No trays. No putty. Just a precise digital record.
3D digital scanning replaces the messy impression materials of traditional orthodontics with a fast, comfortable wand that builds a precise model of your teeth in real time — on screen, in minutes.
From mouth to 3D model in minutes.
The scanner is passed around your teeth
A small handheld wand is moved slowly and methodically around the teeth and gums. There are no impression trays to seat, no material to set, and nothing that can trigger a gag reflex. Most patients find the process much more comfortable than they expect.
A 3D model builds in real time
The scanner captures thousands of data points per second. On the screen beside you, a full-colour three-dimensional model of your teeth appears as the scan progresses. You can see your own teeth in detail before the appointment is over.
Records stored and immediately usable
Digital files are stored securely and can be shared immediately with appliance labs, surgical specialists, or other treating practitioners. There is no waiting for a physical model to be poured, set, and posted. At Claremont Orthodontics, your scan is part of a complete digital record that travels with your treatment from start to finish.
Used for appliances, aligners, and retainers
Digital scan data is used to fabricate clear aligners, retainers, palatal expanders, and other custom appliances. The precision of digital records means better-fitting appliances and fewer adjustments. And when treatment is complete, your final scan is on file — meaning replacement retainers can be made without another appointment at our Stirling Highway practice.
Better records mean better treatment.
Orthodontic treatment is only as good as the records it is planned from. Digital scanning eliminates the distortions, air bubbles, and material shrinkage that can affect traditional impressions. The result is records that are more accurate, more consistent, and immediately available for treatment planning — without the mess or the discomfort.
More comfortable for patients, more accurate for treatment.
Patients from across Perth's western suburbs — including families from Nedlands, Cottesloe, Mount Claremont, and Mosman Park — appreciate that their child's appointment at Claremont Orthodontics doesn't involve the gagging and discomfort of traditional impressions. Digital scanning is now standard at our practice for all new patients and key stages of treatment.
A full-mouth scan of both arches. Considerably faster than traditional impressions and repeatable without additional materials.
No trays, no setting time, no gagging. Particularly suitable for patients with a sensitive gag reflex or dental anxiety.
Scan files are kept on file throughout and after treatment, enabling replacement retainers and future reference without re-scanning.
Frequently asked questions about digital scanning.
What is a digital dental scan?
A digital scan is a 3D map of your teeth and gums captured by a handheld optical scanner. The scanner is moved slowly around the inside of your mouth, and in minutes a highly accurate three-dimensional model appears on a screen. At Claremont Orthodontics, digital scans replace traditional alginate impressions — eliminating the need for impression trays, messy materials, and the gagging that many patients find uncomfortable.
Is digital scanning as accurate as traditional impressions?
Modern intraoral scanners are highly accurate and in many applications have been shown to match or exceed the accuracy of traditional impressions. For orthodontic purposes — including clear aligner fabrication, fixed retainer construction, and appliance design — digital scans provide excellent detail and are generally preferred for their reproducibility and the ease with which records can be stored, shared, and used again.
How long does a digital scan take?
A full-mouth orthodontic scan typically takes around 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the patient's comfort with the scanner and the number of arches being captured. The process is much faster than a traditional impression, which requires mixing material, seating a tray, waiting for the material to set, and then removing it carefully — a process that can take 15 to 20 minutes and requires perfect execution to avoid retakes.
Will I need scans during my treatment?
Scans are taken at the start of treatment to plan your case and fabricate your appliances. Additional scans may be taken at key points during treatment to monitor progress, make mid-course corrections for aligner cases, or as records at the completion of treatment. Completion scans are important because they are used to fabricate your retainers — meaning if you ever need replacement retainers, we have your teeth on file.
Can children have digital scans instead of impressions?
Yes, and for many children digital scanning is significantly more comfortable than traditional impressions. Children who have a strong gag reflex or find impression trays difficult to tolerate often cope very well with the scanner. The non-invasive nature of digital scanning makes orthodontic appointments less stressful for many young patients at our Claremont practice. Dr Denize uses digital records as standard for all new patients.
Start with a comfortable, modern assessment.
Digital scanning is part of every new patient consultation at Claremont Orthodontics. Book in and experience the difference from your first appointment.