What was considered an absolute sensation more than 30 years ago is almost taken for granted today. In terms of quality, digital intraoral impressions are in no way inferior to conventional methods[1], and therefore, are becoming a reliable alternative for taking impressions of both individual teeth and the entire jaw for more and more dentists. Dentsply Sirona introduced the digital impression to dentistry with CEREC. Now, with Primescan, the Company is introducing an intraoral scanner with outstanding technology, which enables scans that are more precise than anything we have known before. This has been substantiated by a new study at the University of Zurich[2]. “Dentists rightly expect products and solutions from Dentsply Sirona, that make their work at the dental practice easier, safer and better,” says Dr. Alexander Völcker, Group Vice President, CAD/CAM and Orthodontics at Dentsply Sirona. “Primescan is the solution to an important issue in practices – the option of faster, precise impressioning – which is easy to manage in the usual practice environment, which is reliable, which delivers clinically flawless results, and which is simply fun to use.”
Scans up to 20 millimeters in depth
Primescan’s optical impression system has been decisively developed. The scan of the surfaces of the teeth is done with high-resolution sensors and shortwave light, capturing up to one million 3-D data points per second. With optical high-frequency contrast analysis, they can now be calculated more accurately than ever before. Dentsply Sirona has submitted a patent application for this process. With Primescan, it also is possible to scan deeper areas (up to 20 mm). This enables digital
impressions even for subgingival or particularly deep preparations. Virtually all the tooth surfaces are captured, even when scanning from very shallow angles. Primescan captures the dental surfaces immediately, in the required resolution and with a high sharpness even at great depths, thereby ensuring a much more detailed 3-D model.
To monitor the scanning process simply and easily and to be able to assess the model immediately, the accompanying Primescan AC acquisition center has a modern touchscreen that pivots and swivels as needed to ensure it is always set to the most favorable ergonomic position. Dentists acknowledge the intuitive operation and high level of comfort during first-time use, which is also greatly appreciated by patients.
Primescan also scores in terms of hygienic safety. Thanks to the smooth surfaces of Primescan and the acquisition center, the hygienically critical areas, which are often difficult to clean, can be reprocessed safely, quickly and easily.
Comprehensive range of applications
The precise scanning technology enables Primescan to be implemented universally. Not only does it produce high-precision images of natural teeth and preparations, it also provides extremely accurate images of other materials commonly used in dentistry. For example, implant specialists appreciate the simple impressions of edentulous arches or sites with implants, and orthodontists highly rate the detailed scan results for soft tissues (gums, frenulum). With this new scanning technology, impressions can be completed very quickly. A full jaw impression, including model calculation, is complete in just two to three minutes.
Maximum flexibility for further processing of the scanned images
With Primescan, users can leverage the full potential of digital processes for better treatment. The modular concept offers a suitable solution for every need within the practice. The digital 3-D model can be transmitted to a laboratory via the new Connect software (formerly Sirona Connect), and can also be further processed with different software, e.g., for orthodontic or implant treatment planning. The newly developed Connect Case Center Inbox enables laboratories around the world to connect to the Connect Case Center. In the process, validated scan data from both Primescan and Omnicam can be received easily for further processing in the desired programs and workflows. Alternatively, the restoration can be planned and manufactured in the practice using the new CEREC software 5, with its pleasing fresh, new design, intuitive touch functionality and noticeably improved screen resolution.
Dr. Alexander Völcker expresses his confidence. “Digital impressions with Primescan are the starting point for other exciting digital processes without limiting the future decisions of dental practices. With our seamless solutions and validated workflows with external partners, we are setting new standards which, thanks to digital technologies, enable even better dentistry.”
[1] Zimmermann M et. al. Precision of guided scanning procedures for full-arch digital impressions in vivo. J Orofac Orthop. 2017 Nov;78(6):466-471. doi: 10.1007/s00056-017-0103-3. Epub 2017 Jul 21.Epub 2017 Jul 21.
[2] Mehl A et. al., Accuracy of complete- and partial-arch impressions of actual intraoral scanning systems in-vitro, Int J Comput Dent., Publishing date: March 2019
Unless stated otherwise, all statements in this press release refer to a comparison of Dentsply Sirona products.
