3D scanner is a device that allows you to transfer the geometry of an object into digital data, to create a virtual volumetric 3D model. According to the principle of operation, they are divided into optical, laser and photometric. In dentistry, the most widespread are optical and laser devices.

The structured light is projected onto the model and, by refraction, restores the location of the surface points in space. The model rotates and the pictures are taken in automatic mode.

Information is collected about the distances on the surface, which falls into the field of view of the device. That makes it possible to determine the position of each point in 3 planes.

Scanning takes place from different sides, which allows obtaining information about the entire volume of the object.

Scanning takes place from different sides, which allows obtaining information about the entire volume of the object.

The data is brought to a single common coordinate system – the so-called “image snapping” or “scans alignment”. Then a full 3D digital model is created.