There are essentially two types of scanner systems available today: those that use blue LED (light-emitting diode) and those that use laser technology.

LED systems are optical scanners. They depend upon a reflective surface and require a contrasting medium or powder to acquire a representation of the tooth morphology.

Laser systems scan and measure distances from the tooth surface to acquire the image. These do not require powder.

Among the leaders on the market today —iTero®, 3M, 3Shape, Carestream, CEREC (Sirona®), and most recently CONDOR.

The new CONDOR Intra-oral Scanner offers.

What is sometimes known as TSS or Three Source Scanning. This allows the dentist to directly scan intra-orally, take a conventional impression, scan or pour the impression, and then scan the model. Powder is not required…and the CONDOR affords added advantages

• Software-driven scanning – from a laptop

• Better color quality and definition (can also be used for diagnostics)                  

• A lighter, smaller handpiece

SO WHICH DIGITAL INTRAORAL SCANNER IS BEST?

The more valid question here is “Which digital Intraoral Scanner is best for YOU. All have distinct advantages, depending first and foremost upon which scans your lab can process. Each scanner sends a slightly different STL file to the lab.