If you are a dentist or a dental technician, you may be wondering how to choose the best oral scanner for your practice. Oral scanners are devices that capture digital images of the teeth and gums, which can be used for diagnosis, treatment planning, and fabrication of dental restorations. Oral scanners have many advantages over traditional impression techniques, such as improved accuracy, efficiency, comfort, and hygiene. However, not all oral scanners are created equal. There are several factors that you should consider before buying an oral scanner, such as:

Image quality: The image quality of an oral scanner depends on its resolution, color accuracy, and depth of field. Resolution refers to the number of pixels in the image, which affects the level of detail and clarity. Color accuracy refers to how well the scanner reproduces the natural shades and hues of the teeth and gums. Depth of field refers to how much of the image is in focus, which affects the ability to capture complex anatomical features. You should look for an oral scanner that has a high resolution, color accuracy, and depth of field to ensure optimal image quality.

Speed: The speed of an oral scanner refers to how fast it can capture and process the images. Speed affects workflow efficiency and patient satisfaction. A faster oral scanner can reduce the chair time and the number of retakes, which can save time and money. You should look for an oral scanner that has a fast scanning and processing speed to ensure smooth and seamless operation.

Ease of use: The ease of use of an oral scanner refers to how user-friendly and intuitive it is. Ease of use affects the learning curve and the user experience. A user-friendly oral scanner can make the scanning process easier and more enjoyable for both the operator and the patient. You should look for an oral scanner that has a simple and ergonomic design, a clear and responsive touchscreen, and a reliable software interface to ensure ease of use.

Compatibility: The compatibility of an oral scanner refers to how well it integrates with other devices and software platforms. Compatibility affects the flexibility and versatility of the scanner. A compatible oral scanner can work with different types of dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, implants, veneers, and aligners. It can also work with different types of CAD/CAM systems, such as in-office or laboratory-based systems. You should look for an oral scanner that has a high level of compatibility to ensure maximum functionality.

Cost: The cost of an oral scanner refers to how much it costs to buy and maintain it. Cost affects the return on investment and the profitability of the practice. A cheaper oral scanner may seem appealing at first, but it may have hidden costs in terms of lower quality, slower speed, or limited compatibility. A more expensive oral scanner may seem prohibitive at first, but it may have hidden benefits in terms of higher quality, faster speed, or wider compatibility. You should look for an oral scanner that has a reasonable cost that matches its performance and value.

These are some of the important factors that you should consider when choosing an oral scanner for your practice. By evaluating these factors carefully, you can find the best oral scanner that suits your needs and preferences.