Product Evaluation

An extremely happy patient is someone who comes to the dentist dreading a “goopy” impression and then learns that the dentist has gone digital. It’s a safe bet that the dentist would be happy as well, if not delighted to be giving up the time, mess, patient discomfort, and inaccuracy associated with analog impressions.

But the switch to digital impressions is only the first step toward a happily ever after. The next step is finding the right intraoral scanner—ideally one that’s simple to use and comfortable for patients, while at the same time, capable of quickly producing high-quality, accurate images for a range of indications.

It may sound like an ambitious quest, but Dr. James Swanson recently found his fairy-tale ending in the 3Shape TRIOS 5 wireless intraoral scanner, which he uses to streamline impression-taking. The scanner has proved to be “fast, accurate, and easy for patients and staff,” qualities that allow him to complete crown prep procedures and deliver night guards much faster. “TRIOS 5 is an amazing scanner; I can’t imagine anyone not liking it,” he added.

Ease of Use and Patient Experience

The smallest and lightest 3Shape scanner to date, TRIOS 5 features a wireless pen-like grip, is perfectly balanced, and fits comfortably in every hand. It also is hygienic by design with an autoclavable and completely closed scan tip, along with ultrathin, snug, and near-invisible sleeves that minimize the risk of cross-contamination. And with virtually no openings or crevices, TRIOS 5 is extremely easy to clean.

“I like the faster and smaller wand compared to our other scanner,” said Kelly Betts, DDS, while Dr. Mark Hanna appreciates the small scanning tip and the wireless design “so I don’t need to bring a lap-top into each operatory.” Dr. Ajapal Bhangu enjoys “the ease of use, accurate scanning, and quicker turnaround times for restorations,” along with the “excellent customer support.”

Describing the practice-building benefits of using TRIOS 5, Dr. Jason Larkin said, “Real color makes it easy to explain the treatment process to patients.” He also called the system “reasonably priced” and said he appreciates the “free, open STL export.”

Pleased with the small size and wireless configuration of TRIOS 5, Dr. Bhangu said, “Patients see it as a massive upgrade from traditional PVS impressions. We enjoy the ease of use and quicker turnaround times for our restorations.”

After an initial learning curve, a dentist practicing in Hawaii said, “It made a great impact on patients and staff, with very positive reactions from everyone.” Commenting that he wishes he had started scanning earlier, he deemed TRIOS 5 “a practice builder for sure.”

Scanning Speed and Accuracy

TRIOS 5 is powered by an all-new ScanAssist engine that leverages intelligent alignment technology to ensure precise and accurate scans. Those who may be hesitant about switching to digital impressions will find comfort in TRIOS 5’s ability to make the scanning process simple and effortless for all.

“Even assistants without any formal training can scan using TRIOS 5 without issue,” said Dr. Michael Flores. “It has made the workflow easier because anyone on the team can pick up the scanner and take digital impressions for a multitude of procedures.” He added that because it scans very well and with a high degree of accuracy, he has eliminated taking analog impressions altogether, something he could not do with previous scanners.

“TRIOS 5 is one of the fastest scanners on the market with the highest degree of accuracy,” said Dr. Hanna, and Pooja Saroha, DDS, said, “TRIOS 5 provides more accuracy in less time” than traditional tray impressions.

When scanning areas where tissues were not perfectly dry, Dr. Betts discovered, “TRIOS 5 allows us to take full-arch scans quickly and successfully in our digital workflow for removable and full-arch implants.” Reporting that “scanning crown and bridge cases allows for quicker turnaround and seating time,” the dentist from Hawaii said, “The fi t and occlusion are great, it produces very accurate restorations, and it cuts down time.”

Versatility for Multiple Indications

While searching for a scanner to complete his digital workflow and work alongside his milling unit, 3D printer, and design software, Dr. Larkin found TRIOS 5 to be “the most accurate scanner that fulfilled my needs.” He added, “This scanner excels with severe gaggers and difficult bite registration cases.”

With a goal to scan full arches quickly and accurately, Dr. Hanna called TRIOS 5 “very helpful with full-arch prosthesis design and for fabricating surgical guides.” He also described the automated night guard design feature as “great.”

Eager to use TRIOS 5 for denture or partial denture cases, the Hawaiian evaluator said, “I still have much to learn, but it’s been great for most crown, bridge, and implant cases.” He would like to see videos that address frequent problems and questions while scanning, and 3Shape has those resources on its website.

Overall Satisfaction

Praising the wireless design, ease of use, excellent image quality, and impressive scanning speed, the evaluators gave the TRIOS 5 intraoral scanner rave reviews, and all of them said they would recommend it to colleagues. “It’s easy to use and a time saver!” shared Dr. Saroha, and Dr. Larkin concluded, “It makes practicing more fun.”