Digital Scanners in South Euclid, OH
Digital scanners create detailed 3D images of your teeth and oral structures to support diagnosis, treatment planning and the design of certain restorations and appliances. At University Suburban Dental, our dentist uses digital scanners in South Euclid, Ohio, to capture precise information about your smile in a comfortable, efficient way.
Call 216-381-6521 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lexi Plucinsky and learn how digital scanning may be used as part of your dental care.
What Are Digital Scanners?
Digital scanners use a small handheld wand to capture a series of detailed images inside your mouth. These images are combined to create a 3D digital model of your teeth and surrounding oral structures.
The resulting model gives Dr. Plucinsky a detailed view that can be used to evaluate specific areas, plan treatment and design certain restorations or oral appliances.
How Do Digital Dental Scanners Work?
During a digital scan, our dentist or a member of our team guides a small scanning wand over your teeth. As the wand moves through your mouth, it captures images that are used to build a digital model.
The scan can be paused and resumed as needed, and the wand can be removed if you need a break. This can make digital scanning more comfortable for patients who do not enjoy traditional impression materials.
What Are Digital Scanners Used For?
Digital scanning can support several areas of dental care, including:
- Creating 3D models of the teeth and bite
- Evaluating tooth shape, spacing and alignment
- Planning certain restorative treatments
- Planning clear aligner treatment
- Designing selected oral appliances
- Helping create restorations that fit more precisely
Dr. Plucinsky will determine whether digital scanning is useful based on the treatment being planned.
Digital Scanners for Restorative Dentistry
Digital scans can be useful when planning certain restorative treatments because they provide a detailed digital representation of the teeth.
Depending on your treatment, digital impressions may be used when planning restorations such as dental crowns or other custom dental work.
Digital Scanners for Clear Aligners
Digital scanning may also be used to evaluate tooth alignment and create models for orthodontic treatment planning.
For patients considering SureSmile® clear aligners, digital scans can provide detailed information about tooth position and help support the customized treatment-planning process.
Digital Scanning vs. Traditional Dental Impressions
Traditional dental impressions use trays filled with impression material to create a physical model of the teeth. Digital scanners capture this information electronically instead.
For many patients, digital scanning can provide a more comfortable experience because there is no need to keep impression material in the mouth while it sets. It also allows the dental team to review the scan on a screen soon after it is captured.
Are Digital Scans Accurate?
Digital scanners are designed to capture detailed information about the shape and position of the teeth. The quality of the scan helps our dental team plan treatments and communicate information clearly.
As with any dental technology, the usefulness of a scan depends on the treatment being performed and how the information is applied. Dr. Plucinsky will explain how digital scanning fits into your specific care plan.
Is Digital Scanning Comfortable?
Digital scanning is generally designed to be a straightforward and comfortable process. The scanning wand is moved through the mouth in sections, and the process can be paused if you need a break.
This may be especially helpful for patients who have a sensitive gag reflex or dislike traditional impression trays.
Digital Scanners and Other Dental Technology
Digital scanning is one of several technologies that may be used to evaluate your smile and plan treatment. Depending on your needs, our team may also use digital X-rays or other tools to gather additional diagnostic information.
Learn more about the dental technology available at University Suburban Dental.
Schedule an Appointment in South Euclid, OH
If you are planning restorative, cosmetic or orthodontic treatment, digital scanning may be part of the process used to evaluate your teeth and create a customized treatment plan.
Contact our office or call 216-381-6521 to schedule an appointment in South Euclid, Ohio.
Digital Scanners FAQs
What is a digital dental scanner?
A digital dental scanner is a handheld imaging device used to capture detailed images of your teeth and create a 3D digital model of your mouth.
What are digital scanners used for in dentistry?
Digital scanners may be used for treatment planning, creating digital models, evaluating tooth alignment and designing certain restorations or oral appliances.
Are digital scans more comfortable than traditional impressions?
Many patients find digital scanning more comfortable because it avoids trays filled with impression material. The wand can also be removed or the scan paused if you need a break.
How long does a digital dental scan take?
The time needed depends on how much of the mouth is being scanned and the purpose of the scan. Our dental team will explain what to expect during your appointment.
Can digital scanners be used for crowns?
Digital scans may be used when planning certain crowns and other restorations by creating a detailed digital model of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth.
Are digital scanners used for clear aligners?
Yes. Digital scans can provide detailed information about tooth position and may be used as part of clear aligner treatment planning.
Do digital scanners use radiation?
Intraoral digital scanners use light-based imaging to capture the surfaces of the teeth and do not function like dental X-rays. Different technologies may still be used together when additional diagnostic information is needed.
How do I schedule an appointment that may include digital scanning?
Contact our office or call 216-381-6521 to schedule an appointment. Our dentist can determine whether digital scanning would be useful for your treatment.
We’re Ready to See You
Our dentist and team are excited to help you enjoy a healthier, happier and more confident smile. We are committed to providing personalized care that addresses your unique needs and helps you achieve your best smile. Contact us today to schedule your visit with our talented dentist in South Euclid, Ohio!
Call Us at 216-381-6521
The Home for Your Smile
Your destination for a healthy smile can be found at University Suburban Dental. Give us a call now to learn more about our many dental services and find out how we can help you achieve your smile goals! Our team is ready to guide you through every step of your dental journey with care, expertise and a personal touch.
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