Intraoral Scanners in Orthodontics: A Critical Review

Abstract

Background: The use of digital technology has exponentially increased over recent years. Intraoral scanners, especially, have gained traction within orthodontics. The objective of the present review is to investigate the available evidence to create an up-to-date presentation of various clinical aspects of intraoral scanners in orthodontics. Methods: Search without restrictions in seven databases (Pubmed, CENTRAL, Cochrane Reviews, Scopus, Web of Science, Clinical Trials, Proquest) since inception, and hand searching until October 2020, were conducted. Results: The majority of studies were either cross-over or parallel group studies. The accuracy and reproducibility of intraoral scanners, in comparison to conventional methods, were investigated in several studies, with controversial results. The duration of the procedure did not report any clear outcome in favor of any method. Patients seem to prefer intraoral scanning, even though numerous studies point out the importance of operators’ experience and skills. Conclusions: Despite the innovations that intraoral scanners have brought in orthodontic clinical practice, there are still some challenges and limitations in their use. The majority of existing limitations may be overcome with experience and good clinical skills. More high-quality studies need to be conducted so that clinicians can have a clear image of this new technology.

Comparison in Terms of Accuracy between DLP and LCD Printing Technology for Dental Model Printing

“…The evolution of scanners and the creation of intraoral scanners gave clinicians the ability to take impressions without causing any discomfort to the patients. Those two technologies gave the ability to doctors to have a complete digital workflow in everyday practice [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

The Effect of Scanning Strategy on Intraoral Scanner’s Accuracy

“…In this study we focused on complete dentate arches, as frequently encountered in orthodontics. In patients whose dentitions are malaligned or crowded, who have orthodontic appliances, such as brackets with deep undercuts and highly reflective or translucent surfaces, scanning might not be as accurate [ 2 , 14 , 27 ]. In edentulous cases, accuracy may depend significantly on the topography of the mucosa and the presence of characteristic structures such as the palatal rugae; in such cases, scanning strategy seems to be an important factor [ 18 ].…”

“…Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses on digital scanning have been published, evaluating accuracy, patient preference, and time reduction [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Specifically in orthodontics, where fully dentate scans are usually acquired, digital scanning simplifies the diagnostic and treatment procedures, results in a better time management [ 3 , 4 ] and highly satisfied patients [ 4 , 5 , 6 ], achieves a high accuracy [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], and requires a smaller learning curve [ 10 , 11 ].…”

The Potential of Digital Impression in Orthodontics

“…It is important to affirm that other factors like saliva, blood, clinical expertise influence the results obtained by this technology. However, the high costs and the need to learn how to use it, determined a lower spread of this new kind of devices [ 23 , 24 ].…”