The 3D scanner is one of the key tools in modern dental technology, which has completely changed the way technicians and dentists work. This device allows for precise, fast, and non-invasive transfer of a patient’s dentition shape into a digital form, eliminating the need for traditional, often uncomfortable impressions.
Scanning can be performed directly in the oral cavity (so-called intraoral scanners) or in the laboratory (laboratory scanner) – based on plaster models. This technology is based on structured light or laser, which records millions of points on the surface of the teeth, creating an accurate three-dimensional mesh (a cloud of points that connect with each other to create tiny triangles, which together form a mesh; the denser the mesh, the more accurate the dental model). This data is then converted into a digital 3D model.
The digital impression is transferred to CAD software, where the dental technician can design crowns, bridges, veneers, splints, or entire dentures. The finished design is sent to a milling machine or a 3D printer, which significantly speeds up the entire process.
The 3D scanner offers not only precision and time savings – it is also a guarantee of greater comfort for the patient, the ability to archive work, and easier communication between the clinic and the laboratory. Thanks to this, dental technology is entering a new level of digitalization, offering better, faster, and more predictable treatment outcomes.
