INTRAORAL SCANNERS AND CONVENTIONAL IMPRESSIONS: A LITERATURE REVIEW.

Abstract

Introduction: Using digital technology, respectively the use of intraoral scanners has increased exponentially in recent years. Intraoral scanners have gained traction and widespread use in the field of dental prosthetics and orthodontics. While the use of these digital devices enables the detection of visible areas of error in order to allow clinicians to correct those areas immediately without a need of restarting the entire process from the beginning as it should be done in the conventional method and subsequent procedures. While intraoral scanners provide notable benefits in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and patient comfort, they do come with certain drawbacks. The high initial cost, along with the ongoing expenses for maintenance and software updates, can place a financial strain on many dental practices. Additionally, there is a learning curve associated with mastering these devices, and certain clinical situations-such as limited mouth openings or areas that are difficult to scan-can pose challenges to their effectiveness. Accuracy may also be affected by factors like patient movement, insufficient salivation, or the presence of reflective or dark surfaces. Moreover, issues related to software compatibility, extended chair time in complex cases, and the need for multiple scanning attempts can reduce some of the time-saving advantages. Intraoral scanners also raise concerns about data security and patient privacy, and technical issues or system failures can disrupt clinical workflows. While intraoral scanners are undoubtedly valuable in modern dentistry, it is important for clinicians to carefully evaluate these limitations to ensure their effective integration into practice.

Aim of study: Acquaintance with intraoral scanners, understanding the way they're used, advantages and disadvantages, differences with the convenctional method of impression, familiarity with the materials of impression measurement.

Material and methods: This study was conducted as a literature review, using the latest literature on intraoral scanners and their use in dentistry, disadvantages and advantages over conventional impressions. Analysis of scientific papers published in online databases such as PUBMED and MEDLINE, EBSCO, Google Schoolar, using the keywords "Intraoral scanners, convenctional impression, impressions, digital dentistry".

Conclusion: Intraoral scanners present tremendous comfort in the field of prosthodontics. When comfort is mentioned, it is worth emphasizing the advantages of working with an intraoral scanner, where the benefits are the same for both parties, patients and clinicist. Therefore, it is very important that in this period where technology is closely related with new and modern methods not only for taking impressions, but also for other procedures.