	In my restorative practice, I use Invisalign

 to improve esthetics, occlusion and periodontal health. It sets the stage for optimal restorative design-improving arch form, tooth alignment, occlusal landmarks, inter-occlusal space and gingival tissue levels.

	I also utilize digital impressions with the 3M™ True Definition Scanner, which provides many benefits leading to faster, easier and better outcomes.    

	Digital impressions are faster because they take less chair time (no waiting for materials to set, no retakes), cases are uploaded to Align the same day, and ClinCheck

 and aligners are received sooner. The scans make the process easier by being more comfortable for patients, offering a simplified, fully digital workflow and requiring less staff time (no disinfecting impressions, no paperwork, no packing and shipping of cases).   

	Lastly, in my opinion, the results are just better for many reasons. My patients have an improved perception of our state-of-the-art practice. The process is ‘greener’ and less expensive with no impression materials, trays, adhesives, packaging materials and shipping costs. Digital impressions with the True Definition scanner are extremely accurate and more consistently accurate than with other scanner systems (especially when teeth are mobile, such as during orthodontic treatment). Put this all together, along with a Trusted Connection for Invisalign cases, and you have a more efficient process with less chair, doctor and staff time.  

	In my practice we use the True Definition scanner for initial Invisalign treatment, mid-course corrections, refinements and 

. It’s a simple process using digital impressions: just complete the True Definition scanner prescription to send the scans 

to Align, and then complete the Invisalign prescription with the uploaded scans. The following case illustrates the many benefits of using the True Definition scanner with Invisalign. 

	This patient presented with concerns over the esthetics of her smile due to the shifting of her teeth over time (Figs. 1-3). We diagnosed crowding and asymmetry of her teeth and gingival tissues. Our treatment plan included Invisalign treatment, occlusal equilibration after orthodontics and Vivera retainers.

	The workflow for an Invisalign case using the 3M™ True Definition Scanner begins with the initial comprehensive exam, X-rays and photos. It’s important to take photos in occlusion as a reference point as Align uses the photos for the virtual articulation of the case.

	We scanned the upper and lower arches capturing all incisal edges, occlusal surfaces, interproximal embrasures, distals of terminal molars and 3 mm of gingival margins (Figs. 4-7). There was no need to scan the bite. We submitted the scans to Align by completing the prescription on the True Definition scanner (Fig. 8). 

	We then completed the Invisalign prescription online via the usual process:

	Of note, at this point in the procedure, is how much faster you can move the case along. Within 10 to 90 minutes of signing the True Definition prescription, the scans are uploaded into the Align system, and the Invisalign prescription can be completed as follows:

		Select “intraoral scans” on the impression page of the Invisalign prescription, and then select the patient’s scans once you see them on the screen (Fig. 9).

		Click “submit” to send prescription to Align

 in a few days and continue with treatment as usual (Fig. 10)

	This particular case called for 29 upper and lower Aligners.  Aligner fit was perfect and along with a very compliant patient the treatment progressed very smoothly. Pictured here are aligners #27 illustrating the accurate fit throughout treatment (Figs. 11-13).

	Our Invisalign treatment led to a very successful clinical result. The crowding and the asymmetries of tooth position, arch form and gingival levels were beautifully corrected (Figs. 14-16). 

	Once the initial Invisalign treatment was completed, we again took digital impressions of the upper and lower arches with the True Definition scanner and submitted the scans to Align, then completed an Invisalign prescription online for Vivera retainers. Within a week we received very accurate upper and lower Vivera retainers (Fig. 17).

	We also were able to import the same final True Definition scans into the patient’s file in our 

 Computerized Occlusal Analysis System provides a measurable assessment of occlusal contacts, including the precise timing of contacts and the precise force data on contacts. It also provides a measurable assessment of disclusion time and excursive contacts. We find that T-scan is a valuable tool for reliably assessing occlusion and completing occlusal equilibration. We used the True Definition scanner to optimize this occlusal analysis by overlaying the True Definition scans over each arch in T-scan (Fig. 18). This allowed us to precisely adjust the tooth widths in the patient’s arches for a more accurate occlusal analysis and equilibration. We met our treatment goals for correcting the esthetics, crowding and asymmetry, and completed the equilibration and Vivera retainers to ensure stability of our beautiful result.

	In closing, dentistry is at such an exciting time right now. We have the opportunity to use many incredible technologies in our practices that help us achieve faster, easier and better dentistry. Intraoral scanning is one of the ways  that a practice can easily enter into the arena of digital dentistry. The benefits I outlined at the beginning of this article, combined with affordability, portability (3M recently launched a mobile tablet-based version of the True Definition Scanner) and ease-of-use, make the adoption of this technology a simple decision. It fits your budget, your practice and now, even your hands.  

Articles

A look at how how incorporating digital impressions can help streamline your Invisalign workflow.

How to use the 3M™ True Definition Scanner for Invisalign® Treatment

	With the complications of balancing new patients, changing regulations and intricate financial information with the need for streamlined efficiency, it’s no wonder that so many practices rely heavily on their practice management software. There’s no doubt that this product is essential to the modern dental practice. 

