8
Scanning Strategy:
The most important part of acquiring a good scan is to be
slow and methodical
.
Quick, jerky handpiece movements will result in the target being outside of the
supported field of view and/or in the loss of target tracking; both issues will be
indicated by a red rectangle on the 3D model. Surfaces with distinctive 3D structures,
such as the molar occlusal, provide an easy surface that can be used to restart target
tracking. Flat surfaces, such as the incisors, are less reliable for restarting a scan.
Although we do have specific directions regarding how to scan –
scanning is a skill
that requires practice.
Prior to use on a patient, practice should be conducted using
a dental typodont model.
Lower & Upper Jaw Scans
1.
Start the scan path on the working arch (jaw) that has the restoration of
interest.
2. Full Arch, O.L.B. (Occlusal, Lingual, Buccal) –
Start on the
occlusal
of the
distal most tooth in the arch (right side or left side) and proceed across the
arch, when you get to the canine area slide slightly towards the lingual surface
until you reach the pre-molar where you will move back to the occlusal surface
completing the occlusal scan to the distal most tooth. Reference the “live view”
window to make sure the scan path is oriented correctly, and refer to the “main
screen view” to observe “holes” being filled while traversing the scan path.
