Digital Scans
Digital Scans
A digital scan is a quick, camera-based way to record the shape of your smile and bite. At SS Orthodontics, scans come next in the visit, and our orthodontist then uses them to create a plan for your smile.
What digital Scans is
A digital scan uses a small handheld wand with a camera and light source. The wand is passed gently over the surfaces of your mouth, capturing thousands of images as it moves. Software stitches those images together into a detailed three-dimensional model that appears on a screen, usually while the scan is happening.
For many years, the standard way to record the shape of a mouth was a physical impression. A tray filled with soft material was pressed against the arches until it set, and the result was used to pour a plaster model. Impressions worked, but they could feel bulky, and some people found the taste and texture unpleasant. A digital scan replaces that step with a model you can view, rotate, and measure on a screen.
- Handheld wand — a slim camera that captures the shape and position of your bite and the surfaces of your mouth.
- 3D model — a digital copy that can be viewed from any angle and saved to your record.
- No setting time — there is no tray of material to wait on, because the images are captured directly.
How we use it at SS Orthodontics
Our process for new patients includes digital scans as a step in building your treatment plan. Once the scans are taken, our orthodontist uses them to create a plan for your smile. The scan gives the plan a precise starting point, so decisions are based on a detailed record of how your bite and arches look today.
Dr. Hoda Salim is an orthodontist at our practice. She is drawn to orthodontics because it combines esthetics, physics, and biology, and a three-dimensional model suits that kind of thinking. It lets her study how everything fits together before treatment begins.
Our services include clear braces, metal braces, and Invisalign clear aligners. In general, a digital model is a useful reference when planning any of these, because it shows the starting position clearly. If you are curious how scans relate to the kind of treatment you are considering, our team can explain.
What it means for you
Digital scanning offers several general benefits for patients:
- Comfort — with no trays or setting material, many people find scanning more pleasant than traditional impressions.
- Accuracy — a detailed digital record helps capture fine surface detail, and any area that was missed can often be rescanned on the spot.
- Clearer communication — seeing your own 3D model on a screen makes it easier to understand what your orthodontist is describing.
- Easy record keeping — a digital file can be stored and compared with later scans to see how things are changing.
For patients who feel nervous about orthodontic visits, a gentle scan can also be a reassuring first step. There is nothing to bite into and nothing to wait on.
What to expect during your visit
Before. There is usually little to prepare. Keeping your mouth feeling fresh is enough, and you can ask our team if anything specific applies to you. If you wear a retainer or aligners, bring them along in case they are useful.
During. You will be seated comfortably while the wand is moved slowly across your upper and lower arches and your bite. Scanning generally takes only a few minutes, though the time varies from person to person. You may feel the wand touching your lips, cheeks, or tongue, and you may be asked to hold still or open wide for a moment. It should not hurt.
After. You can usually see the finished model on screen right away. From there, our orthodontist reviews the scans and creates a plan for your smile. Nothing needs to be done to recover, and you can go about your day as usual.
Frequently asked questions
Is a digital scan safe?
Digital scanning generally uses a camera and light rather than a mold of material pressed into your mouth. The wand only touches the surfaces of your mouth briefly. If you have questions about the equipment or your own health history, our team is happy to talk them through.
Does it hurt or feel uncomfortable?
Most people find scanning comfortable, particularly compared with traditional impressions. You may notice the wand moving around your lips and tongue, and keeping your mouth open can feel tiring. Let us know if you need a short break.
How long does a scan take?
The scanning itself is generally quick, often a matter of minutes. The exact time depends on your mouth and how many areas need to be captured. Scans may also be repeated at later stages of treatment, so ask our team how they might fit into your care.
Who can have a digital scan?
Digital scans are suitable for many children, teens, and adults who are being evaluated for orthodontic care. If you have a very sensitive gag reflex or other concerns, mention them at the start of your visit so we can adjust our approach.
If you would like to learn more about digital scans or how they fit into your treatment plan, book a visit or get in touch with SS Orthodontics. We would be glad to answer your questions.
This content is for general information only and isn't dental or medical advice. Talk with your dentist or orthodontist about your own situation. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
