Intraoral scanning is up there with one of the biggest steps forward in modern dentistry. The traditional method of using uncomfortable moulds is no longer needed, as dentists can now capture a precise 3D image of your teeth and gums in just minutes.
At Smile London, we use this technology every day to give patients a quicker, more accurate & far more comfortable experience.
What Actually Is an Intraoral Scanner?
An intraoral scanner is a small handheld device shaped like a wand. Your dentist moves it gently around your mouth while it records thousands of images in seconds.
No biting down on anything, no waiting for stuff to set like you would with moulds.
The scanner builds up a 3D picture of your teeth right there on the screen. You can watch it happening (which is oddly fascinating). The whole thing takes somewhere aroud five minutes for a full mouth scan.
How the Technology Works
The scanner uses light and tiny sensors that bounce off your teeth and gum.
Those tiny sensors pick up all those reflections and turn them into a digital model. It’s capturing the exact shape of every tooth, every gap, even the texture of your gums in a completely harmless way.
What’s brilliant is that even if the dentist misses a spot, they can just go back and scan that bit again. No starting from scratch like you’d have to with traditional moulds. The computer stitches it all together seamlessly.
Why Patients Actually Like It
Nobody enjoys having their mouth stuffed with impression material.
Some people genuinely can’t cope with it without gagging. The scanner completely sidesteps that problem.
You stay comfortable the whole time without experiencing any taste or mess. You can also breathe completely as normal throughout. Plus you get to see exactly what your dentist sees, which makes conversations about treatment so much clearer.
What This Means for Your Treatment
The accuracy is something else. Traditional moulds can distort when they’re removed from your mouth, or bubbles can form in the material. Digital scans don’t have those problems.
Your crowns and veneers fit better first time. There’s less back and forth with the lab, fewer adjustments needed. The digital files zip straight to the technicians who make your restorations, cutting days off the process.
We’re not throwing away boxes of impression material either. It’s one of those wins where the greener option is also the better option.
Comparing It to Old-School Impressions
Traditional methods would require biting into metal trays filled with cold, thick paste and sitting there for ages whilst it hardened (all while not being able to swallow or move). That’s all gone.
The old way worked, but it wasn’t pleasant. Impressions could tear when removed, or your jaw might shift slightly whilst the material set. Any of these things meant starting again or accepting a restoration that wasn’t quite perfect.
Digital scanning captures your bite exactly as it is. The computer can even show how your teeth come together when you chew, something a physical mould can’t really demonstrate.
Which Treatments Use the Scanner?
At Smile London, pretty much everything benefits from digital scanning:
- Invisalign planning (you can preview your straight smile before starting)
- Veneers that actually fit properly
- Implant placement with pinpoint accuracy
- Crowns and bridges designed to match your other teeth
- Bonding work planned digitally first
- Whitening trays that hug every curve
Even routine check-ups can benefit. We can track changes in your teeth over time by comparing scans from different visits.
Why Smile London?
We bought the latest scanning equipment because we genuinely believe it transforms the patient experience.
Our dentists have done hundreds of these scans. They know exactly how to angle the scanner to get everything first time.
But it’s not just about having fancy gear. We take time to show you your scan, explain what we’re seeing, and answer questions properly. We also provide 0% interest finance options to make investing in your smile stress-free.
Get an interest free loan in under 5 minutes here
Ready to See the Difference?
Book a consultation and experience what modern dentistry actually feels like.
At Smile London, we’re using technology to make your dental care easier, faster, and surprisingly interesting.
Give us a ring or book online. Once you’ve tried intraoral scanning, you’ll wonder why every dentist doesn’t do it this way.
