TRIOS Intraoral Scanners: Enabling Better Dentistry
In only 20 years, 3Shape has built a reputation for innovation and product excellence
Historically, the subject of dental impressions has been an unpleasant one—whether it's the patient expressing displeasure with the procedure or the
dental professional having to do a retake. The solution is digital intraoral scanning, which has been available since the 1980s, but has required technology improvements, software upgrades, and design enhancements to mature into a tool that would be more accessible, easier to adopt, and far more efficient.
Welcome to 2021 and a digital dentistry revolution that addresses the patient experience, streamlines workflows, improves restorative outcomes, and increases practice production. At the forefront of this revolution is 3Shape, with its groundbreaking TRIOS intraoral scanners and software.
A Journey Worth Sharing
About 20 years ago, 3Shape began the journey that’s brought them to where they are today, having experienced immense growth as a leader in state-of-the-art digital solutions for dental labs and practices. “It's transformed from a startup in a small apartment into an international company and leader in the dental industry with a strong brand, all within a short time," said Jakob Just-Bomholt, who was named 3Shape CEO last year.
From hearing aid production to CAD/CAM for dental labs and intraoral scanning technology for dentists, 3Shape researches, invests in, and produces
groundbreaking solutions. “3Shape has built up a uniquely talented R&D force that’s truly driven by purpose,” said Just-Bomholt. “We want to find solutions for better patient care.”
Innovating with the End User in Mind
Good dental manufacturers know that they have two end-users—dental teams and patients. Product and technology innovation must focus on creating opportunities to increase practice effi ciencies and production, improve patient care, meet esthetic and design preferences, and provide patients with the best experience possible.
“For us, innovation is about many things,” said JustBomholt. “It’s about creative thinking, challenging theway things are now, and fi nding ways to do them better.” However, he went on to explain that good innovation must add value “to dental professionals and, especially, their patients.”
3Shape also understands the importance of innovative design, including ergonomics, usability, and esthetics. “We don’t think patients should be surrounded by bulky hospital-like medical equipment,” said Just-Bomholt. “The dental practice should be a pleasant place to visit.”
Every Need, Every Situation
Ten years ago, 3Shape—by then firmly established as a CAD/CAM leader for labs—won critical acclaim with the launch of TRIOS, and in the time since has continued to shake up the industry by introducing advancements such as real-color scanning, unprecedented speed, built-in shade measurement, wireless scanning, and a broad spectrum of partner integrations.
The company's most recent triumph is TRIOS 4, a powerful system with the most realistic color scans, engagement apps, increased battery life, and smart tips with instant heating.
With 3Shape’s software options, clinicians can plan and perform in-house design and production for restorative, orthodontic, and implant cases. The Splint Studio streamlines the design and fabrication of all major single-jaw types of occlusal splints, and the TRIOS Design Studio allows the design and creation of a range of restorations. The Implant Studio can be used to plan, design, and print custom surgical guides, and the Clear Aligner Studio helps the team design and produce aligners.
Changing Dentistry for the Better
Although research supports intraoral scanning, misconceptions still abound in the dental-sphere. Lars Christian Lund, 3Shape senior vice president of corporate business development and marketing, helped to dispel a few of those myths:
Accuracy
Some dentists may question intraoral scanner accuracy. “That may have been true at the dawn of the technology,” Lund explained. “But today, intraoral scanners are at least as accurate or more accurate than manual impression taking. Many clinical studies conclude this, and 3Shape TRIOS is documented as having superior accuracy.”
Cost
The initial cost of an intraoral scanner is an investment, but one that pays off in big ways. According to Lund, Dr. Mark McOmie “did the math and charted the savings between digital versus analog impressions at over $28,000 per year. The investment in the scanner is quickly paid off and earnings start to kick in.”
Complexity
It has never been easier for a dental practice to make the switch from traditional to digital impressions. “3Shape is highly focused on providing doctors with a problem-free startup, quick connection to labs, training, and continuous support,” Lund explained. “The TRIOS itself and the workflow are designed to be as easy to use as a cell phone.”
Invest in Your Patients & Practice
More and more dentists are embracing the digital revolution by adopting an intraoral scanner such as 3Shape TRIOS. Those who make the investment see returns in the form of patient engagement, streamlined workfl ows, increased practice production, and staff excitement
