Intraoral Scanner vs Traditional Impressions: What's the Difference?
Why the intraoral scanner has replaced plaster impressions in modern practices: precision, comfort and benefits for your orthodontic treatment.
If you've ever had traditional dental impressions, you probably remember the tray filled with cold paste and the gag reflex that comes with it. The intraoral scanner radically changes this experience. Here is why all certified Infinity Aligner dentists use it.
What is an intraoral scanner?
An intraoral scanner is a small pen-shaped device with a high-definition camera and a light emitter. The dentist moves it slowly inside your mouth for 3 to 5 minutes, capturing thousands of images per second. Software reconstructs in real time a complete, precise 3D model of your dental arches.
Comparison: scanner vs traditional impression
| Criterion | Intraoral scanner | Traditional impression |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Excellent — no material in the mouth | Uncomfortable — frequent gag reflex |
| Precision | Very high (±0.02 mm) | Good but operator-dependent |
| Duration | 3 to 5 minutes | 10 to 20 minutes |
| Immediate result | Yes — visible on screen live | No — drying + plaster casting required |
| Lab transmission | Instant (digital file) | Physical shipment (delay + risk of damage) |
| 3D simulation possible | Yes, directly | Requires additional digitisation |
Why precision is crucial for aligners
Orthodontic trays are custom-made to a tenth of a millimetre. An imprecise impression — air bubble, material distortion, movement during setting — results in aligners that do not fit perfectly and lose effectiveness. The scanner eliminates these risks by accurately capturing every contour of every tooth.
Conclusion
The intraoral scanner is not a luxury reserved for large clinics: it is the standard of modern orthodontics. All certified Infinity Aligner dentists are equipped with one, ensuring comfortable, precise and fast care from your very first consultation.
Infinity Aligner
Clinical & editorial team
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