A guide to
3D face scanning
While traditional methods have served dentistry well for many years, challenges like diagnostic errors and misaligned restorations still exist. 3D face scanning technology offers a new level of precision and efficiency in treatment planning.
Imagine creating a virtual patient—a comprehensive digital avatar that captures every detail of your patient’s face, smile, and jaw movements. With 3D face scanning technology, dentists can reduce diagnostic errors, streamline workflows, and create bespoke treatment plans.
In this article, you’ll discover how face scanning technology works, explore its benefits, and learn about the different types of scanners available to find the perfect fit for your practice.
What is 3D face scanning?
Let's start with the basics: What is 3D face scanning? Face scanning utilizes high-resolution cameras and advanced software to create an accurate 3D model of a patient’s face. This model provides a comprehensive view of the patient’s facial structure and smile.
How does 3D face scanning work?
Face scanners use multiple cameras positioned at different angles to capture the texture and contours of the face. Advanced technologies, like structured light or laser scanning, enhance the depth and accuracy of the images. The process is fast, non-invasive and comfortable for the patient.
The collected images are processed into a detailed 3D model, which can be combined with other data such as intraoral scans, CBCT imaging, and jaw motion analysis. This creates a digital patient avatar that can be used for advanced diagnosis and treatment planning.
What are the benefits of 3D face scanning?
Face scanning technology is useful and has many benefits. It helps to improve treatment outcomes and the patient experience.
Improved patient communication and aesthetics
A face scan is a great help in patient communication. With the 3D visuals, you can clearly explain treatment plans and show your patients exactly how restorations will align with their natural facial features. This builds trust and increases treatment acceptance rates, as patients feel more confident and involved in the process.
Data foundation for diagnosis and treatment planning
Face scanning provides an excellent basis for in-depth diagnosis and treatment planning. By assessing craniofacial asymmetry, jaw alignment, and functional issues, the face scan gives you a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s unique needs.
Combine the face scan with the patient’s intraoral scan, CBCT imaging, and jaw motion analysis to get a full picture and ensure a precise and effective treatment outcome.
Efficient and precise treatment results
The precise, high-resolution face scan helps you to reduce chair time, as it translates to better-fitting and more natural-looking restorations. By integrating the face scan data into the lab design software, dentists and technicians can create restorations that perfectly align with the patient’s facial proportions, ensuring a seamless, functional and harmonious result.
Great tool for marketing and retention
This may not be the most important benefit for you, but incorporating face scanning technology into your practice will also serve you as a powerful marketing tool. Offering digital solutions like this positions your clinic as modern and innovative. This differentiation not only boosts patient retention but also enhances your reputation in a competitive market.
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The 3 types of face scanners: Which one is right for you?
Choosing the right face scanner for your practice depends on your priorities, budget, and workflow requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the three main types of scanners:
Desktop Scanners
Desktop scanners like the Rayface provide high-quality scans with just one click. The high speed (the process is completed in 0.5 seconds) enhances the precision of each scan. As the name implies, desktop scanners are designed to sit on a desk or counter in your office or lab.
Desktop scanners are perfect for clinics that handle complex restorative and cosmetic cases and value seamless integration with software like Exocad.
Pros:
Desktop scanners provide high accuracy with minimal operator error.
Taking a face scan is as simple as a one-click operation, like taking a photograph.
The scanners are easy to use and can be delegated after minimal training.
Cons:
High upfront cost makes desktop scanners a significant investment.
The large size and stationary nature require a dedicated space in your facility.
You may need adjustable chairs or desks to ensure proper patient positioning.
Smartphone Apps
Apps like Magiscan, Qlone 3D, and Scaniverse make face scanning accessible and affordable. These apps use your smartphone’s camera to capture facial data but come with notable limitations. We believe smartphone apps are best for practices that are just starting to explore face scanning technology.
Pros:
This alternative is extremely low-cost, as the apps are typically priced between 20€ and 120€.
Scanning apps are accessible (you can just download them from the App Store) and easy to use.
Cons:
Face scanner apps provide lower accuracy and detail compared to dedicated devices.
They have limited professional features and slower scanning times.
Using a smartphone for clinical purposes may appear less professional in a dental setting.
Handheld Scanners
Handheld scanners are portable devices that allow you to scan a patient’s face by moving around them. These devices are more affordable than desktop scanners but require a steady hand and a precise scanning technique to avoid errors. Handheld scanners are a great choice for smaller practices or those on a tighter budget.
Pros:
Due to their small size and lightweight design, handheld scanners are ideal for use across multiple rooms or locations.
Handheld scanners are a lower-cost alternative to desktop scanners.
Cons:
The scanning process takes longer (15-40 seconds) and is more prone to operator error.
Training and a consistent scanning strategy are required to achieve consistent and accurate results.
How to:
Digital Dentistry
Looking to integrate digital tools like intraoral scanners, jaw motion trackers, face scanners, or 3D printers into your clinic? Explore our Digital Dentistry Masterclass on YouTube.
Why we chose the RAYFace scanner
For our practice, the RAYFace desktop scanner stood out due to its speed, efficiency, and precision. Its six simultaneous high-resolution cameras and built-in ring light produce realistic 3D images while allowing patients to smile naturally. The scanner is designed specifically for dental use and integrates seamlessly with Exocad software, making it the ideal choice for creating digital patient avatars on a regular basis.
How does face scanning with RAYFace work?
Face scanning with RAYface is quite straightforward and can be seamlessly integrated into your dental workflow.
Set up and calibrate the scanner
Be sure to set the scanner up in a dedicated area of your clinic or lab, with a powerful desktop or laptop computer connected to your local network for seamless data exchange. Calibrate the scanner to guarantee maximum accuracy during scanning and rendering.
Take the scan with just one click
To perform the scan, the patient is positioned comfortably in front of the scanner, ideally using an adjustable desk to align them correctly with the scanner. Once the RAYFace software is ready, patient details are entered, and the scanning process is initiated.
The device features six cameras that capture simultaneous images in just 0.5 seconds. These images are then converted into a high-resolution, realistic 3D model. Check the 3D model for accuracy and integrity and make necessary adjustments or additional scans if needed.
Align the scan with the intraoral and CBCT scan
Afterward, you can send the data to the lab to manually align it with the intraoral and CBCT scan. Alternatively, you can use the advanced RAYFace scanning software, which includes AI-powered add-ons that automatically detect facial landmarks and align intraoral scans with your facial scans.
The next step in bespoke dentistry
Face scanning is bringing exciting changes to modern dentistry: By creating an accurate 3D model of your patient’s face, it helps you to plan treatments, explain them to your patients, and provide bespoke dental care. Combining face scans with other tools like intraoral and CBCT scans allows you to build a complete digital avatar of your patient.
With a face scan, you can show patients a preview of their post-treatment smile and make them more confident and engaged in the process.
You can choose between a desktop scanner, a handheld device or a smartphone app: There is a right solution to fit every budget and practice goals. This technology can help you take your practice to the next level and deliver better results and happier patients. Face scanning is the future of dentistry—why not start today?
Face scanning can help elevate your practice, deliver better results, and create happier patients. This technology is the future of dentistry—why not start today?