In the ever-evolving world of digital dentistry, accuracy and precision are paramount, especially for procedures like full arch prosthesis and implant placements. Inaccuracies in these areas can be costly and detrimental to patient outcomes.
Shining 3D, a leader in 3D digitisation, has introduced a groundbreaking solution with the Aoralscan Elite, the world’s smallest, lightest, and only Intraoral Photogrammetry Technology (IPG) scanner. Combining texture mapping, structured light, and photogrammetry––the Aoralscan Elite sets a new standard in the dental industry.
This article delves into the necessity for accuracy in dental procedures, the historical and technological side of photogrammetry, and the unparalleled features and benefits of the Aoralscan Elite.
Ensuring Precision for Full Arch Prosthesis
Dental implants, particularly full arch prostheses, require meticulous planning and execution. An ill-fitting prosthesis can lead to numerous complications, including discomfort, functional issues, and the need for costly adjustments or replacements. The precision of the implant positioning is crucial to ensure proper integration and functionality. Accurate scanning and modelling of the oral cavity are essential to achieving these outcomes, reducing the likelihood of complications, and improving patient satisfaction.
Financial Implications of Inaccuracies
The costs associated with inaccuracies in dental procedures extend beyond the immediate financial burden. Repeated adjustments, patient dissatisfaction, and potential further medical issues can escalate expenses and negatively impact the reputation of dental practices. Investing in accurate scanning technology is beneficial for patient outcomes and the financial health and credibility of dental practitioners.
The Evolution of Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry, the art and science of making measurements from photographs, has a rich history that dates back to its use in topographic mapping and surveying in the mid-19th century.
The technique was first developed by Frenchman Aimé Laussedat, who is often referred to as the "Father of Photogrammetry." A century and a bit later, photogrammetry involves capturing multiple images from various angles and using specialised software to triangulate common data points, creating precise 3D models. Over the years, this technique has found applications in various fields, including archaeology, architecture, and now, dentistry.
Photogrammetry is used in dentistry to capture precise data on implant placement for full-arch prostheses. It involves placing special scan bodies on implant abutments and using an extraoral scanner to accurately record their locations and orientations.
Unlike intraoral scanners, which (until now) capture small sections of data and stitch them together, photogrammetry captures all scan bodies simultaneously, providing a more accurate representation of the spatial relationships between multiple implants. This method enhances efficiency and precision, reducing the "time to teeth" for patients.
Dr. Christopher R. Resnik on Photogrammetry in Implant Dentistry
Dr. Christopher R. Resnik provides valuable insights into how photogrammetry can improve the accuracy and efficiency of certain implant procedures. Traditional chairside conversions for full-arch prostheses are time-consuming and labour-intensive. With advancements in digital technology, particularly photogrammetry and 3D printing, the process has become more accurate and efficient.
In full-arch implant dentistry, obtaining an accurate representation of the implant positions is imperative to the fit and long-term success of the prosthesis. Conventional, open tray-splinted impressions (PVS, polyether) are still the most popular technique in the fabrication of full-arch prostheses. Although intraoral scanning has become very popular, complete arch scanning has been shown to exhibit a margin of error that may lead to prosthesis misfit. Many studies have shown acceptable accuracy with intraoral scanning for single implants; however, for full-arch implants, questionable results have been documented. With full-arch prostheses, intraoral scanning studies have shown marginal discrepancies greater than 150 μm, which ultimately lead to future complications.
Photogrammetry technology has been advocated to allow clinicians to obtain reliable and accurate representations of dental implant positions digitally. In the past, photogrammetry was first used in non-medical fields such as land navigation, car crash testing, and the development of ships and planes. In 1994, Lie and Jemt were the first to integrate this technology into the field of dentistry. In 2005, Ortorp et al. introduced photogrammetry to implant dentistry with a discussion on using this technology to record implant positions in comparison to conventional impression techniques.
Kosago et al. compared the accuracy between conventional splinted open-tray impressions, intraoral scans, and photogrammetry. They concluded that for complete arch implant impressions, photogrammetry had better accuracy and precision than any of the digital or conventional impression techniques. A recent systematic review compared conventional impressions, intraoral scanning, and photogrammetry, concluding that photogrammetry is accurate for full-arch implant impressions.
