Orthodontic scanners: what's available?

The popularity and availability of virtual technology in orthodontics for the replacement of hard-copy records with electronic records is growing rapidly, with a move towards a 'digital' patient for diagnosis, treatment planning, monitoring of treatment progress and outcome. As part of this ongoing development, three-dimensional digital models of the dental arches have the potential to replace traditional plaster models and their associated limitations for treatment planning, appliance construction and simulated treatment outcomes. This article provides the reader with a summary of the currently available benchtop model scanners and intraoral scanners. It is likely that this technology will become increasingly common-place within the orthodontic profession over the next decade.