Orthodontic Patient Experience of Intraoral Scans Versus Alginate Impressions

An intraoral scan is multiple images taken using an intraoral scanning device which results in a digital mould being taken of the participants mouth and bite. It works by systematically placing the scanner tip over the teeth and gums, whilst it constructs an image on screen.

Alginate impressions are the conventional method of creating dental moulds for orthodontic records. A plastic tray is filled with an alginate material, which is placed into the mouth to take a mould of the teeth. This requires two moulds for both top and bottom arches. In addition, the participant would also bite into a warm piece of wax to record their bite.