The Impact of Digital Scanners in Dentistry

Digital scanners, or intraoral scanners, have become a transformative tool in modern dentistry. They replace traditional impressions with quick, accurate, and comfortable alternatives. These devices use optical sensors to capture high-resolution 3D images of teeth and gums, revolutionizing how dental professionals diagnose, plan treatments, and deliver care.

What Are Digital Scanners?

Digital scanners, also known as intraoral scanners, are advanced devices used in dentistry to capture detailed, high-resolution 3D images of a patient’s teeth, gums, and oral structures. Unlike traditional dental moulds (or impressions), which can be uncomfortable, messy, and time-consuming, digital scanners use optical sensors to capture thousands of data points per second, creating an accurate digital replica of the oral cavity.

These scanners can capture intricate details of the teeth and surrounding tissues in a matter of minutes. The resulting digital impressions can be used for a wide range of applications, including designing crowns, bridges, dentures, and aligners, and even creating 3D models for surgical planning.

Advantages of Digital Scanners

Enhanced Patient Comfort: Traditional impressions often cause discomfort and gagging, but digital scanners use a small wand that scans the teeth and gums without the mess and discomfort of traditional moulds, offering a much more pleasant experience.
Increased Accuracy: Digital scans provide highly detailed, precise images, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that restorations like crowns and bridges fit better, often eliminating the need for adjustments.
Faster Treatment: By sending digital data directly to labs, the design and production of restorations can be completed much more quickly. In some cases, same-day restorations are possible, reducing the need for multiple appointments.
Efficient Storage: Digital impressions eliminate the need for physical storage of moulds, allowing dental practices to keep digital records of patient scans for easy access and future reference.
Environmentally Friendly: With less reliance on disposable materials like alginate, digital scanning is a more sustainable option for dental practices.

Applications in Dentistry

Digital scanners are versatile tools used across various dental specialities:

Restorative Dentistry: For creating precise crowns, bridges, and veneers.
Orthodontics: Diagnosis and treatment planning of orthodontic models, aligners, and appliances
Implantology: Helps plan accurate implant placements.
Prosthodontics: Optimises the design and fit of dentures and prosthetics.

Teeth Care Centre, the best dental clinic in Ahmedabad, updates advancements in dentistry, new technology, and techniques for precision and high-end dentistry for elites. We provide the intraoral scanner technique for cosmetic treatment, implant-supported prostheses for best dental implant treatment in Ahmedabad, and orthodontic custom-fabricated aligners. The appliance is bound to the quality of work and takes full responsibility for providing the best results. Here comes the importance of equipment and technology.

What Is the Best Age to Start Braces Treatment?

It’s perfectly understandable to have concerns about when your child should start orthodontic treatment.

Why Timing Matters

Orthodontic treatment works best when a child has lost most of their baby teeth but still has some growing to do. At this stage, the jaw is still developing, which makes it easier to guide teeth into proper alignment.

A Two-Phase Approach: Early Evaluation Is Key

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 — even if they still have baby teeth.

This doesn’t necessarily mean treatment will begin at that age. But it helps orthodontists catch issues early, such as:

Crowding
Overbites or underbites
Crossbites
Jaw growth problems
Thumb-sucking effects
Speech or chewing issues

Phase 1 (Early/Interceptive Treatment)

Ages: 6–9
Goal: Correct serious jaw or bite issues early, before all permanent teeth come in.
This phase is only needed for some children. It may involve limited duration of braces/Aligners or devices like expanders, orthopaedic appliances, etc.

Phase 2 (Full Braces or Aligners)

Ages: 10–14
Goal: Straighten teeth and align the bite once all or most adult teeth have erupted.
At this age, children are mature enough to follow instructions, and their bones are still growing — making treatment more effective and often quicker than in older teens or adults.

Signs Your Child Might Need Braces or Aligners

Here are some signs you can watch for at home:

• Primary teeth falling out unusually early (before the age of five)
• Noticeable delay or irregular pattern in the development of teeth
• Jaw alignment issues where the upper and lower teeth don’t come together correctly
• Habitual mouth breathing or frequent snoring during sleep
• Crowding of the front teeth, typically visible around ages seven or eight
• Trouble with biting or chewing food properly
• The jaw appears to shift position during mouth opening or closing
• Continued thumb sucking beyond the age of five

If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to schedule an orthodontic consultation.

Teeth Care Centre is the best dental clinic in Ahmedabad, where Dr. Nirav Patel, an aligner specialist in Ahmedabad and best orthodontist in Ahmedabad, brings years of experience and a strong commitment to ethical care to every child’s orthodontic journey. He carefully studies each child’s orthodontic records to create personalized treatment plans that not only improve their smile but also support healthy dental development.

Heart and oral health

Traditionally, dentistry and cardiology have been considered separate fields, each with its own distinct focus. However, recent research has revealed a significant correlation between poor oral health and various cardiovascular conditions. This link is often referred to as the oral-systemic connection.

The link between oral health and heart:

The mouth and its health serve as a gateway to the body. Studies have revealed an association between gum disease (periodontitis) and cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. While the exact mechanisms behind this connection are still not known precisely, several theories suggest the following:

Inflammation: Gum disease is characterized by inflammation caused by bacterial infection. Chronic inflammation in the gums can trigger a systemic inflammatory response throughout the body, potentially contributing to the inflammation seen in cardiovascular diseases.
Bacterial Spread: The bacteria responsible for gum disease can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue. Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria may travel to other parts of the body, including the arteries of the heart. This bacterial presence could contribute to the formation of arterial plaque, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Shared Risk Factors: Poor oral health habits, such as infrequent brushing and flossing, unhealthy diet choices, and smoking, are common risk factors for both gum disease and cardiovascular diseases. Addressing these risk factors can positively impact both oral and heart health.
Collaborative Care: Recognizing the connection between oral health and systemic health, healthcare professionals are now moving towards a collaborative approach to patient care. Dentists and physicians are working together with a focus on both oral and cardiovascular wellness. This approach may involve joint screenings, joint treatment planning, and patient education.

Importance of Oral Hygiene

Brushing and Flossing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and along the gumline.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups with Dr. Pankti Patel, the best dentist in Ahmedabad and cleanings to detect any signs of gum disease early and receive professional care to keep your gums healthy.
Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking and using other tobacco product not only stain your teeth and contributes to bad breath but also significantly increases the risk of gum disease and cardiovascular diseases.
Healthy Diet: Limit sugary foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Instead, opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Conclusion:

As the research continues, more aspects of this oral heart link will open. Teeth Care Centre, the best dental clinic in Ahmedabad, always suggests to their patients to get a routine oral evaluation, to prevent any such possibilities and guides them on how to maintain oral hygiene in a better way.