Embracing the future: intraoral scanners versus traditional dental models
Over the past few decades, the world of dentistry has experienced profound changes, primarily due to the advent of technology. If we rewind time and go back to the late 19th century, dentists would solely rely on traditional dental models, commonly referred to as ‘silicone dental moulds,’ to gain an understanding of a patient’s oral health. These models were manually created by the dentist, making them time-consuming and, often, less accurate than desired.
As we ushered in the digital age, a new player entered the dental field: the intraoral scanner. This device has quickly begun to revolutionise the way our dentist Bicester examines their patients’ mouths.
The magic of intraoral scanners
Intraoral scanners are an epitome of innovation. They use a wand-like device to create a digital 3D model of a patient’s mouth within seconds, eliminating the need for messy, uncomfortable dental impressions. They offer an unrivalled level of precision, allowing dentists to capture every nook and cranny within a patient’s mouth.
The convenience factor is a key attribute of these scanners. They are portable, can be easily operated, and offer real-time visualisation. The data acquired can be immediately reviewed on a computer screen, allowing dentists to make instantaneous diagnoses and treatment plans.
Additionally, the scans can be sent electronically to our partner dental laboratories, where prosthodontic appliances such as crowns or dentures can be fabricated with machine-like precision. This has significantly cut down the waiting time for our patients, improving both their satisfaction and overall experience.
The charm and challenges of traditional dental models
On the other side of the coin are the traditional dental models. The charm of these models lies in their simplicity and minimal technology requirements. They involve taking an impression of the patient’s mouth with a special material, typically alginate, which is then poured with dental stone to create a physical model.
However, there’s a caveat. The traditional model-making process is subject to errors at multiple stages. For instance, the impression material can distort or the dental stone can chip, leading to inaccuracies. The process is also more time-consuming than intraoral scanning, and it demands a great deal of skill on the part of our dentist Bicester.
Despite these challenges, some dental practices continue to use traditional dental models, either due to financial constraints or out of a desire to maintain traditional techniques.
A glance at the future
As we stand at the intersection of traditional methods and innovative technology, it’s evident that the future of dentistry is tilting towards the digital. Intraoral scanners are set to become the norm, offering a seamless and precise dental care experience.
However, the charm of the traditional dental models is unlikely to fade entirely. They’ll continue to play a role, especially in teaching institutions, where budding dentists learn the ropes of their profession, and in practices where digital technology is yet to make a significant mark.
In conclusion, the intraoral scanners and traditional dental models are not adversaries but rather complementary tools in the broad spectrum of dental care. At our dentist Bicester, we embrace the future, we must respect the past, striking a balance that optimises patient care while championing innovation.