and learn how intraoral scanners can benefit you.
What Is an Intraoral Scanner?
An intraoral scanner is a handheld digital device that captures images of your teeth and other structures inside your mouth. As the scanner moves over your teeth, specialized software combines those images to create a detailed three-dimensional digital model.
This technology gives Dr. Carreon and our team a clear view of your smile without requiring a traditional physical impression for many types of treatment. The images can also be reviewed on a screen, making it easier to explain what we see and discuss your care with you.
How Does Digital Scanning Work?
During a digital scan, a small handheld wand is gently moved around your mouth while it captures images of your teeth from different angles. The images appear on a monitor as the scan is completed, allowing our team to build a detailed digital model of your smile.
The scanner can be paused and restarted as needed, which can make the process easier for patients who need a break. Because the information is captured digitally, our team can review the scan immediately instead of waiting for a physical impression to set.
Benefits of an Intraoral Scanner
Digital scanning can make several parts of dental care more efficient and comfortable. Benefits may include:
- No trays filled with traditional impression material for many procedures
- Detailed three-dimensional images of your teeth
- Digital models that can support treatment planning
- Immediate images that can be reviewed during your visit
- A scan that can be paused if you need a break
- Digital information that can be used when planning certain restorations or appliances
Dr. Carreon will explain when digital scanning is being used and how the information will contribute to your treatment.
How We Use Digital Scans in Dental Care
An intraoral scanner can support several types of dental treatment. Digital models may be used when planning restorations, orthodontic care or oral appliances, depending on the procedure.
For example, digital scanning may help with treatment involving dental crowns or Invisalign®. It can also provide useful records that allow our team to track changes in your smile over time.
Digital Scanning and Treatment Planning
Accurate records are an important part of planning dental care. A digital scan gives our dentist a detailed representation of your teeth that can be reviewed from multiple angles and used alongside other diagnostic information.
These digital models can help our team evaluate tooth position, shape and spacing and communicate more clearly about your treatment. When a restoration or appliance is being created, the scan can also provide measurements and contours used during the design process.
Modern Dental Technology in Littleton, CO
Dr. Carreon has been practicing dentistry since 2000 and continues her education several times each year. She believes technology should support better communication, efficient care and a more comfortable patient experience rather than simply being used for its own sake.
The intraoral scanner is one of several tools available at Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics. Visit our dental technology page to learn more about the technology our team uses to support diagnosis and treatment planning.
Schedule a Visit With Our Dental Team
If you would like to learn more about digital scanning or the role it may play in your dental care, contact Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule an appointment with our dentist and learn more about our intraoral scanner in Littleton, CO.
Frequently Asked Questions About Intraoral Scanners
What does an intraoral scanner do?
An intraoral scanner captures detailed digital images of your teeth and combines them to create a three-dimensional model of your smile. The scan can be used to support diagnosis, treatment planning and the design of certain restorations or oral appliances.
Is an intraoral scan more comfortable than a traditional impression?
Many patients prefer digital scanning because it does not require trays filled with impression material for many procedures. A small wand is moved around the mouth, and the scan can be paused if you need a break.
How long does an intraoral scan take?
The time needed depends on the area being scanned and the type of treatment being planned. Digital scans are captured during your appointment, and the images can be reviewed immediately once the scan is complete.
What treatments can use an intraoral scanner?
Digital scans may be used when planning treatments such as dental crowns, Invisalign clear aligners and certain oral appliances. Dr. Carreon will explain how the scanner is being used for your specific treatment.
Does an intraoral scanner use X-rays?
No. An intraoral scanner captures digital images of the visible surfaces of your teeth and mouth. It is different from dental X-rays, which provide information about structures that cannot be seen directly.
Can I see the images from my digital scan?
Yes. One advantage of digital scanning is that the images can be displayed on a monitor during your visit. This can help our team show you areas of your smile and explain treatment recommendations more clearly.
Does digital scanning replace every traditional dental impression?
Not necessarily. Digital scanning can replace traditional impressions for many procedures, but the method used depends on the treatment being planned. Our dentist will choose the type of record that best supports your care.
Where can I find an intraoral scanner in Littleton, CO?
Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics uses an intraoral scanner in Littleton to support digital treatment planning and selected restorative, orthodontic and appliance-based care. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a visit with our dentist.