• In extraoral scanning, conventional impression is performed and the resulting impression or model in plaster is scanned with a bench scanner.
  • This method does not eliminate the clinical steps of obtaining the mold and / or model, which implies a longer time for making the prosthetic work.
  • However, it becomes more practical for the laboratories since the works will be developed digitally via CAD / CAM.
  • This method is more accurate in digitization since the light beam (image capture) remains static, while the model is moved over a fixed distance, thus avoiding image distortion.
  • The digitalization of the image is obtained by an optical impression specific to each company, which uses technology to digitize the images in 3D and has software compatible with that image to carry out the digital drawing.
  • The quality of the generated image must be considered, as there needs to be compatibility with the software and the milling machine, so that the full digital flow can be established.
  • Currently, these systems allow the preparation of the prosthetic structure from the 3D visualization of the preparation image, the emergency profile, the occlusion, the assembly in a digital articulator and the color selection.