An intraoral scanner can transform how a clinic works with its lab. No impression material, no distortion, no courier delays for impressions, and cases that arrive at the lab minutes after the patient leaves. But a scan can also hide problems that an impression would have shown: a margin lost under saliva, a bite captured on one side only, a scan body not quite seated.
We receive digital cases every day at our dental laboratory in Ras Al Khaimah, and the difference between a perfect crown and a remake often comes down to a few seconds of extra care at the chair. If you’re evaluating labs for digital work, our guide to the ideal dental lab explains what to look for, and clinics outside Ras Al Khaimah can read how we work in our dental lab near me guide.
Here are the seven steps we recommend for every digital case.
Why Intraoral Scanner Technique Matters
The scanner sees only what you show it
Unlike an impression, which pushes into the sulcus and records what’s there, a scanner records only what’s visible and dry. If the margin is covered by tissue or fluid, it simply isn’t captured.
Errors are silent
A distorted impression is often obvious. A problematic scan can look fine at normal magnification. That’s why reviewing the scan is a critical step.
Step 1: Prepare the Field
Retraction
Use retraction cord or paste so the full margin is exposed. For subgingival margins, a double cord technique works well: remove the top cord just before scanning.
Moisture and bleeding control
Blood and saliva create holes or blurred areas in the scan. Control bleeding before you start and keep the area dry throughout.
Step 2: Check Reduction Before Scanning
Most intraoral scanner software includes a clearance tool. Use it on a quick preliminary scan to confirm occlusal reduction before the final scan. Fixing a reduction problem now saves a remake later.
Step 3: Scan the Prep First
Scan the prepared tooth immediately after removing retraction, while the margin is fully exposed.
Scanning technique
Keep the tip close and moving steadily
Hold the scanner tip at the recommended distance and move smoothly. Rushing leads to gaps; lingering too long in one spot can create stitching errors.
Capture adjacent teeth and tissue
Scan the neighbouring teeth fully and enough soft tissue for the lab to understand the emergence and contacts.
Step 4: Scan the Opposing Arch Fully
A partial opposing scan makes occlusion guesswork. For single crowns, a full opposing arch is best practice; for bridges and multiple units, it’s essential.
Step 5: Take a Bilateral Bite Scan
Take a buccal bite scan on both sides in maximum intercuspation. A bite captured on one side only can cause the digital models to tilt, producing a crown that’s high on one side.
Step 6: Review Before Sending
Zoom in on the margin
Rotate the model and inspect the full margin at high magnification. Look for gaps, blurred areas or tissue overlapping the finish line.
Cut and rescan
Most scanners let you cut out a problem area and rescan just that part. Do it now, while the patient is still in the chair.
Step 7: Send a Complete Prescription
A perfect intraoral scanner file still needs clear instructions.
What to include
- Tooth numbers and restoration type
- Material preference
- Shade, photos with the shade tab and stump shade for translucent materials
- Occlusion notes such as bruxism or deep bite
- Contact preferences
- Due date
Scanning Implant Cases
Scan body selection
Use the scan body specified for the patient’s implant system and platform. Using the wrong one leads to misfit.
Seating the scan body
Seat the scan body fully and tighten it as the manufacturer instructs. A partially seated scan body is one of the most common causes of implant misfit.
Capture the emergence profile
If you’ve shaped the tissue with a provisional, scan the emergence profile quickly after removing it, before the tissue collapses.
Tell the lab the details
Always include the implant system, platform size and scan body brand.
Sending the File
Through the scanner’s lab portal
Most scanner platforms let you connect directly with a lab. Swift Lab supports most major intraoral scanner systems; contact our team to add us to your account.
As open files
You can also export STL or PLY files and upload or email them. PLY files carry colour, which helps the technician read margins and tissue.
Common Scan Problems
| Problem | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Blurred margin | Open margin or overextension | Retract and dry, then rescan |
| One sided bite | High crown | Scan both sides |
| Partial opposing arch | Poor occlusion | Scan the full arch |
| Scan body not seated | Implant misfit | Check seating before scanning |
| Missing adjacent teeth | Poor contacts | Scan neighbours fully |
Frequently Asked Questions
What file format does a lab need from an intraoral scanner?
STL is universal. PLY is better when you want to include colour.
Is an intraoral scanner more accurate than an impression?
For single units and short spans, modern scanners are highly accurate. Full arch accuracy depends heavily on technique.
Do I still need physical models?
The lab can print models from your scan whenever they’re needed.
How do I connect my scanner to Swift Lab?
Contact our team and we’ll help you add our lab to your scanner platform.
Conclusion: A Great Scan Is a Great Restoration
Your intraoral scanner can deliver faster turnaround and fewer remakes, as long as every scan shows the lab what it needs. Retract, dry, scan both sides of the bite, review the margin, and send a complete prescription. Swift Lab accepts digital cases from clinics across the UAE, with standard crowns typically completed in 3 to 5 working days.