Taking the plunge and investing in new technology like this for your practice can feel like a big step. You might be wondering if it's worth the effort, if it will really live up to the hype and how your patients will react.
That's why I want to share my firsthand experience with the 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner. Maybe then it will be easier for you to determine whether this intraoral scanning thing is right for your practice.
We'll explore the challenges, the wins and the unexpected discoveries along the way. So, by the end, you'll have a clear picture of what to expect.
But let me start with a super quick introduction:
Who am I?
Hi, I'm Dr. Nieves Albizu, a restorative dentist from Spain. I've been practicing dentistry for over a decade, and I'm passionate about using technology to improve patient care. I've always been eager to explore new tools and techniques that can enhance my practice and deliver better outcomes for my patients.
Why I chose the TRIOS in the first place
In my experience, traditional impressions can be messy, time-consuming and uncomfortable for patients. I wanted a digital solution that would streamline my workflow and provide a more positive experience for those in my care. That's when I discovered the TRIOS intraoral scanner. It promises accuracy, efficiency and ease of use, all while enhancing patient comfort. I was intrigued, and I decided to take the leap.
So now, let me tell you about my first months with the TRIOS scanner, so you can see what life could be like with one.
First impressions and setup
I remember the day my TRIOS intraoral scanner arrived like it was yesterday. The anticipation was palpable. Unboxing it felt like unwrapping a high-tech gift, and I couldn't wait to explore all its features. After all, it was the start of a new chapter in my dental practice.
Getting started
Of course, I knew I couldn't just jump into scanning patients without a bit of preparation. First things first.
I carefully unpacked the TRIOS and set it up according to the instructions. I connected it to my computer, made sure it was positioned correctly, and double-checked that all the cables were securely in place. Then, I installed the 3Shape software.
I was eager to see what this software could do, so I spent some time clicking around and familiarizing myself with the interface. I explored the different menus, icons and tools, and even played around with some of the basic settings, like adjusting the brightness of the display.
Training and support
I knew that 3Shape offered training resources, and I wanted to take full advantage of them. So I watched some tutorial videos and read through the user manual. It was definitely worth the time investment.
The training materials gave me a solid foundation and really helped me feel confident using TRIOS from the start.
What made the whole process even easier was knowing I wasn’t figuring it out alone. Whenever I had a question, I could just check a how-to video, follow a step-by-step guide or reach out for help.
Taking a bit of time to learn the ins and outs upfront made a huge difference. It just made everything click faster, and it wasn’t long before my colleagues and I had TRIOS fully integrated into our workflow.
Want to see how easy it is to get started?
TRIOS Design Studio workflow
First scans and patient reactions
I'll admit, I was a bit nervous when it came time to perform my first scans with TRIOS. It's like anything new; you want to do it right, and you're a little unsure of yourself at first. But I knew that practice makes perfect, so I started with some simple cases to get the hang of it.
Tips I learned along the way
I quickly picked up some helpful tips that made a big difference:
- Maintaining a consistent scanning speed and distance was crucial. Thankfully, the TRIOS software gave me real-time feedback, so I could see if I was going too fast or too slow.
- Keeping the scanning tip clean was important. I made sure to wipe it down between patients to ensure clear images.
- Good lighting and proper retraction were also essential. I learned to position the patient and the lighting to get the best possible view.
Of course, there were times when I needed to retake a scan. It's all part of the learning process, and I didn't let it discourage me.
Surprising patient reactions
What really surprised me was how my patients reacted to TRIOS. They were fascinated by the technology and loved seeing the 3D images of their teeth on the screen.
Many of them commented on how much more comfortable it was compared to traditional impressions. It was a great opportunity to educate them about the benefits of digital dentistry and show them how it could improve their experience. It definitely strengthened their trust in my practice.
Integrating TRIOS into the daily workflow
As I became more comfortable with the TRIOS, I started thinking about how to truly make it a part of my everyday practice. It wasn't about replacing everything I knew, but rather finding those areas where the technology could make things better.
