DEXIS IS 3800W: A True Game-Changing Technology

For years, Dr. Ann Wei didn’t see a reason to invest in an intraoral scanner. She had tried a scanner early on, but the technology just wasn’t there yet. Her opinion changed when she was introduced to the DEXIS IS 3800W.

Dr. Wei, who has a prosthodontics practice in San Francisco, first learned about the scanner through the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation (FOR) and was “blown away” when she saw it in action at her colleague’s practice. Dr. Wei decided it was time for her to “stop sitting on the sidelines,” and invested in the scanner about 3 years ago.

“There are not many things I can say are a game changer for dental practices, but this is definitely one of them,” Dr. Weisaid. “It’s very easy to use. Before I even got my training, I was scanning.”

Improved Efficiencies, Enhanced Accuracy

The ergonomic, lightweight scanner offers up to 1 hour of continuous scanning, and a smart charging station, backup power cable, and optional extra batteries and charging unit ensure the scanner is always ready for use. The IS 3800W features a streamlined interface, and while it’s easy to enter tooth numbers and add notes to scans, you don’t have to, Dr. Wei said. One of the main benefits for her as a prosthodontist, though, is the ability to capture multiple scans in one dataset. Instead of having to close out and create another file, she can do it all at once, saving time.

Digital scans also eliminate the need to rely on breakable physical models for large cases. She can quickly create as many copies of the digital impressions as she’d like—allowing for more data manipulation. Datasets can be easily duplicated and work can happen simultaneously, making it easier to coordinate with other specialists.

The scanner also provides improved accuracy. It’s now possible, for example, to place a final crown that’s an exact duplicate of a previous crown. In the analog world, there always will be “some discrepancy, no matter how hard you try.”

The Software Does It All

Through the company’s DTX StudioTM Clinic imaging software, all images can be merged into one location. DEXIS IS ScanFlow integrates with DTX StudioTM Clinic, so once an image is captured, it’s imported into DTX Studio Clinic and sorted via AI.

“It’s amazing,” Dr. Wei said. “Assistants may have to sit there for half an hour to sort through images, and sometimes they make mistakes. With this, you import the scan and boom, boom, boom, it’s all in the right place. And what’s even more amazing is the 3D CBCT scan will match the location of the tooth. I can click on tooth No. 6 and see the 2D image, the IOS scan, the X-ray, and any image or data that’s relevant to the tooth; it doesn’t require me to categorize or tag.”

A Practice Builder

The DEXIS IS 3800W makes dentistry more fun, Dr. Wei said. Her patients are no longer resistant to having impressions taken; instead, many are wowed by the technology and often eager to see their scans, she said, adding that this provides an educational component that leads to improved case acceptance. Patients who avoided the dentist because they couldn’t stand the impression process can get the care they need—which also boosts Dr. Wei's practice productivity.

“You can take impressions the old way and you can do it well, but this newer way opens up a lot more benefits,” Dr. Wei said. “It provides more efficiencies, more comfort for the patient, and increased quality. It’s a practice builder that really helps reenergize your team and your patients.”