Abstracto

Intraoral Digital Scanners � An Overview

Mounika Pulluru, Dhanalaxmi Karre, Silla Swarna Swathi, Sarada Penmetcha, Sampath Reddy and Sai Prannoy Nagolla

An accurate impression is one of the most challenging tasks in dental practice. A variety of impression materials are available like alginate, polysiloxane, polyether, silicones etc. However, these materials have certain limitations either related to flavour, gag reflex, disinfection process. As an attempt to overcome those limitations Dr. Werner Moreman in 1986 introduced CEREC-1 digital scanner. These scanners have a handheld camera wand that captures 3D virtual images of teeth when passed around the oral tissues. The images so obtained can be used in making orthodontic study models, obturators and for many other procedures like in preparation of crowns, appliances and positioning of implants. As this technique is more efficient, less time consuming and comfortable to patient compared to conventional impression techniques, it may become a routine procedure in the near future.