There are many things to like about the new TRIOS 5 scanner, but what about actually applying this technology in the dental office? For starters, a dentist needs to take the plunge and invest, accepting that the pros far outweigh the cons. The next step is installation and training. Choose a reputable company and distributor that will offer great installation and onboarding services. If you buy a TRIOS 5, this will come in two forms, either the TRIOS MOVE cart or the laptop version. Both are very easy to install.
The next step is training. When using an IOS, it is crucial to follow recommended scanning protocols or scanning strategies set out by the company. Following correct scanning protocols gives users a methodology with which to ensure the most efficient way to scan and minimises the risk of incorrect stitching of images, which results in inaccuracies. Scanning now is easier than ever before with powerful artificial intelligence (AI) in most devices that effectively guides the user, can identify and remove soft tissue artefacts, and filters scan data to only capture what is important. Scanning protocols have also seen improvements. For example, 3Shape introduced ScanAssist technology, which utilises AI to stitch together data regardless of the strategy used.
Coating the oral cavity in scanning powder is no longer necessary with modern scanners. Although, owing to the optical nature of the scanners, wet and very shiny surfaces can still be a little tricky to capture, these factors are often managed inside the mouth, for example with adequate moisture control or changing the angle of the scanner to prevent light reflection into the sensor.
Almost all modern IOS have some sort of mechanism to prevent condensation on the scanner tip while scanning, such as an external or built-in heater or fan. These factors enable scanning within the oral cavity for a long time without having to stop.
The reality is that, with modern scanners, getting into digital dentistry has never been easier. My recommendation is to take the plunge. You do not want to fall behind, and the sooner you start learning how to use this technology the better.
Market trends
The IOS market has changed significantly over the past 15 years, from single-shoot cameras to scanners that take thousands of images per minute and high-tech AI. Looking into the future, the market trend of IOS seems to be moving towards wireless, battery-powered scanners with removable scanning heads rather than traditional wired ones with fixed scanning heads that require cold disinfection. This is evident in some of the latest major releases in the market, such as TRIOS.
The main market trend we are now seeing is related to software improvements. There has been a significant push by companies to improve their software as a point of difference compared with the multitude of other devices on the market. IOSs are moving away from being just an impression replacement tool to being seen as a valuable tool to be included in patient examination as a communication and treatment planning aid. There are many software modules included in scanner software by prominent companies. These modules include orthodontic simulators, smile design simulators and patient monitoring over time. With the rise of 3D printing in dentistry, we are also seeing companies include a model builder module in their IOS software, which enables the scans to be made into printable models easily and efficiently.
There is no doubt in my mind that, in the future, most of the advancements we will see will continue to be in the software space, especially in the realm of AI and better workflows with other devices that are being adopted in the clinic, such as 3D printers. Although milling machines were never adopted widely in the dental office (again mainly because of cost), 3D printers are much cheaper and enable clinicians to move some production in-house. This is proving to be an exciting area of dentistry, and the scanner companies are taking notice, many creating integrations with popular 3D printers.
Conclusion
There has not been as much advancement in the industry from a technological point of view like there has in the past ten years. Dentistry is completely changing, and with the advent of AI diagnostics, intra-oral scanning data, 3D printing and CAD/CAM software, it is not inconceivable that how we diagnose, plan treatment and execute treatment will radically change in the next five to ten years. If you do not have a scanner yet, it is time to accept the inevitable and invest. The Institute of Digital Dentistry provides on its website a multitude of free resources to help you choose the right scanner for you. It is indeed a very exciting time to be a dentist!
To post a reply please login or register