Digital Intraoral Scanner: Comfortable 3D Impressions in Chanhassen
Michael King Orthodontics is a digital impression practice. Instead of messy putty, we use a state-of-the-art intraoral scanner to capture a detailed 3D model of your teeth and gums. It's more comfortable, faster, and helps Dr. King plan treatment with precision for patients from Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Chaska, Victoria, Excelsior, Minnetonka, Waconia, and Shakopee.
What is an intraoral scanner?
An intraoral scanner is a small handheld wand that takes thousands of images as it moves around your mouth. Software combines those images into an accurate 3D model of your teeth and gums, which appears on a screen as it's being captured.
What does a digital scan feel like?
Most patients find it easy. During the scanning process, you can breathe or swallow as you normally would. You can even pause if you need to sneeze or just want to ask a question.
No goop or gag to worry about
Fast, accurate impression, typically about 5 minutes or less
Ideal for Spark clear aligners
What happens during a scan?
Our skilled team gently moves the scanner wand over your top teeth, your bottom teeth, and then your bite. You'll see your 3D model build on the screen in real time. If an area needs more detail, we simply rescan that spot instead of starting over. A full scan typically takes about 5 minutes or less.
Why is a digital scan better than putty impressions?
Traditional impressions meant biting into a tray of putty and holding still while it set, which many people, especially kids and anyone with a strong gag reflex, find unpleasant. A digital scan is far more comfortable than the old putty-based impressions. It's also faster and can offer a superior clinical endpoint, because the 3D model is highly detailed and can be checked right away.
How is the scan used in my treatment?
The scanner gives us a 3D model of your mouth that we use with all lab services.
Spark clear aligners
Your scan is the starting point for your custom Spark aligners. Dr. King uses it to plan each stage of tooth movement.
Expanders and other appliances
For expanders and other orthodontic appliances, we send your scan digitally to our lab, so there's no putty impression to take or mail.
Retainers made in-house
At the end of treatment, we make your retainers right here in our office on our 3D printer, using your scan. We keep your scan and model on file, so if a retainer is ever lost or broken, a replacement can be made from it.
Is scanning a good fit for kids and anxious patients?
Yes. Kids starting early treatment, teens, and adults with a strong gag reflex often find a digital scan far easier than putty. There's nothing to bite down on and nothing to hold in place while it sets, and you can take a break at any point.
See the technology for yourself
Your complimentary exam is a good chance to ask questions about how we use digital technology in your care. Call 952-470-2627 or request an appointment online.
Frequently asked questions
Does a digital scan hurt?
No. The wand moves gently around your teeth. You can breathe, swallow, and pause whenever you need to.
Does the intraoral scanner use radiation?
No. An intraoral scanner uses light to capture images of your teeth. It does not take x-rays. X-rays are taken separately when they're needed for diagnosis.
How long does a scan take?
A full scan typically takes about 5 minutes or less with our experienced team.
What if I lose my retainer?
Call our office. Because we keep your scan and model on file, we can make a replacement retainer in-house on our 3D printer.