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Can I use my existing intraoral scanner for denture impressions?

Yes you can use your existing intraoral scanner for denture records but with important qualifications

 

Scanner Capability Verification:

  • Not all intraoral scanners are equally effective for edentulous scanning
  • Check with manufacturer if your specific model validated for soft tissue
  • Some scanners designed primarily for dentate arches struggle with edentulous ridges
  • Scanner software may need specific updates or modules for complete denture scanning

 

Challenges of Edentulous Scanning using an IOS Detailed Rationale

Lack of Distinct Landmarks
  • Teeth provide high-contrast features that scanners recognize easily
  • Edentulous ridges lack these distinct reference points
  • Scanner has difficulty determining where it is in the arch during scanning
  • Can result in stitching errors or distorted scans

Tissue Mobility
  • Edentulous tissue more movable than tooth structure
  • Movement during scanning creates inconsistencies in data
  • Requires steady, methodical scanning technique
  • Compression from scanner tip can distort soft tissue

Moisture Control
  • Saliva pooling interferes with accurate light reflection
  • Must maintain dry field throughout scanning procedure
  • Requires assistant help for continuous suction
  • More challenging than dentate scanning where teeth naturally shed saliva

Tissue Reflectance Properties
  • Soft tissue reflects light differently than enamel
  • Some scanners struggle with consistent data capture on soft tissue
  • May require powder application (check manufacturer recommendations)
  • Translucent or shiny mucosa particularly problematic

 

When does intraoral scanning work well for dentures and digital dentures?

Denture Type Details


Immediate Dentures (Dentate Arches)
  • Abundant teeth provide excellent landmarks for scanner
  • Scanner performs similarly to typical restorative scanning
  • Soft tissue between teeth captured accurately with tooth references
  • Preferred method for many immediate denture workflows

Partial Denture Cases
  • Remaining teeth provide reference points for scanner
  • Edentulous areas captured in context of adjacent teeth
  • Effective for Kennedy Class I, II, or III situations

Patients with Well-Defined Ridges
  • Adequate remaining bone provides contour for scanner recognition
  • Less tissue movement in well-supported areas
  • Scanner can track movement along ridge crest effectivel

 

Scanning Technique for Edentulous Ridges:

Optimal Scan Pattern (Based on LaRusso Research):

  • Start at posterior area on one side
  • Move along buccal vestibule toward anterior
  • Continue to opposite posterior buccal vestibule
  • Return along lingual/palatal surface
  • Cross back and forth across ridge crest to fill in occlusal surface
  • Specific pattern varies by scanner manufacturer recommendations

 

Speed and Consistency:

  • Slower scanning speed than for dentate arches
  • Maintain consistent distance from tissues
  • Avoid pressing scanner tip into soft tissue (distortion)
  • Keep scanner moving smoothly without pauses

 

Powder Application:

  • Some manufacturers require powder for edentulous scanning
  • Others have powder-free capability but may need powder in difficult cases
  • Very thin powder coat if required (heavy powder obscures detail)
  • Check manufacturer protocol for your specific scanner model

 

When to use conventional impressions over IOS scans instead:

  • Severe gag reflex (scanner contact time longer than impression)
  • Very flat ridges with minimal anatomical landmarks
  • Excessive salivation impossible to control
  • Scanner difficulty achieving complete stitching
  • Patient movement or inability to hold position

 

Hybrid Approach:

  • Take conventional impression
  • Scan the impression or poured cast with intraoral scanner
  • Leverages scanner you own without soft tissue scanning challenges
  • Good option if you have scanner but struggle with edentulous scanning

 

Success Rate Reality:

  • Even with perfect technique, some edentulous scans will fail
  • Have backup plan (conventional impression materials available)
  • Don't commit to scan-only approach until confident with multiple successes
  • Failed scans frustrate patients and waste chairtime

 

Cost-Benefit Analysis:

  • Intraoral scanning eliminates impression materials cost ($10-20 per impression)
  • Saves shipping time and potential impression damage
  • But adds chairtime if multiple scan attempts needed
  • Consider patient time value versus material cost savings 

 

Additional Resources

For more information concerning the digital dentures:

 

Contact Information

For help with a digital denture solution for your next case, contact ROE Dental Laboratory: