Advanced 3D Dental Scanner Technology in Tacoma
At Davis Dental Group, we use cutting-edge digital imaging technology that eliminates uncomfortable impressions while providing superior precision for all cosmetic dentistry treatments. Our advanced equipment includes the Shining 3D Aoralscan Elf scanner, iTero digital scanner, Cone Beam 3D X-ray, Dexis digital X-ray system, and comprehensive digital imaging that creates detailed 3D models of your teeth and jaw structures. This technology ensures accurate treatment planning, comfortable patient experience, and predictable, beautiful results.
Technology Advantages:
- No messy impressions: Comfortable digital scanning replaces gooey molds
- Superior accuracy: Precise 3D models for optimal fit
- Instant visualization: See digital models immediately
- Better communication: Show you exactly what we see
- Faster treatment: Digital workflows speed up processes
- Serving: South Tacoma, Graham, Roy, Spanaway, Frederickson, Eatonville, and JBLM families
Our Advanced Dental Technology
iTero® Digital Scanner
The iTero digital scanner captures thousands of images per second, creating highly accurate 3D digital impressions of your teeth and bite. According to the American Dental Association, digital impressions provide superior accuracy compared to traditional molds while eliminating patient discomfort.
iTero Benefits:
- No gagging from impression materials
- Immediate digital models for same-visit planning
- Precise measurements for porcelain veneers and restorations
- Comfortable wand scans teeth in minutes
- Digital records stored securely
The iTero system is particularly valuable for cosmetic work, orthodontics, and implant planning where precision is critical.
Shining 3D Aoralscan Elf Scanner
Our primary intraoral scanner, the Aoralscan Elf, combines speed, accuracy, and patient comfort. This advanced system captures full-arch scans in under 60 seconds, creating detailed 3D models for treatment planning.
Aoralscan Elf Features:
- Lightning-fast scanning speed
- High-resolution color imaging
- Comfortable for patients of all ages
- Integrates seamlessly with treatment planning software
- Enables digital smile design previews
We use the Aoralscan Elf for smile makeover planning, veneer design, crown preparation, and orthodontic evaluation.
Cone Beam 3D X-Ray (CBCT)
Cone Beam Computed Tomography captures comprehensive 3D images of your teeth, jaw, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), sinuses, and facial bone structures. Unlike traditional 2D X-rays showing limited views, CBCT provides complete anatomical information.
CBCT Applications:
- Implant planning with precise bone measurements
- TMJ disorder evaluation
- Airway analysis for sleep apnea screening
- Hidden infection or pathology detection
- Complex root canal assessment
- Impacted tooth visualization
Research in the Journal of the American Dental Association confirms CBCT provides critical diagnostic information impossible to obtain from traditional radiographs. Our CBCT uses minimal radiation—significantly less than medical CT scans—while delivering detailed imaging.
Advanced Imaging for Your Treatment
Dexis Digital X-Ray System
The Dexis digital radiography system replaces traditional film X-rays with instant digital images requiring 80% less radiation. Images appear on chairside monitors within seconds, allowing immediate evaluation and patient education.
Dexis Advantages:
- Drastically reduced radiation exposure
- Instant image availability
- Superior image quality and enhancement capabilities
- Environmentally friendly (no chemical processing)
- Secure digital storage and easy sharing
Digital X-rays are essential for detecting cavities, evaluating bone levels, assessing existing dental work, and monitoring oral health over time.
Digital Photography
High-resolution intraoral and extraoral photography documents your current smile, tracks treatment progress, and creates before/after comparisons. Digital photos integrate with treatment planning software for comprehensive case documentation.
We use dental photography for cosmetic consultations, insurance documentation, laboratory communication, and patient education.
How Technology Improves Your Experience
Comfort
Traditional impression materials trigger gagging and discomfort for many patients. Digital scanning eliminates this entirely—a small wand captures images while you breathe normally. The process is so comfortable that even patients with sensitive gag reflexes tolerate it easily.
Accuracy
Digital impressions capture microscopic details that impression materials can miss. The precision translates to better-fitting veneers, crowns, and other restorations requiring minimal adjustments.
Speed
Digital workflows accelerate treatment. Traditional impressions required sending physical molds to laboratories, adding days to the process. Digital scans transmit instantly to labs or in-house milling equipment for faster turnaround.
Visualization
Seeing your teeth on a large monitor helps you understand diagnoses and treatment recommendations. We can zoom, rotate, and section 3D models to show exactly what needs correction and how treatment will improve your situation.
Treatment Planning
Digital technology enables precise smile makeover design. We use scans to create virtual treatment plans showing predicted outcomes before starting work. This collaboration ensures you love your planned results.
Technology in Cosmetic Dentistry
Digital Smile Design
Using your digital scans and photographs, we create computerized smile designs showing how cosmetic treatments will transform your appearance. You see virtual previews of veneers, whitening, gum contouring, and other improvements before committing to treatment.
This technology allows requesting adjustments to tooth shape, size, or color until the design matches your vision perfectly.
Precise Veneer Fabrication
Digital impressions ensure veneers fit precisely with optimal contact between teeth and proper bite relationships. The accuracy minimizes adjustments needed when placing final restorations, meaning fewer appointments and better long-term results.
Guided Implant Placement
CBCT scans combined with digital planning software create surgical guides for implant placement. These guides ensure implants position exactly as planned, improving success rates and aesthetic outcomes.
Orthodontic Planning
Digital scans document starting tooth positions and create 3D treatment simulations showing how teeth will move. This precision improves orthodontic outcomes and timeline predictions.
Safety and Radiation
Minimal Radiation Exposure
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental X-rays use very low radiation doses. Our digital systems reduce exposure further:
- Dexis digital X-rays: 80% less radiation than film
- Cone Beam CBCT: Significantly less than medical CT scans
- Focused beams: Only targeted areas receive exposure
We follow ALARA principles (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), taking images only when diagnostically necessary and using lowest effective settings.
Pregnancy Considerations
While dental X-rays are extremely safe, we exercise additional caution with pregnant patients. Routine X-rays can wait until after delivery. Emergency situations requiring imaging use lead aprons and thyroid collars for maximum protection.
Patient Benefits
Accurate Diagnoses: 3D imaging reveals problems invisible on traditional X-rays—early detection prevents minor issues from becoming major problems.
Predictable Outcomes: Digital planning and precise measurements mean restorations fit correctly the first time, reducing adjustment appointments.
Informed Decisions: Seeing detailed images of your teeth helps you understand recommended treatments and make confident choices.
Efficient Appointments: Digital workflows eliminate impression retakes and reduce overall treatment time.
Modern Care: Advanced technology demonstrates our commitment to providing best available treatment options.
Why Choose Davis Dental Group for Digital Dentistry
- Advanced 3D Scanning Technology: Precise imaging for accurate implant planning and placement. Better planning means better results.
- Walk-Ins Welcome: Stop by our Tacoma office anytime for consultations—no appointment needed.
- Same-Day Consultations: We offer same-day appointments when available, so you don't have to wait.
- Free Consultations: Get expert guidance with no obligation. We'll evaluate your situation and discuss your options.
- Comprehensive Care in One Location: From consultation to implant placement to final restoration, everything happens right here. No referrals to multiple specialists.
- Experienced Team: Our dental professionals have extensive experience in implant dentistry and prioritize your comfort throughout treatment.