There's no doubt that intraoral scanners (IOS) have transformed dentistry. Digital impressions offer superior accuracy, eliminate messy traditional materials, and significantly streamline workflows. But here's the reality—owning a high-end scanner doesn't guarantee flawless results.

Even the most advanced scanner is only as effective as the techniques used. The good news? Mastering a few critical scanning strategies can dramatically improve accuracy and efficiency, reducing the need for retakes and adjustments.

Let's break down some of the key insights that can help clinicians and dental technicians get the most out of their intraoral scanners.

Pre-Preparation Scanning: Why It’s a Game-Changer

One of the biggest missed opportunities in intraoral scanning is not capturing a pre-prep scan.

Why does this matter?

It preserves the original tooth structure for precise restoration design.

It provides a clear reference for margin placement, avoiding unnecessary adjustments.

It ensures a more predictable final fit, reducing chairside modifications.

Take, for example, a patient with a failing crown due to recurrent decay. A pre-op scan allows the lab to reference the original occlusal anatomy, making it easier to match the replacement restoration seamlessly.

Some scanners, like the UP610, feature a 22mm ultra-deep depth of field, making pre-op scanning particularly efficient—even in cases with difficult-to-reach areas.

Soft Tissue Management: The Key to Clear Margins

The margin is arguably the most critical area in any restoration—but also one of the most challenging to capture accurately.

The problem? Soft tissue can obscure the margin, leading to inaccurate restorations and remakes.

The solution? Proper tissue retraction techniques ensure crisp, clearly visible margins in digital impressions.

Best practices for superior margin capture:

• Use the two-cord technique—one for hemostasis, the other for lateral displacement.
• Consider laser tissue management to achieve a clean, blood-free field.
• Take advantage of real-time margin analysis—some scanners, like the UP610, provide AI-powered feedback on incomplete scan areas, helping you spot problems before you finish.

The takeaway? A clear margin equals a better fit, reducing adjustments and increasing long-term restoration success.

Moisture Control: Eliminating One of the Biggest Sources of Scan Distortion

Let’s face it—saliva and blood are a digital scanner’s worst enemy. They interfere with light reflection, causing distorted data and requiring multiple rescans.

What can you do?

✔ Dry the area strategically—use air syringes and high-volume suction right before scanning.

✔ Start scanning from less saliva-prone areas—posterior to anterior scanning minimizes pooling.

✔ Check the scanner lens—a foggy scanner tip can introduce errors without you realizing it.

Even with the best moisture control, some scanners handle wet environments better than others. AI-driven adaptive imaging, like in the UP610, can help mitigate some of these challenges by compensating for minor moisture interference.

Leveraging AI to Reduce Errors and Improve Workflow

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s actively transforming intraoral scanning by enhancing accuracy and automating complex tasks.

Here’s how AI is making an impact:

• Adaptive Image Processing: Reduces scan distortions caused by patient movement.
• Automatic Occlusion Alignment: Minimizes manual bite registration errors.
• Smart Tissue Differentiation: Identifies enamel, gingiva, and restorations separately for better scan quality.

Scanners incorporating AI-powered smart scanning, like the UP610, can help streamline case planning, reduce errors, and speed up the overall workflow.

Final Thoughts: Why Technique Still Matters

Yes, intraoral scanners are powerful tools—but they don’t replace good technique. Mastering these key areas will take your digital impressions from “acceptable” to “exceptional”:

• Pre-op scanning ensures precision from the start
• Soft tissue management prevents remakes and adjustments
• Moisture control eliminates scan distortion
• AI-driven features help automate and refine your workflow

The future of digital dentistry is evolving fast. By refining your scanning techniques, you’re not just keeping up—you’re staying ahead.