Facilitating Patient Education Using Intraoral Scan Superimposition
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Published on: August 5, 2021
Jessica Sun Reilly1, Estar Rani Vallapu2, Nika Mehrnia3
1Research Associate, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Private Practice limited to Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, Boston, Massachusetts.
Abstract:
This article highlights the use of intraoral scan (IOS) superimposition as a visual tool for dental professionals to educate patients regarding their soft-tissue condition. In a representative case, eight IOS were captured and superimposed using a patient monitoring system in which the software overlays new IOS over previous scans using artificial intelligence comparison tools ("Difference Map," "Comparison Slider," and "Cross Section"), providing a longitudinal visual record of both morphological and color changes in the gingiva. Chairside visualization of the treatment progress served as an effective educational tool, reinforcing oral hygiene habits to supplement successful disease management.