Yes, you must scan both arches. Since we need to model the teeth in occlusion, you should include a bite scan using an optical scanner. Follow the protocol for that scanner.
You may add composite buildups to the teeth since these shapes resemble tooth anatomy; however, the SureSmile Digital Lab cannot model manufactured items such as buttons.
To avoid removal during modeling, type notes to the Digital Lab to indicate the location of added composite.
Yes. Submit the scan as an a la carte unbonded therapeutic model order. Additional considerations:
Current photos must be included to support tooth modeling.
You can use x-rays from the previous therapeutic scan appointment; however, you will need to type a note to the SureSmile Digital Lab such as “use the previous Thx records for reference per the doctor.” Also add a note, “model for aligners”
Order an a la carte therapeutic model to produce the staged models. However you must follow existing protocols when submitting the a la carte therapeutic model:
The scan should be intraoral using a SureSmile-supported optical scanner
Update the dental exam for debonded teeth to correspond to the scan data.
Current photos must be included to support tooth modeling.
You can use x-rays from the previous therapeutic scan appointment; however, you will need to type a note to the Digital Lab such as “use the previous Thx records for reference per the doctor.”
Do NOT create a separate patient record for this model.
Caution: Once you order a new therapeutic model, you will not be able to order custom archwires referencing this model unless you also first order a new a la carte setup for an additional cost. If you think you may have more than one additional setup, you may consider upgrading your Standard case type to an Extended case type, which allows up to five therapeutic models and five setups for no extra cost.
Yes. Take a scan for a diagnostic or final model, but you do not need to create a simulation. Export .STL files from the final model.
In theory, it is possible to export an .STL model of the setup (that includes gingiva) to produce an appliance for retention. In practice, however, due to biology and other factors, the setup does not completely match to the patient’s final occlusion . A model produced from scan data provides the most accurate representation of the patient’s anatomy.
Even if you plan to trim the trays to the gingival margins, we recommend an intraoral scan. We have found that the intraoral scan will result in a better fit for appliances.
There is no limit to the number of models you can export from SureSmile for appliance production.
Keep your exported .STL files so you can re-send them to your lab as needed. If you cannot find the files, you can always export them again from SureSmile.
You may open the patient’s SureSmile record and design additional models as needed.
Since this order is between you and your lab, there are no SureSmile features for managing the physical appliances.