How to choose a scanner... (3 min read)
Lets get talking with Dr ADAM NULTY who uses multiple scanners on a daily basis
Interview with the Digital GURU:
From my perspective, in my clinic in Manchester and the new clinic in London I have the pleasure of owning (one for each surgery);
Carestream 3600
Trios 3 Cart
Trios 4 Wireless
2 x CEREC Omnicam (one on 4.5 and one on 5.1 software)
And a Primescan in both this clinic and in our one in London.
I have used in actual clinical CAD cases with Quintus van Tonder the iTero element.
I’ve also done many training sessions on the planmeca emerald S.
I’ve just finished a study where the Medit i500 was included.
So I’ve pretty much had an in depth use of all scanners currently on the market.
I also have all CAD softwares, Cerec, inlab, planCAD, exoCAD, 3Shape Design Studio. Why do I have them all? Courses for one but I do everything digitally so I have my preference for some parts of the design pathway.
If you’re going to do in house crowns/veneers in house whatever there really is no singular platform that will cover all you want better than the CEREC platform IMHO simply out of ease of use. The new 5.0+ software is just a dream. With a primescan, primemill and the 5.0 software you can genuinely go from patient walking in to walking out with a crown/inlay/veneer in around an hour or less. With some materials much less. Consider as well that a sirona scanner doesn’t necessarily mean you have to limit yourself to spending more as the higher end options include CEREC software. For example, the AF chair integrated omnicam is £14k from what I hear and can scan and send to any software.
Scanner integration with exocad is also a BIG plus now. ExoCad is a beautiful CAD software that is ever expanding with new ways to integrate with various scanners - but you aren’t limited to any particular type now.
However there is the problem that due to politics (as it sadly affects everything in life ) there is now a connection between sirona systems and exocad via the case connect server but no current connection between the primescan and invisalign. However the newer sirona sure smile mockup and CBCT integration is very nice.
Some other scanners that tie into CAD such as exocad software well might be a right faff to send to mill but it depends on the mill. And trust me its the overall workflow that will either make it a pleasure or drive you mad if it’s not easy, has too many steps etc so check this out if you intend to mill in house.
The iTero is IMHO primarily aimed at those who use Invisalign. But (as per the exocad buy out) obviously looking at expanding their use. The workflow with an iTero isnt any where near as simple as CEREC or Trios though which is a shame as the exocad chairside software is excellent.
But most scanners are open in enough of a way so you could design in whatever CAD software you like. (For example I scan on the carestream or trios 4 sometimes and design and mill on inlab or exocad)
The only scanners that you can send to Invisalign (outside of iTero - same parent company) are the older omnicam and the 3Shape Trios 3.
However I can tell you these shouldn’t be discounted IF you need the ability to send to Invisalign and the newer software really has breathed fresh life into the omnicam and trios 3.
The Medit is a great scanner too, as is the carestream 3600/3700 - which both also tie into the Medit. The i500 has a really impressive feature of self verification which without going into more detail should make full arch scanning verifiable for full arch implant and complex cases. Same with the carestream, has some great unique features for say multiple occlusion records and accuracy checks.
The tie in with exocad with both is great too.
Planmeca is another great alternative for CAD as is the 3Shape.
Another point you need to think about is transport/use between rooms.
The benefit of a cart will (usually) be a more powerful PC so smoother running but this limits you to movement between floors/steps.
Laptops are great but they have their own set of problems with intensive use.
From my experience of speed in use (not just scanning speed but ability to maintain framerate etc - I can get a full arch scan with the top of the list in around 20/30 seconds - accurately, 60+ on the slowest) you’re looking at;
- primescan/trios 4
- trios 3/omnicam
- followed closely by medit/carestream
- iTero
However, speed isn’t everything and a super fast scan might not be the most accurate scan if you miss out portions. However on a couple at the top of that list it’s both lol.
Price wise, I wouldn’t even think about it. Get what fits best and work the finance around your need. You do get what you pay for (sometimes ) and whilst overall budget is important to consider, someone shouting about a sale here on Facebook might not support you as well as someone else. Go by recommendations in part. Support is EVERYTHING. Hence the need for the DDA group!
All overall different horses for courses.
I would usually say speak to the lab you use for what software/hardware they use too (they will have their own experiences, allegiances and preferences) go to a show and try them all out but realistically I can’t see that happening any time soon.
So, ring the different suppliers, see who will come to you. Try a few of the ones that fit your needs and you’ll know which one is best FOR YOU.
When you’re ready to learn how to make the most of whatever you use, there are MANY of the worlds best digital educators on www.digitaldentalacademy.ac.uk ready to help you with a wide variety of topics, mini courses, the PGCert and the Diploma with 120+ hours of content from 20 of the worlds leading digital dentists.