Until the Aoralscan Elite, photogrammetry systems were often bulky and always extraoral, posing challenges in terms of convenience and ease of use within the dental practice. The Aoralscan Elite revolutionises this by providing a compact, intraoral solution that maintains the accuracy and precision required for successful implant prostheses.
Advantages of Photogrammetry in Implant Dentistry
Photogrammetry technology may be used in implant dentistry to obtain highly accurate information for recording three-dimensional implant positions during the fabrication of full-arch implant-supported prostheses. By using mathematical relationships to stitch together two-dimensional images, a three-dimensional representation of the implant positions is created within an XYZ axis. This technique not only captures positional data (XYZ) but also describes the rotational orientation of the implants using quaternions, ensuring precise spatial arrangement. Photogrammetry is the most precise digital method for recording the intraoral positions and orientations of multiple implants, making it a vital tool in modern implant dentistry.
The Aoralscan Elite: A Technological Marvel
The Aoralscan Elite merges structured light 3D reconstruction and texture mapping with photogrammetry, achieving unmatched accuracy for full-mouth edentulous implants and other dental procedures. This technology ensures that even the smallest details are captured, providing a comprehensive and precise 3D model of the oral cavity and accurate location of implant fixtures.
Compact and Lightweight Design
Weighing only 124 grams and measuring 245 x 30 x 26 mm, the Aoralscan Elite is designed for comfort and ease of use. Its ergonomic form factor ensures a smooth scanning experience, even during prolonged use, making it ideal for both practitioners and patients.
Versatile Scanning Tips
The scanner comes with three different tips to cater to various scanning conditions
1 IPG tip for edentulous cases
4 Standard tip for general use
1 Mini tip for paediatric patients
*Tips can withstand up to 100 sterilisation cycles, ensuring hygiene and durability. We may adjust the combination of tips included without updating this article.
Motion-Sensing Technology
This feature reduces cross-contamination risks and streamlines the scanning process by allowing the device to be operated without touching anything other than the scanner itself.
AI-Powered Data Processing
Enhancing the accuracy of scans, this technology automatically removes unnecessary data in real-time, ensuring that only the most relevant and precise information is captured.
High-Resolution Imaging
The Aoralscan Elite captures every detail of the oral cavity, allowing for precise evaluation of soft tissue contours and abnormalities. This high level of detail is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Advanced Scanning Capabilities
The integration of structured light and texture mapping technologies with photogrammetry sets the Aoralscan Elite apart from other dental scanners.
Structured light technology involves projecting a pattern of light onto the dental structures. The deformation of this pattern on the surface is captured by the scanner’s sensors, allowing for the precise calculation of the 3D coordinates of the object. This method enhances the accuracy of the scan by capturing fine details, ensuring that even the smallest features of the dental structures are accurately represented.
Texture mapping involves capturing multiple colour images from different angles around the object of interest to capture the texture of the surface. These images are then mapped onto the 3D model, providing a realistic and detailed representation of the dental structures. This realistic visualisation aids in better diagnosis and treatment planning, making the entire process more efficient and effective.
The Advantages Over Traditional Extraoral Photogrammetry
While traditional extraoral photogrammetry systems provide accurate results, they often require multiple scans and a significant amount of time. The Aoralscan Elite, with its combination of structured light and texture mapping, offers a more efficient and accurate solution. This intraoral scanner eliminates the need for multiple scans, streamlining the workflow and reducing the time required for procedures.
The compact and lightweight design of the Aoralscan Elite enhances patient comfort during scanning. Traditional systems can be cumbersome and uncomfortable, but the Aoralscan Elite’s ergonomic design ensures a smooth and non-invasive experience. This improvement in patient comfort can lead to better cooperation and more successful outcomes.
The Aoralscan Elite is versatile enough to handle a wide range of dental applications, from single implants to complex full-arch restorations. Its photogrammetry capabilities ensure accurate implant positioning, reducing the need for adjustments and enhancing the overall efficiency of the dental practice. The multiple scanning tips available make it suitable for various patient needs, including paediatric and edentulous cases.
Shining 3D’s Photogrammetry Products
Shining 3D is not new to non-contact scanning technologies; they bring over 20 years of experience in designing and manufacturing metrology-grade scanning equipment and software. This extensive background in 3D digitisation has positioned them as a leader in the industry, enabling them to create innovative and highly accurate scanning solutions. Their expertise in metrology has been successfully applied across various fields, including industrial applications, healthcare, and now, dentistry, with the introduction of the revolutionary Aoralscan Elite Intraoral Photogrammetry Scanner.
