As a result of COVID-19, safety and infection control are top priorities to protect patients and staff. This includes the choice of digital versus analogue impression taking.

Analogue impressions are time-consuming and can be uncomfortable for patients, with techniques that require handling multiple items. There's also the added risk of contamination of impression trays from saliva and other oral fluids, making them challenging to disinfect.

Intraoral scanners have no direct contact with teeth. The latest scanners, such as Primescan from Dentsply Sirona, come with different sleeve options that can be disinfected, autoclaved or disposed of after use. 3Shape's Trios is also easy to clean and disinfect and autoclaving the scanner's tip ensures suitable disinfection between patients.

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Intraoral scanners ensure impressions are extremely accurate whilst eliminating time-consuming processes including tray selection, disinfection, producing models and transportation between the practice and laboratory which can also increase the risk of cross-infection.

Digital impressions can be immediately transferred to a digitally-enabled laboratory or the restoration can be produced in-surgery and even placed at the same appointment, saving chair time and reducing the need for repeated patient appointments.

Intraoral scanners have already made possible safer and more effective ways of delivering dental care and with low interest, coronavirus bounce back loans still available, there has never been a better time to embrace this technology, as patients start to return with pressing needs for restorative work.

To see the full range of Henry Schein digital solutions visit hsdequipment.co.uk/digital-dentistry. To speak to one of the specialist team call 0800 028 4870 or email info@henryschein.co.uk.