Digital dentistry at Dent32: intraoral scanning, digital impressions and 3D planning
Digital dentistry means taking impressions, making diagnoses and planning treatment on a computer. As Dent32 founder Dr. Hüseyin Aşçı noted in his DHA interview, intraoral 3D scanners and digital planning make impressions, implants and smile design more predictable, and make the experience more comfortable for patients who are anxious about the dentist.
Digital impressions with an intraoral scanner
With a conventional impression, a putty-like material is placed in the mouth and left to set, which is an uncomfortable minute for anyone with a strong gag reflex. An intraoral scanner is a pen-sized camera: as it moves over the teeth it captures many images per second and turns them into a three-dimensional model on screen.
Once the scan is complete we look at the model together; if an area is missing, only that area is rescanned. The digital file goes straight to the laboratory. This method is used for crown and veneer impressions, for clear aligner planning and for appliances such as a night guard.
Digital planning: implants, smile design and clear aligners
- Implants: A CT scan measures bone volume and the distance to nerves and sinuses; combined with scan data, the implant position is planned around where the tooth will be. See dental X-rays and CT and dental implants in Beylikdüzü.
- Smile design: The intended result is designed from photos, video and scans, then tried in the mouth with a temporary mock-up. See smile design step by step.
- Clear aligners: Each step of tooth movement from start to finish is planned on the computer, and the intended result is shown on screen before treatment begins.
What does it give the patient?
| Topic | Conventional impression | Digital scan |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Material held in the mouth | No impression material, breaks possible |
| Correcting errors | The whole impression is repeated | Only the missing area is rescanned |
| Seeing | The result is seen when it comes back from the lab | The model and plan are visible on screen straight away |
| Records | A plaster model is stored | A digital record can be compared years later |
Seeing helps understanding. Showing patients on screen what will be done is part of Dent32's written treatment plan approach.
Is digital always enough?
No. For deep margins below the gum, bleeding areas or completely toothless jaws, a conventional impression may still be more suitable. Scanners, CT and design software are tools; what determines the accuracy of a plan is still the examination and the dentist's judgement. At Dent32 we choose the method case by case.
Digital planning in Beylikdüzü
Dent32 is at Barış Mah., Ginza Lavinya, E-5 Yanyolu No:30 D:179, 34520 Beylikdüzü, Istanbul. For digital impressions, implant or smile design planning, call +90 555 011 33 68 or write to us. To learn more about our founder, see who is Dr. Hüseyin Aşçı?.
Frequently asked questions
Does an intraoral scan involve radiation?
No. An intraoral scanner is a camera that works with light; it is not an X-ray.
I have a very strong gag reflex. Can an impression still be taken?
Most patients find the scanner more comfortable than a conventional impression, and the scan can be paused whenever you need.
Does a digital impression change the price of treatment?
Price depends mainly on the procedure, the material and the number of teeth. These are itemised in your written plan after the examination.