	However, not every practice knows what’s out there for them. We at Dental Products Report wanted to take a look at the latest and best in the practice management market to help practices of all sizes make the right choice for their software. 

Many practices are afraid of changing or upgrading software because they believe that it will be too big of a project, too expensive or that it might be too complicated. But today’s 

 is easier to use and more streamlined than ever. Best of all, you can find software that meets the specific needs of your practice, allowing you to save money and be as efficient as possible.

Related article: 25 ways practice management software can save you money

	So whether you’re looking for software options for your new practice, or are just looking to make an upgrade, make 2017 the year you finally fall in love with your practice management software. We’re here to help by bringing you everything you need to know about this exciting industry. 

	Up next: Some of the best product managment softwares systems available

	In the dental software business for over 20 years. ACE-Dental will reportedly save you thousands in up-front costs and annual fees. ACE is said to have a familiar, easy user interface that does not require costly training. Built-in features are said to make your office so efficient that your staff will have more time to focus on what really affects your practice most: making money. Very few third-party connections are required for ACE. Features include: built-in eligibility, online patient forms, reputation management, e-reminders-which include email, text and phone-and simple customizable reports. 

	ADSTRA offers both cloud-based and on-premise dental software solutions that provide dental professionals with paperless patient management, appointments, charting, imaging and communications. Dentists and office managers can recognize the value of the all-inclusive maintenance service that covers software installation, unlimited interactive training, telephone and remote support and all software updates. ADSTRA has been used since 1994 in thousands of private dental practices, clinics and educational institutions, as well as government agencies.

	CS SoftDent Cloud & CS PracticeWorks Cloud

 Cloud reportedly allows more time to focus on your patients and practice and less time worrying about IT infrastructure and software upgrades. Your concerns for data security and storage are also said to be a thing of the past, thanks to SoftDent Cloud’s secure, offsite and HIPAA-compliant storage. The centralized platform lets you access the same file system and database, regardless of log-in location-ideal for multi-office practices. That means your data, applications and 2D images are available at any time. No matter where your log-in location is, your user experience reportedly remains the same.

 Cloud reportedly gives you all the great features and functionality of its predecessor and takes away one of the biggest hassles you face when running a practice: the complexity of maintaining a computing infrastructure. With CS PracticeWorks Cloud, you can access all of your data, applications and 2D images in real time from any web-connected location. You can also access the actual images-rather than compressed files-for enhanced viewing and diagnoses. Enjoy financial predictability with monthly subscription fees and the ability to add users, with no need to purchase additional software. Plus, you’re always using the latest software version.

	Curve Dental provides a new solution to managing your practice. The cloud-based software is said to sport a clean look and a refreshing amount of lifestyle flexibility. Curve Dental leads the profession with eight years of cloud development experience, delivering a comprehensive solution that includes: native digital imaging features, charting capabilities, powerful scheduling tools, billing controls and more. Customers are said to enjoy continuous, no-hassle upgrades, worry-free and secure data backup, and access-from-anywhere convenience.

	DentiMax integrates with digital X-rays, allowing you to easily view X-rays and treatment plans from the same screen. The software also includes integrated patient texting to remind patients of their next appointments, a cloud kiosk where patients can enter their information online before they come into the office and a clinical note entry screen. DentiMax software flows just like your office. From creating appointments with the easy-to-use scheduler, to electronically prescribing medication, to taking X-rays to treatment planning, DentiMax mirrors your practice’s actual workflow. Additionally, DentiMax offers online training, as well as a complete two-day in-office training package. 

	Dentrix Enterprise from Henry Schein is dental software that allows multi-location practices to centralize all provider and patient data. This is said to enable efficient business operations and set the stage for growth and improved profitability. By streamlining organizational, administrative and financial aspects of the practice, managers can reportedly improve economies of scale and maintain consistency. Dentrix Enterprise includes award-winning clinical tools and integration with leading dental equipment to enable high quality patient care. 

	MacPractice DDS is practice management and clinical software native to Mac OS and iOS with features including: a modern interface for Mac-native digital imaging and next-generation charting, integrated secure messaging, network fax, iOS native apps for iPad, patient communications and reputation marketing “built inside.” MacPractice has built in AES data encryption qualifying MacPractice users for HIPAA’s Safe Harbor in the event of a breach. In addition, MacPractice users are reportedly safe from the ransomware, internet outages and brownouts which security experts predict will explode in 2017.

	Open Dental practice management software is reportedly a great fit for many types of practices: from the single practice to Enterprise Dental Service Organizations, from start-up general dentistry to established multi-faceted practices. Open Dental prioritizes interoperability, and provides no-cost bridges to third party software (imaging, patient communication, reporting, etc.). The software provides an easy-to-use interface for both providers and office staff. Each clinic, even in a multi-group practice, can set up appointment views customized to specific needs. Additional e-services provide automation and online accessibility, which streamline processes previously performed manually. 

We took a look at some of the leading practice management software solutions.

Dental Products Report February 2017

How to use the 3M™ True Definition Scanner for Invisalign® Treatment

Managing your practice digitally: A practice management software product roundup