One notable product from Shining 3D is the FreeScan Trak Pro2, a portable 3D scanner that combines photogrammetry tracking, laser, and structured light scanning technologies. While primarily used in industrial applications like automotive and aerospace, the technology behind the FreeScan Trak Pro2 has been adapted for dental use, leading to the development of the Aoralscan Elite. This refinement ensures that dentists can leverage advanced photogrammetry technology for enhanced diagnostic and treatment planning.
2004: Founded in Hangzhou, China, Shining 3D started as a pioneer in the 3D digitising industry. The initial focus was on developing and producing non-contact scanning devices.
2005-2010: Shining 3D expanded its product line to include 3D scanners for industrial applications. The company introduced its first generation of the FreeScan series, which quickly gained traction for its accuracy and reliability.
2011: Shining 3D launched its dental division, recognising the growing demand for digital solutions in the dental industry. This move marked their entry into medical imaging, providing dentists with precise scanning and modelling tools.
2012-2015: The company continued to innovate, releasing the EinScan series, designed for a broader range of applications including education, healthcare, and manufacturing. The EinScan series became known for its user-friendly interface and versatility.
2016: Shining 3D opened its first overseas branch in Stuttgart, Germany, aiming to better serve its European customers and expand its global presence. This expansion highlighted the company's commitment to international growth and support.
2017: The introduction of the AutoScan Inspec series marked a significant advancement in automated 3D inspection systems. These systems catered to industries requiring high-precision and automated quality control processes.
2018-2020: Shining 3D focused on enhancing its product capabilities with AI and cloud technologies. They launched the next generation of the FreeScan series with improved accuracy and speed, reinforcing their position in the market.
2021: Celebrating its 17th anniversary, Shining 3D opened a new R&D centre in Shanghai, dedicated to advancing 3D printing and scanning technologies. This centre aims to foster innovation and drive the development of next-generation solutions.
2022: The company introduced the AccuFab and EP-M series, targeting the dental and metal printing industries respectively. These products reflect Shining 3D’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions from scanning to manufacturing.
2023: Shining 3D's continued investment in R&D and global expansion led to strategic partnerships and collaborations with leading institutions and businesses worldwide. They have firmly established themselves as a leader in the 3D digitising and additive manufacturing industries.
Integration into the Scan-Design-Print Workflow
Shining 3D's Aoralscan Elite significantly enhances the existing scan-design-print workflow, a vital process in modern dental practices. With over 20 years of experience in metrology-grade scanning technology, Shining 3D ensures that each stage of this workflow benefits from their expertise and innovation.
Scan
The Aoralscan Elite provides precise intraoral scanning using advanced photogrammetry, capturing highly detailed and accurate 3D models of the oral cavity and implant fixtures. This ensures that the initial digital impression is of the highest quality, which is crucial for subsequent stages. This data can also be combined with Metismile face scans and DICOM CBCT scan data.
Design
Once the accurate 3D scan is obtained, Shining 3D’s design software or Exocad leverages this data to create precise and customised dental prosthetics. The software’s advanced features allow for intricate design adjustments, ensuring the final product meets the specific needs of each patient.
The final stage involves using Shining 3D’s state-of-the-art 3D printers to produce the designed dental prosthetics. The printers translate the detailed designs into physical models with unmatched precision and quality, ensuring superior fit and functionality.
This integrated approach optimises the workflow, improving efficiency and outcomes for dental professionals, while enhancing patient satisfaction and care quality. The Aoralscan Elite, with its advanced scanning capabilities, plays a pivotal role in this streamlined process, making it an indispensable tool in modern dentistry. Read more about the full Scan Design Print workflow available from Osseo Group & Shining 3D HERE
Book an in-clinic demo
The Aoralscan Elite by Shining 3D is a revolutionary tool that combines the best of photogrammetry, structured light, and texture mapping technologies. Its high precision, doctor-friendly design, advanced scanning capabilities and software make it an essential asset for dental professionals.
By investing in the Aoralscan Elite, dental practices can improve patient care, streamline workflows, and achieve superior clinical outcomes. Book an in-clinic demo today by clicking HERE or contact your Account Rep directly
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