It was a gradual process, but well worth the effort.
Finding the right fit
I began by identifying procedures where TRIOS could really shine. For me, that meant starting with restorative cases. Creating digital impressions for crowns and bridges was a revelation. No more messy trays, no
more uncomfortable impressions for my patients. It was faster, cleaner and more accurate.
Then I started exploring other applications. Impressions for dentures became a breeze. Even my orthodontic cases benefited from the detailed scans TRIOS provided. It was like discovering new possibilities with every scan. For example, I could now offer same-day dentistry for some procedures, like inlays and onlays, thanks to the speed and efficiency of the digital workflow.
Adapting and evolving
Of course, integrating the TRIOS required some adjustments to my routines. I reorganized my operatory to ensure I had enough space for the scanner and computer.3Shape really made an effort to help clinics figure out the practical stuff. Like where to put the scanner and who does what. Their guides can save a lot of time. You can avoid mistakes and quickly find a rhythm that works for your team.
I also made sure my team was comfortable with the new equipment. We learned together, and that shared experience strengthened our collaboration. It was a reminder that change, even positive change, requires a team effort. We even had some fun experimenting with different scanning techniques and sharing tips with each other. It became a real team-building exercise.
Early wins and unexpected benefits
One of the most rewarding outcomes was increased patient satisfaction. My patients loved the comfort and speed of the digital scans. They no longer dreaded those greasy impressions, and they appreciated the shorter appointment times.
Seeing their smiles and hearing their positive feedback was truly gratifying. It made me feel confident that investing in TRIOS was the right decision.
Beyond patient satisfaction, I discovered some unexpected benefits. The accuracy of the digital impressions was remarkable. This led to better-fitting restorations and fewer adjustments, which saved me time and improved patient outcomes.
Communication with my lab also became much smoother. Sending digital files was quick and easy, and there was no risk of impressions getting lost or damaged in transit.
But perhaps the most unexpected benefit was the impact on my team. They were energized by the new technology and proud to be part of a practice that was embracing innovation.
It created a sense of excitement and collaboration that permeated the entire office.
Lessons learned and future goals
Like any new journey, my first months with TRIOS came with its share of learning experiences. There were a few bumps along the road, but they ultimately helped me refine my approach and set new goals for the future.
Overcoming challenges
One challenge I faced was managing patient expectations. Some patients were initially hesitant about the new technology, but once they saw how fast and comfortable the process was, they were all in.
I also realized how important proper training was. Not just for me, but for my entire team. We had to be on the same page to seamlessly integrate TRIOS into our workflow.
It wasn’t just about learning how to scan, but about adapting our routines to make the most of the technology. Once we did that, everything started to flow naturally.
Looking ahead
Now that I’ve seen what TRIOS can do, I’m excited to explore its full potential. I’m looking forward to using it even more in my practice. Especially for implant planning and guided surgery.
Beyond that, I want to keep educating my patients about digital dentistry and helping them understand how it improves their care. I truly believe TRIOS has the power to transform the way we do dentistry, and I love being part of that evolution.
Let’s sum everything up
Looking back on my first months with TRIOS, I can confidently say it's been a transformative experience.
From those initial moments of unboxing and setup to seeing the smiles on my patients' faces, it's been a journey of learning, growth and discovery. TRIOS hasn’t just improved my workflow – it’s made daily dentistry easier, both for me and my patients.
More than anything, it’s given me confidence. I know I can rely on precise digital impressions, streamlined workflows and an overall better experience for my patients.
The best part is that I didn’t have to figure it all out on my own. The right support from 3Shape made all the difference, helping me integrate TRIOS into my practice quickly.
If you’re considering TRIOS, I’d say go for it. It may seem like a big step at first, but once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.
Your patients will thank you, your team will be energized and you'll rediscover the joy of practicing dentistry in a whole new way.
