Application of the Intraoral Scanner in the Diagnosis of Dental Wear: An In Vivo Study of Tooth Wear Analysis

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of dental wear; thus, an early diagnosis is important. Conventional methods of diagnosis are based primarily on the visual abilities of the dentist, and therefore the use of new technologies for the detection of dental wear may be very useful. The aim of the study was to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of the intraoral scanner for measuring dental wear, as well as to evaluate patients’ satisfaction with the use of the scanner. The study was conducted with 46 volunteers who underwent three intraoral analyses: a first baseline scanning, a second scanning after 6 months and a final scanning after one year performed by four operators divided into two groups. One of the operators performed the visual analysis of dental wear, and the other performed the analysis using the intraoral scanner 3M™ True Definition intraoral scanner (ESPE, Seefeld, Germany). The data obtained from the intraoral scanner showed levels of specificity and sensitivity that enable the intraoral scanner to be used as a diagnostic tool in the assessment of tooth wear. The participants also showed a high degree of satisfaction with the scanner as a communication tool.